Our Program:
The International Approach
Small Schools
International High Schools are small enough so that teachers and students can develop meaningful relationships.
NO student is anonymous. Our small size and our team structure allow personalization, growth and success for students and teachers.
Schools Structured to Support Personalization
- Students and teachers work together for at least a whole year in a team. Four or five teachers, including a science, mathematics, social studies and English teachers work together in an interdisciplinary team to plan instruction and provide support for about 75 students. These teachers may work with the same group of students for two years. These teams of teachers meet for several hours each week.
- Because they know their students well, these interdisciplinary instructional teams can make the best decisions on how to organize lessons and activities, to provide extra support or challenges when needed, and to assess students continuously.
- Class size is no more than 25. Some classes are even smaller.
Academic Rigor
- All students are immediately immersed in challenging content through an activity-based curriculum that allows students to practice their English as they learn mathematics, social studies, literature and science. Students support each other by working in small groups to complete their projects and thus have more opportunities to use their new language. They may also use their native language to learn the material and help each other. Arts, music, technology and physical education are also included.
- At some Internationals, students are able to take college courses and can attain college credits while simultaneously working towards high school graduation.
Community Partnerships
- Expansion of schools beyond the four walls of the school building motivates adolescents and enhances their capacity to successfully participate in modern society. Our students are involved in internships, community service, and service learning within the larger community. They work in hospitals, courts, non-profit and community organizations, newspapers, technology, business and other areas.