Secondary Education

Secondary education refers to the second and final stage of formal, compulsory education. In the United States, secondary education is usually comprised of sixth through twelfth grades. In some school districts, secondary education begins in seventh grade. Many states allow for students to leave school before completing the twelfth grade. This is often permitted only if the student receives parental permission and completes proficiency exams, such as the General Education Development (GED) exams, which certify that the student has acquired high-school level skills and knowledge.