Translation guide
In Japan, senior high school refers to the three years of upper secondary education (grades 10–12), typically for students aged 15–18. It is not compulsory but widely attended. The term is used in official and everyday contexts.
Referring to senior high school as a school or educational stage
The standard, everyday term for senior high school. Used in most contexts.
I go to senior high school.
I hung out with my high school friends.
The formal, full name. Used in official documents, school names, and formal speech.
This senior high school was founded 100 years ago.
Naming or referring to a particular school
Attach 高校 to the school's name. This is the most common way to refer to a specific high school.
He is a student at Sakura High School.
The formal version, used in official contexts or when the full name is required.
Tokyo Metropolitan Aoyama Senior High School
Referring to a person who attends senior high school
The standard term for a high school student.
When I was a high school student, I had a part-time job.
Talking about experiences, events, or daily life in high school
Describing the start or end of high school
高校 is the everyday abbreviation, while 高等学校 is the formal full name. Use 高校 in conversation and informal writing; use 高等学校 in official documents, school names, or very formal contexts.
Senior high school in Japan is not compulsory, but over 98% of students attend. It consists of three years (grades 10–12). There are academic, vocational, and specialized high schools.