In the United States, the classification of students in high school is commonly referred to by their grade levels, each with its own distinct name. When students enter high school, they typically start with the 9th grade, which is known as Freshman. This marks their first year in high school, where they begin to navigate the new environment and coursework.
Moving on to the 10th grade, students are classified as Sophomores. This is the second year of high school, where they delve deeper into their studies and often start to explore potential areas of interest for future careers or college paths.
As students progress to the 11th grade, they are known as Juniors. This marks the third year of high school and is a crucial time for many as they prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, and for some, it’s also the first year of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Finally, the 12th grade is referred to as Seniors. This is the fourth and final year of high school for most students, where they are often applying to colleges, finalizing their plans for after graduation, and, for those in the IB programme, it’s the second and final year of the IBDP.
In summary, the breakdown of high school years in the U.S. goes as follows:
- 9th grade: Freshman
- 10th grade: Sophomore
- 11th grade: Junior
- 12th grade: Senior
(Response: In the USA, Class 11 and 12 are respectively called Junior and Senior.)