16 Things That Are Actually Really Weird About American High Schools

Prom, pep rallies, and the fact that most of you didn't have to wear a uniform.

1. That high school only lasts for four years.

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In Australia, middle school doesn't exist. You go to primary school — aka elementary school — then go straight to high school, where you stay for six years.

2. That most American high schools don't require students to wear a uniform.

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Although the uniform at my public high school was casual (a white polo shirt and navy shorts/pants/skirt), it was still mandatory. I can't even begin to imagine how stressful choosing a cool new outfit every day must be.

3. That prom is something that happens IRL and not just in TV shows and movies.

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In Australia, we had a "formal" in year 10 and another fancy celebration for our graduation, but dates weren't a big thing, and the whole affair was pretty casual.

4. And that homecoming is also a real thing????

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I can't wrap my head around the fact that people really vote for homecoming king and queen. What's the purpose of this beyond being a blatant popularity contest?

5. That you get to have your own locker at school.

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I know that some other schools around the world also have lockers, but it's not always a given. I personally had to carry my books around all day in my backpack like some kind of pack horse.

6. And have locker rooms where everyone just gets changed in front of one another.

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I don't know if it was because we had a pretty comfy uniform, but we just did sports class in whatever we wore to school that day, so we never had to change clothes anywhere.

7. That you have a cafeteria with proper tables, chairs, and hot lunch.

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Mate, I used to eat a homemade Vegemite sandwich for lunch every day — unless I had money to buy a sausage roll from the canteen, of course.

8. That high school sports — especially football — are such a bloody big deal.

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I mean, we didn't even have this kind of football.

9. And that bleachers exist in schools to house the many sports spectators.

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If someone had suggested that I go watch my high school sports team play outside school hours, I would have assumed it was some kind of sick joke.

10. That cheerleading and pep rallies are a real thing you got to watch and/or be part of.

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In all honesty, as a teenager, I longed for nothing more than being a cheerleader. Sadly, cheerleading is not a thing in Australia, and even if it were, I probably lacked the necessary coordination anyway.

11. That you drink out of these iconic red cups at house parties.

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When I was a teen, we longed for the red cup that was featured in every American party scene on TV.

12. That summer break goes for THREE ENTIRE MONTHS.

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In Australia, we get six weeks for a Christmas holiday that also happens to be over summer. It's obviously amazing, but man, I would have liked to have three months off.

13. That your school buses are all bright yellow.

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I'm guessing that American high schoolers, like Australian high schoolers, stop catching the bus once they can drive a car, but the fact that all of your school buses are yellow is still wild. At home, our buses look just like regular buses.

14. That high schools hold talent shows and students actually participate.

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If my school had had a talent show, I really don't think a single person would have entered.

15. And that you wear a goddamn cap and gown when you graduate from high school!!!!!

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It's just so extra — I love it.