Graduating early from high school is an attractive option for students who want to get a head start on college or enter the workforce sooner. But to graduate early, a student must carefully plan out their high school years, complete credit requirements, and consider the possible pros and cons.
Is It Possible to Graduate High School Early?
Yes, kids go through high school early, but it involves a faster-than-normal completion of every necessary work. This frequently requires taking additional credits, summer classes, or dual enrollment courses to meet state and school district requirements.
How Common is Early Graduation?
It is important to note that the vast majority of students continue their traditional four-year progression through high school, but some students want to graduate early from high school for reasons such as:
- Starting early on college admissions.
- Taking career opportunities earlier.
- Staying away from random elective courses
- Finishing high school at age 16 or 17 rather than age 18.
Steps to Graduating High School Early
Developing a clear plan with the help of school counselors is the first step to graduating high school early. This plan should include:
- Reviewing credit requirements – verifying all high school credit requirements have been satisfied.
- Choosing an accelerated program — dual-enrollment courses, online classes, or AP classes.
- Getting extra courses on the schedule – via summer school or an extra course load.
- Verify state and school policies – requirements for early high school graduation differ.
Meeting High School Credit Requirements
Requirements for graduating high school early will differ depending on the state, but students typically need to:
- English (4 years)
- Mathematics (3-4 years)
- Science (3-4 years)
- Social Studies (3-4 years)
- Electives & PE (depends on the state)
Students can accelerate this process by earning college credits in high school or testing out of certain subjects.
Requirements for Early Graduation
The vast majority of high schools require students to take 20-26 credits to earn a diploma. The quickest way to high school graduation is to earn these credits early before the last day of class.
Accelerated Programs and Online Courses
If you are a student diving right into how to graduate high school the quickest, here are your options:
- Online courses to graduate early — Many schools allow for self-paced learning.
- Accelerated high school programs — Certain schools offer the opportunity for students to take courses simultaneously.
- Advanced Placement (AP) classes — Count for both high school and college credit.
Dual Enrollment Options
Dual enrollment for early graduation allows students to take college courses while still in high school, earning credits that help toward both diplomas and degrees.
Pros and Cons of Graduating High School Early
Benefits of Early Graduation
- Faster entry into college or workforce – Students can begin pursuing higher education or careers faster.
- Lowered tuition – Students will spend less on tuition by obtaining college credits during their high school years.
- Greater flexibility — Some students want to take a gap year before college.
Challenges and Potential Drawbacks
- Missed high school experiences – Prom, sports, clubs, etc.
- More academic pressure – Fast-tracking your coursework can be intense.
- Less social development –graduates may have fewer opportunities for socializing with their peers.
Alternatives to Early Graduation
Skipping a Grade
Some students have such a grade meaning they graduate on time, just at a younger age, rather than graduating early (though some do that too). This usually requires:
- High academic performance.
- Parental and school approval.
GED vs Early Graduation
Some students decide to take a General Educational Development (GED) test instead of completing their high school education early.
- A high school equivalency diploma is attainable at any age.
- Early graduation is contingent upon having completed all high school coursework
- Which is better? A high school diploma is usually better for college and job applications.
How Early Graduation Affects College Admissions
Yes, although most colleges will accept early graduates, students need to be real about the possible risks of starting college at a younger age. Some colleges may ask for:
- Strong SAT/ACT scores.
- Letters of recommendation
- Explaining the early graduation decision.
- Proof of maturity for college-level coursework.
Impact on Scholarships and Financial Aid
Because many scholarships are for students who attend four-year schools, graduating early can sometimes limit access to them. That said, there are a few early graduation scholarship programs open for students who graduate high school early.
Scholarships Specifically for Early Graduates
Certain scholarships are created for students who finish high school early, such as:
- State-funded early graduation scholarships.
- Merit-based scholarships for academically talented students.
- Community college dual enrollment scholarships.
Other Financial Aid Options
Even if a student graduates high school early, they can still qualify for:
- Scholarships are based on SAT/ACT scores.
- National subsidies and student loans.
- Work-study programs.
Online and Alternative Programs for Finishing High School Early
Some students decide to finish high school early via online courses. Top programs include:
- Stanford Online High School – Delivers advanced coursework for accelerated students.
- Connections Academy – A tuition-free online public school.
- University of Nebraska High School – Authorizes students to graduate at their own pace.
Accelerated High School Programs
Many states offer accelerated high school programs that allow students to:
- Take college courses in high school.
- Complete high school in 2-3 years instead of four.
- Earn an associate degree while finishing high school.
Conclusion
Is it possible to graduate from high school early? Yes, but doing so takes planning, commitment, and knowing what works for you and what doesn’t.
For students opting for this path, it’s recommended that they satisfy all high school credit requirements, explore dual enrollment programs, and evaluate implications for college admissions and scholarships.
Early high school graduation can be an excellent option for those who are highly desired, as it can create new doors to academic and career opportunities. But students should consider their options carefully, and speak to school counselors before deciding.
