5 Rules For Capitalizing High School Names Correctly

Capitalizing high school names correctly can seem like a small detail, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining professionalism in both written and verbal communication. Whether you're writing a resume, an alumni newsletter, or a scholarship application, knowing how to properly format these names can make a significant difference. Here, we'll delve into the rules governing the capitalization of high school names, ensuring you always get it right.

Rule #1: Capitalize 'High School' when it’s part of the school's name

When 'high school' forms an integral part of a specific educational institution's name, it must be capitalized. This rule applies when you're referring to the school by its official name.

Example:

• Franklin High School
• Willow Grove High School

Notes:

• Do not capitalize 'high school' when referring generally to the stage of education.

<p class="pro-note">📝 Pro Tip: Remember, if you're unsure whether to capitalize, look for the school's official documentation or website for confirmation.</p>

Rule #2: Capitalize proper nouns within the school name

Names of cities, towns, counties, or any other proper nouns incorporated into the high school's name should also be capitalized.

Example:

• Central Valley High School
• Libertyville High School

Tips:

• If the school includes a surname or family name in its title, capitalize it as well:
  • Smithfield Memorial High School

<p class="pro-note">📜 Pro Tip: Pay attention to how names of individuals within the school name are capitalized, as they reflect formal titles or family names.</p>

Rule #3: Capitalize prepositions in school names, unless they are under five letters long

Although many style guides suggest not capitalizing prepositions under five letters in titles, when it comes to school names, it’s often best to capitalize them to maintain consistency with the way the institution presents its name.

Example:

• Bay Area High School
• Beyond The Horizon High School

Scenario:

• If a school is named In the Valley High School, you would still capitalize the preposition 'In.'

Rule #4: Do not capitalize general descriptions or adjectives

When using high school in a general context, or when describing it with adjectives, 'high school' should not be capitalized. However, if these adjectives are part of the formal name, they should be capitalized.

Example:

• My local high school
• Washington County High School

Table of When to Capitalize:

Rule #5: Maintain Consistency

Consistency is key, especially in documents where you mention multiple schools. If you've decided to capitalize a school's name, continue to do so throughout the document.

Example:

• Franklin High School, Lincoln High School, and The School of Innovation are all applying for the grant.

Common Mistake to Avoid:

• Inconsistent capitalization within the same document.

<p class="pro-note">📚 Pro Tip: Using a style guide like the AP Stylebook can help maintain uniformity across your writing, especially when dealing with capitalization of school names.</p>

As we've explored, the rules for capitalizing high school names are nuanced but follow clear guidelines. By keeping these rules in mind, you'll ensure that your references to these institutions are always correct, reflecting both respect for the schools and attention to detail in your writing.

If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of capitalization rules or other grammar nuances, feel free to check out our related tutorials on grammar and punctuation. Remember, the art of communication is in the details, and mastering these rules will polish your writing to shine in any professional context.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Don't forget to check the school's website or official documentation if you're unsure about the capitalization of a specific school's name!</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Should 'high school' be capitalized in every context?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, 'high school' should only be capitalized when it forms part of a school's official name, not when used generally to refer to an educational stage or as an adjective.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if the school's name includes a common noun like 'school' or 'academy'?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Words like 'school' or 'academy' are capitalized when they are part of the formal school name. For example, "Jefferson Academy High School" would capitalize both 'Academy' and 'High' because they are integral to the name.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How should I handle prepositions in school names?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Prepositions in school names are capitalized to maintain consistency, regardless of their length. So, "In The City High School" would capitalize 'In' and 'The.'</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>