When was high school invented?

High schools, in the modern sense, were not invented at a single point in time, but rather evolved gradually over several centuries. The concept of a secondary school, where students can receive further education after completing primary school, has existed for hundreds of years. However, the term "high school" and the structure and curriculum of modern high schools are relatively recent developments.

In the United States, the first public high school, known as the Boston Latin School, was established in 1635. However, this was primarily a preparatory school for boys who were planning to attend college, and it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that high schools began to be more widely accessible and offered a broader range of subjects and educational opportunities.

The concept of universal secondary education, where all students are expected to complete high school, emerged in the early 20th century and was driven by factors such as the need for a more educated workforce, the expansion of the middle class, and the rise of compulsory education laws. Over the years, high schools have continued to evolve and adapt to changing societal needs, with the addition of new subjects and programs, such as vocational education and college preparatory courses.