High school is a crucial period in a student’s life as it prepares them for their future university education or career. At IAS, high school education spans from 9th to 12th grade. During the 10th grade, students must make important decisions about the path they will take for their final two years of high school. The 11th and 12th grade years focus on completing the American High School Diploma Program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the Polish Matura.

 

High school life at IAS is both challenging and rewarding. Our students are provided with a rigorous academic curriculum and numerous opportunities for personal growth and development. The school provides a well-rounded education that focuses not only on academics, but also on extracurricular activities, community service, and student life.

 

At IAS, our students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, including athletic teams, music and theater groups, and community service organizations. These extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, pursue their passions, and make new friends.

 

IAS also offers a variety of student support services, including guidance counseling, tutoring, and academic advising. Our experienced and dedicated staff is committed to helping each student succeed, both academically and personally.

 

Overall, high school life at IAS is characterized by academic rigor, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for personal growth and development. Our goal is to provide our students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in university or in their careers, and to help them become well-rounded and responsible citizens of the world.

 

At IAS, students have the opportunity to choose from three different paths for high school graduation: American High School Diploma (accredited by Cognia), International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBO), or Polish Matura Diploma (MEN). All students who graduate with the IB or Polish Matura diploma are also automatically awarded an American high school diploma. The three paths are outlined below:

 

  • American High School Diploma (Cognia)
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBO)
  • Polish Matura Diploma (MEN)

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

 

The International Baccalaureate is an internationally acclaimed pre-university diploma program. The IB is designed to provide students with a very broad knowledge base and the best possible skills with which to enter university. As such, it is a very rigorous and demanding program for which pupils have to prove that they are successful in different academic disciplines.

The IB diploma program is organized on a block schedule. Students take 6 subjects per semester plus Theory of Knowledge (TOK). 3 subjects are taken at the Higher Level (HL) and three at the Standard Level (SL). Each HL class consists of three 90 minute block lessons a week and SL classes are two 90 minute blocks a week. The Theory of Knowledge class is a one 90 minute block lesson once a week. IB students must also complete 150 Hours of Creativity, Action and Service during their 11th and 12th grade years as well as an extended essay of 4,000 words.

All subjects at IAS are offered in SL and HL, except TOK. These are the subjects offered: English A, English B, Polish, French, German, History, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Math, Math Studies and Theory of Knowledge.

The IB Diploma is accepted at universities around the world. More information about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program can be found at http://www.ibo.org/.

 

AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND SAT

As an American high school we have the right to issue an American diploma to students finishing our school. All students graduating receive this honor. Students may use this as a qualification for university entry. The requirements for these students to graduate are to study six subjects over two years including taking part in Ways of Knowing classes. This course is designed and examined by our pedagogues and teaches our students not only a detailed understanding of the subjects in which they take part, but also the critical thinking skills needed to study at a university level. Students graduating with our American high school diploma have been accepted to universities in the USA, UK, Poland and many countries around the world. All students taking this pathway must also register for SAT examinations.

The American High School Diploma Program is organized on a block schedule. Students take 6 subjects per semester including The Ways of Knowing. 2 subjects are taken at the Higher Level (HL) and three at the Standard Level (SL). Each HL class consists of three 90 minute block lessons a week and SL classes are two 90 minute blocks a week. The Ways of Knowing class is a one 90 minute block lesson once a week. IB students must also complete 50 Hours of Community Service during their 11th and 12th grade years as well as a Senior Project (which counts as a 7th subject Grade). This Senior Project will consist of a Research Essay (2000-2500 words) written on a topic of the student’s choice. The student will then need to present the essay using a visual aid (PowerPoint, model) to a board of teachers and peers.

 

 

POLISH MATURA

For students of Polish origin we offer the Polish Matura program. It is important to remember, however, that the IB and American High School Diplomas are also legally recognized diplomas for Polish citizens entering a Polish University. Matura students attend additional classes provided in Polish language by highly qualified Polish teachers to prepare them for the Matura examinations. The Polish Matura is accepted worldwide.

Official newspaper of the International American School

The IAS Times is the official student newspaper of the International American School of Warsaw.

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