Courses choices

Courses Choices

Earn 27 credits (Each subject/year is equivalent to 1 credit), distributed as follows:

• A)     4 credits (years) of English

• B)     3 credits (years) of Mathematics 

• C)     3 credits (years) of Science (of which at least 2 must be laboratory science)

• D)     3 credits (years) of Social Studies and Humanities 

• E)     2 consecutive credits (years) in a Language other than English Portuguese as a Native/Fluent Language World Languages—Chinese, French, Portuguese, Spanish Chinese as a Native/Fluent Language

• F)     3 credits (years) in Physical Education

• G)    1 credit (year) in Information Technology or demonstrated proficiency

• H)    1 credit (year) of Arts (Music, Art, Drama)

• I)      7 credits in elective courses: An Elective Course is any course in any subject beyond that required for graduation.

English/Language Arts

Studying the English language and literature is an important part of high school for every student regardless of their post-school plans. In addition to studying important pieces of literature, English classes teach teens about writing and speaking.

Most states require four years of English or language arts classes. The main English classes in high school include:

Literature; Speech; Writing or Composition

Science

Basic life sciences (e.g. biology) and physical sciences (chemistry, physics, etc.) are required at most high schools. These classes often include lab components that allow students to perform hands-on experiments.

Most states require two to three years of science coursework in high school. These may include:

Biology (typically has advanced class options); Chemistry (typically has advanced class options); Earth or Space sciences; Physics (typically has advanced class options)

Social Studies/History

Understanding how the world works is important for young adults. In high school, students will study history and government and learn about how social studies affects their lives.

At International Anglo-American School, we require three years of social studies coursework in high school, including:

Economics; Geography; U.S. Government; U.S. History; World History

Physical Education and Health

Physical education and health classes can teach high schoolers how to care for their body's fitness and nutritional needs. Many states require at least one unit of P.E. to graduate. Other states have P.E. as an elective.

School Subjects for College Preparation

Students planning to go to college should consider how colleges will look at their courses during the application process. Grade point average (GPA) is important, but coursework should also demonstrate academic rigor.

When planning, it can be helpful to balance standard high school courses with some that are more challenging. Additionally, students can do this—and even get a head start on college—by taking advanced placement (AP) or college classes.