The best way to list high school on a resume is to include it in the Education section with the school name, city and state, and your graduation date (or expected graduation year). If you have a high GPA (3.0 or above), include it. For students who have already started college, high school is usually left off unless you have limited work experience. This guide walks you through exactly when and how to show your high school education to impress employers.
When Should You Include High School on Your Resume?
Not everyone needs to list high school. The decision depends on your current education level and work history. Here are common situations where you should include it:
- Current high school student: If you are still in high school, you must include it. Add your expected graduation year and any relevant coursework or extracurriculars.
- Recent graduate with no college: If you graduated high school within the past two years and are not yet in college, include it. Employers want to see your most recent education.
- College student with little experience: If you have started college but have not completed a degree yet, you can include both high school and college. Drop high school once you earn your associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Adult learner returning to school: If you have been out of school for several years, you can omit high school if you have job experience or college credits. Focus on your current education and work history.
How to Format Your High School Entry
Use a clean, consistent format. Place the Education section near the top if you have little work experience. Below is a table showing how to list high school in different scenarios.
| Scenario | What to Include | Example Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Currently enrolled | School name, city/state, expected graduation year | Lincoln High School, Portland, OR — Expected June 2027 |
| Graduated with diploma | School name, city/state, graduation year | Lincoln High School, Portland, OR — Diploma, June 2025 |
| Including GPA (3.0+) | Add GPA on the same line after graduation info | Lincoln High School, Portland, OR — Diploma, June 2025 — GPA: 3.6 |
| Including honors or AP courses | Add a bullet point below the school line | Lincoln High School, Portland, OR — Diploma, June 2025 • National Honor Society, AP English, AP Calculus |
Always include the full official name of your high school. If you attended multiple high schools, list only the one where you earned or will earn your diploma.
What to Include and What to Leave Out
Employers look for relevant information. Only add details that strengthen your application. Consider including:
- GPA: Only include if it is 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). Leave it off if lower or if your school uses a different scale without a clear conversion.
- Honors and awards: National Honor Society, honor roll, subject-specific awards, or scholarships.
- Relevant coursework: If you took classes related to the job (e.g., computer science, business, or health sciences), list them briefly.
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, clubs, volunteer work, or leadership roles that show skills like teamwork or responsibility.
Leave out your full address, middle school information, age, or a photo. Also avoid listing classes like gym or art unless they are directly relevant. Keep your resume to one page if possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes can make your resume look unprofessional. Watch out for these errors:
- Including high school when you already have a college degree — remove it unless you have a specific reason (like a prestigious program).
- Using outdated or informal school names — always use the full official name.
- Forgetting to update the graduation year — if you graduated in 2026 but write 2025, it looks careless.
- Listing too many irrelevant activities — stick to 2–4 that show skills or achievements.
Summary
Listing high school on your resume is straightforward. Put the school name, location, and graduation year in the Education section. Add GPA only if it is strong, and include honors or coursework that matters. Once you have college experience or a degree, you can drop the high school entry entirely. Tailor your resume for each job application to highlight what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put high school on my resume if I am in college?
Yes, if you are still working toward your college degree and have little work experience, include high school. Once you earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, remove it.
How do I list high school on a resume if I didn’t graduate?
List the high school with the years attended, such as “Lincoln High School, 2022–2024,” and mention any GED in progress if applicable. You can also explain in a cover letter if needed.
Do I need to include my high school GPA on my resume?
Only include your high school GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. For college students or graduates, leave GPA off unless the employer explicitly asks for it.
What if I attended multiple high schools?
List only the high school where you earned your diploma or where you are currently enrolled. Do not list every school you attended unless a specific school gave you a notable achievement.
