Have you ever found yourself filling out a school form or writing an essay and wondering — should it be “High School” or “Highschool”? 😅
It might seem like a small spelling issue, but in academic writing or official documents, even tiny details like this can affect how professional your work looks.
Many students and writers search for this exact question on Google to make sure their content looks polished and error-free.
In this article, we’ll explain in simple words the real difference between “High School” and “Highschool,” which one is grammatically correct, and when you should use the right form. So, let’s clear up this small but important confusion once and for all!
High School or Highschool – Quick Answer
✅ The correct spelling is “high school” (two words).
❌ “Highschool” (one word) is incorrect in formal English writing.
Example:
- ✔ I graduated from high school last year.
- ✖ I graduated from highschool last year.
“High school” is a compound noun — made up of two words that describe one idea: a school that provides secondary education. Over time, many English compound nouns evolve into single words (like “website” from “web site”), but “high school” has not officially merged.
The Origin of “High School”
The term “high school” originated in Scotland in the 1500s. The Royal High School of Edinburgh (founded in 1128) popularized the term, referring to a school offering advanced education beyond elementary levels.
When the education system spread to America, the term “high school” was adopted to describe institutions that prepare students for college or the workforce.
Over the centuries, English evolved, and many word combinations fused together. However, “high school” remained separate because of its functional meaning — it describes a type of school, not a new concept.
British English vs American English Spelling
Interestingly, both British and American English use “high school” as two words. There’s no regional spelling difference here — “highschool” is incorrect in both language versions.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Variant | Correct Spelling | Example Sentence |
| American English | High school | She teaches math at a high school in New York. |
| British English | High school | He’s finishing high school before applying to university. |
| Incorrect | Highschool | ❌ I am a highschool student. |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always use “high school” as two separate words in all contexts — academic writing, job applications, resumes, and digital content.
For U.S. and U.K. audiences: “High school” is universally accepted.
For international (global) readers: The same rule applies — “high school” is the standard.
Even though “highschool” appears informally on social media or product names (like Highschool Life in games), it’s not grammatically correct in English writing.
Common Mistakes with “High School”
Here are some frequent errors writers make:
❌ Wrong: I’m applying to highschool.
✅ Right: I’m applying to high school.
❌ Wrong: She works at Highschool Academy.
✅ Right: She works at High School Academy.
❌ Wrong: My highschool years were amazing.
✅ Right: My high school years were amazing.
Tip 💡: When in doubt, think of other compound nouns like middle school or elementary school — they’re also two words!
High School or Highschool in Everyday Examples
Formal Writing:
✔ “He earned top grades in high school.”
Emails:
✔ “I’m requesting my high school transcripts.”
Social Media:
✖ “Can’t believe highschool is over!”
✔ “Can’t believe high school is over!”
News:
✔ “The city announced a new high school opening next year.”
In all professional and educational contexts, “high school” remains the accepted and polished form.
High School or Highschool – Google Trends & Usage Data
A look at Google Trends shows that “high school” dominates global searches. The term “highschool” appears much less often and mostly in informal posts or usernames.
| Term | Popularity (Global) | Usage Context |
| High school | 95% | Education, news, formal writing |
| Highschool | 5% | Informal, gaming, slang |
Countries like the United States, Canada, the U.K., and Australia all prefer “high school.” Even search engines autocorrect “highschool” to “high school,” reinforcing its correct usage.
Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Stop Making This Common Mistake
Comparison Table: High School vs Highschool
| Feature | High School | Highschool |
| Correct Spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Word Type | Compound noun (two words) | Incorrect form |
| Usage | Formal, academic, global | Informal or incorrect |
| Example | I’m studying in high school. | I’m studying in highschool. |
| Accepted by Dictionaries | ✔ Oxford, Merriam-Webster | ✖ Not listed as correct |
| SEO/Keyword Search | Higher | Very low |
Health Care or Healthcare: The Confusing Spelling Finally Explained!
FAQs about “High School or Highschool”
1. Which is correct: high school or highschool?
✅ “High school” is correct; “highschool” is not standard English.
2. Is “highschool” ever acceptable?
Only in informal names or brand titles, but not in grammar.
3. Why do people write “highschool”?
Because it sounds like one idea, but grammatically, it’s two words.
4. Do Americans and British use it differently?
No, both use “high school.”
5. Is “High School” capitalized?
Capitalize it only when it’s part of a proper name, like Lincoln High School.
6. What’s the plural of “high school”?
“High schools” — still two words.
7. What’s another term for “high school”?
Secondary school or upper school (in some regions).
Conclusion
The debate between “high school” and “highschool” is easy to settle — only the two-word form is correct. The confusion happens because English often combines words over time, but this one remains separate. Whether you’re writing an academic essay, resume, or email, always choose “high school” for clarity and correctness.
Remember, precision in spelling reflects professionalism in writing. Using “high school” correctly shows attention to detail — a skill that’s just as valuable in life as in language.
