The debate on the problems of high school has intensified. Although it is not new, it has recently been given a new impetus, and has even been relayed by the mass media. To contribute to this debate, this text provides historical information and theoretical considerations. It defends the thesis that work is the general education principle of the entire school system. High school has to be specific because it is intended for youth in search of their moral, intellectual and social definition. Because it is the final stage of basic education, it must not be based on students' professionalization. The current defense and the expansion of early professional education are a petition for bankruptcy and abandonment of humanist, "culturally disinterested" high school designed to prepare leaders.
Education; High school; Work and education; Basic pedagogical