Grade 12 Versus Grade 13: Benefits of an Extra Year of High School

ABSTRACT

With more students pursuing university, it becomes essential for high schools to provide training that maximizes their graduates’ success. There is debate over whether an extra year of high school better prepares students for university. The authors used a nationally representative survey to contrast academic and employment outcomes between high school graduates of Grade 12 and Grade 13. Results suggest that Grade 13 graduates obtain higher grades in high school, are more likely to pursue university, and are less likely to be employed full time compared with Grade 12 graduates. Among students enrolled in university, Grade 13 graduates report higher grades in university and satisfaction with their program and do not transfer out of their programs compared to Grade 12 graduates. These findings highlight the importance of an additional year of high school to produce better prepared and more satisfied graduates.

Keywords:

• high school curriculum
• postsecondary preparation
• secondary school
• student achievement

Notes

1. As a consequence of removing Grade 13, in 2003 the first cohort of students graduating from Grade 12 and the last cohort of students graduating from Grade 13 entered universities concurrently. This population is referred to as the double cohort.