Should I Remove Highschool From Linkedin?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: Early‑career professionals who have recently graduated from high school and have little post‑secondary or work experience may benefit from highlighting their high school to fill gaps in their profile.
• Good fit: Users applying for roles that explicitly value a specific high‑school program (e.g., a specialised STEM magnet school) and where that credential is searchable on LinkedIn.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: If you already have a solid college degree, relevant certifications, and several years of professional experience, the high‑school entry adds little value and can clutter your résumé.
• Warning sign: When you are targeting senior‑level or international positions where recruiters focus on higher‑level education and work achievements.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides a complete chronological record, which can prevent perceived employment gaps for recent graduates.
• Allows the profile to appear in niche searches that employers sometimes use to locate alumni of particular schools.

Cons

• Occupies prime space on the “Education” section that could otherwise showcase a degree or certification more relevant to the desired role.
• May signal to recruiters that you are over‑emphasising older qualifications, potentially weakening the perception of career progression.

Decision Checklist

• Do I have a higher‑level credential (college degree, certification) that already demonstrates my academic background?
• Is the high‑school program directly relevant to the jobs I’m targeting or to a network I’m trying to reach?
• Will removing the entry simplify my profile and make my most recent achievements more visible?

Alternatives to Consider

Instead of deleting the high‑school entry outright, you can keep it hidden from public view using LinkedIn’s privacy settings, move it to the “Licenses & Certifications” section if it includes a notable award, or simply rename it to emphasise a specific achievement (e.g., “Valedictorian, XYZ High School”). Another option is to condense the education list by merging high‑school and college under a single heading that highlights the overall academic timeline.

Final Recommendation

If you are early in your career, lack higher‑level credentials, or your high‑school has a recognised brand that recruiters value, keeping the entry can be advantageous. For most mid‑career professionals with established degrees and work experience, removing or hiding the high‑school information usually results in a cleaner, more focused profile. Always align the decision with your career stage and the expectations of your target industry, and consider consulting a career coach or mentor for personalised guidance.