Secondary SChool
The Secondary school is comprised of Middle School (Grades 6-8) and High School (Grades 9-12). ISS recognizes the unique characteristics of the adolescent learner and is committed to the development of both academic and life skills. ISS students are provided a diverse curriculum, exposure to a wide variety of career and life options, and instruction and encouragement to master the basic skills required to know their options and pursue their choices.
A strong foundation of core skills and the ability to perform research and to use technology to enhance their educational experience are nurtured and developed at ISS. The ISS Library provides space for students to read, perform research and access books and media services to further classroom learning. The librarian works collaboratively with the teachers to reinforce and support daily instruction.
Ten teachers are dedicated to Secondary School instruction. In Middle and High School specialized teachers instruct single subjects.
Programs of Study
The ISS Secondary Program of Study offers two tracks: one that leads to both the U.S. diploma and Dominican Bachillerato (high school diploma), and another that leads exclusively to the U.S. High School diploma. Students who enter ISS prior to Grade 6 are required to complete a program of studies that leads to dual diplomas (US & DR). Students who enter ISS after Grade 6 will automatically be enrolled in the American diploma program and may also be able to pursue the Dominican Bachillerato depending on Spanish language competency.
A strong foundation of core skills and the ability to perform research and to use technology to enhance their educational experience are nurtured and developed at ISS. The ISS Library provides space for students to read, perform research and access books and media services to further classroom learning. The librarian works collaboratively with the teachers to reinforce and support daily instruction.
Ten teachers are dedicated to Secondary School instruction. In Middle and High School specialized teachers instruct single subjects.
Programs of Study
The ISS Secondary Program of Study offers two tracks: one that leads to both the U.S. diploma and Dominican Bachillerato (high school diploma), and another that leads exclusively to the U.S. High School diploma. Students who enter ISS prior to Grade 6 are required to complete a program of studies that leads to dual diplomas (US & DR). Students who enter ISS after Grade 6 will automatically be enrolled in the American diploma program and may also be able to pursue the Dominican Bachillerato depending on Spanish language competency.
Note – all students that enter the school before grade 7 and/or are first language Spanish speakers are required to complete the Dual Diploma Program.
ISS provides secondary students the following learning opportunities:
1. Advanced Placement (AP) Classes: ISS offers various AP courses each year depending on the needs and interests of the students. Currently, we offer AP Spanish Literature and Culture, AP Spanish Language and Composition, AP Human Geography and AP English Language and Composition as part of the ISS Program of Study.
2. Advanced Math Option: Students in Grade 11 and 12 are offered pre-Calculus and Calculus. They may also choose to take Statistics in lieu of or in addition to either course as their fourth Math course requirement.
Schedule
The daily schedule in both Middle and High School operates on a block schedule, with alternating four-period days (80 min. per period) except on Wednesdays when students attend all eight classes. They will attend a thirty minute fifth period at the end of each day. This course is designed to enrich student learning through a Project-Based Service Learning course and/or technology. Students will be enrolled in a total of eight classes each year.
Additional Requirements for Graduation
Each year students in the Secondary school must complete at least one substantial project a year that documents their contribution to a Project Based Learning (PBL) project. To receive full credit, students must share and exhibit their work, document the process of their project, write a reflection and seek recommendation from their supervisor.
1. Advanced Placement (AP) Classes: ISS offers various AP courses each year depending on the needs and interests of the students. Currently, we offer AP Spanish Literature and Culture, AP Spanish Language and Composition, AP Human Geography and AP English Language and Composition as part of the ISS Program of Study.
2. Advanced Math Option: Students in Grade 11 and 12 are offered pre-Calculus and Calculus. They may also choose to take Statistics in lieu of or in addition to either course as their fourth Math course requirement.
Schedule
The daily schedule in both Middle and High School operates on a block schedule, with alternating four-period days (80 min. per period) except on Wednesdays when students attend all eight classes. They will attend a thirty minute fifth period at the end of each day. This course is designed to enrich student learning through a Project-Based Service Learning course and/or technology. Students will be enrolled in a total of eight classes each year.
Additional Requirements for Graduation
Each year students in the Secondary school must complete at least one substantial project a year that documents their contribution to a Project Based Learning (PBL) project. To receive full credit, students must share and exhibit their work, document the process of their project, write a reflection and seek recommendation from their supervisor.