When Did the Class of 2026 Start High School? A Grade & Age Guide
Quick Answer: The high school graduating Class of 2026 started 9th grade (their freshman year) in the fall of 2022. Most students in this class were 14 years old when they began high school.
Understanding the timeline for a high school graduating class helps put a student’s academic journey in perspective. The “Class of” designation refers to the year students are expected to graduate. This guide breaks down the complete high school timeline for the Class of 2026.
The High School Journey for the Class of 2026
Here is the year-by-year breakdown for a student on a standard track to graduate in 2026:
| Academic Year | Grade Level | Common Name | Typical Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 – 2023 | 9th Grade | Freshman Year | 14-15 |
| 2023 – 2024 | 10th Grade | Sophomore Year | 15-16 |
| 2024 – 2025 | 11th Grade | Junior Year | 16-17 |
| 2025 – 2026 | 12th Grade | Senior Year | 17-18 |
When Was the Class of 2026 Born?
Most students in the Class of 2026 were born in 2008. However, students with late-year birthdays (e.g., September-December) who live in states with early cut-off dates may have been born in late 2007. This is because their kindergarten start was determined by their age relative to their state’s cut-off date.
You can determine any child’s estimated graduation year using our High School Graduation Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What grade is the Class of 2026 in during the 2024-2025 school year?
During the 2024-2025 academic year, the Class of 2026 are in 11th grade, their Junior year of high school.
Why are these class year names used?
The terms Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior are a long-standing tradition in American high schools and colleges. We explain their origins in our guide: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior Explained.
When did the Class of 2026 start kindergarten?
Working backward 9 years from their freshman start year (2022), the Class of 2026 began kindergarten in the fall of 2013.
Last Updated: April 2025