High School Curriculum

Grade 9 students acquire the academic and social skills essential to success in High School, following a common course of study in some key academic disciplines such as English and Science. In areas such as Mathematics and Modern Languages (French, Spanish and Kiswahili), students are placed according to exact level of skill and competency development instead of by age-grouping. Grade 9 students are also expected to develop in the areas of wellness and creativity through courses such as integrated health & physical education as well art, drama, and music.

Grade 10 students also follow a common course of study in some key disciplinary areas, while there is increasing scope to pursue individual areas of interest through a rich selection of elective courses. Elective options are available through particular subject disciplines, or through interdisciplinary study. A particular emphasis is placed on experiential learning and preparation for the IB program in Grade 10.

By Grades 11 and 12, students are growing increasingly self-aware of their strengths and aspirations, benefiting from guidance through a structured university planning and advisement process. Many students at ISK (about two-thirds) undertake the two-year full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme which then becomes the backbone of their final two years of secondary education. Other students choose to enroll in a combination of individual IB courses and regular High School courses, depending on factors such as future college and career plans, goals for High School, levels of readiness, and areas of academic interest. Some students may choose to pursue an independent study or online course, upon application, as part of their overall High School program, opening the door for learning in courses outside ISK's established curriculum and course options.

All High School students in Grades 9-12 are working towards the completion of a four-year ISK High School diploma; many students also choose to pursue a second qualification in Grades 11-12 through the school's International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program at ISK provides High School students with a diploma and certificates recognized by universities throughout the world. Students may enroll in the full IB Diploma Program, requiring six externally administered exams, Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge Course, or they may also take specific individual IB courses for IB certificates. The maximum score possible in each IB course is 7. ISK has an inclusive policy in regards to the IB Diploma Program; it is open to all students who satisfactorily complete prerequisite courses.