NOTRE-DAME INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Notre-Dame International High School welcomes students from Grade 9 to 12.

The primary educational goal of NISS Schools is to prepare students for professional success in the global community. We believe that students must be culturally literate and competent problem-solvers. Our High School curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills and intercultural learning within a college preparatory academic framework. We also recognize the benefits of non-formal learning that students gain from their daily interactions.

The school values individualized learning. Our teacher to student ratio ranges from 1:6 to 1:20. Small classes create an environment for personal interaction between students and teachers, and provides the opportunity for students to explore topics of personal interest. Teachers are able to focus on the individual instructional needs of their students, particularly on needs to develop their English abilities.

Be one of the students of this bilingual school in Paris!

Significant global changes suggest a need for corresponding changes in the ways in which we think about ourselves and the world. International education is an approach to learning that is focused on thinking competencies that help students to perform successfully in intercultural contexts. This approach also includes the development of intercultural communication skills.

The emphasis on personal and social responsibility supports the learning and helps young people apply their international education to everyday and global situations. Ultimately, we aim for students to make meaning of their international education and integrate this learning into their life experience.

In order to fulfill our mission to prepare students to be competent global professionals, the Nacel International School System offers a wide variety of courses in Science, Mathematics, Language Arts, Foreign Language, Social Science, Arts, and Physical Education (see Course Offerings). We strive to provide an appropriate level of academic challenge for all students, and encourage their involvement in the arts and other enrichment courses. In each of our classes we endeavor to maintain a culturally relativistic viewpoint, and encourage students to share their personal experiences to increase the awareness and understanding of their peers.

Curricular goals

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in Nacel International Academic High School Curriculum by:
 

• Producing high-level work that prepares them for higher education and professional life in the global community;
• Demonstrating effective problem-solving skills in various settings;
• Integrating the knowledge and experience gained in all subject areas and applying it to real-world situations;
• Gathering and applying information gained from research, past learning, and different world perspectives;
• Appreciating the value of learning and taking an active role in their education.

  2. Students will develop and refine their intercultural thinking skills by:
 

• Learning to understand the viewpoints of others and allowing this information to shape their own perspective of the world;
• Challenging their personal biases and beliefs through the examination of other worldviews;
• Using knowledge and critical thinking to develop educated positions on topics and issues that will improve their interactions with others.

  3. Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively within an intercultural setting by:
 

• Improving skills in oral and written language;
• Expressing thoughts and ideas with clarity, purpose, and cultural awareness;
• Recognizing, analyzing, and evaluating various methods of verbal and nonverbal communication;
• Developing mastery of English (or for U.S. students, another world language), to be successful in postsecondary studies.

  4. Students will exhibit personal and social responsibility by:
 

• Practicing personal and academic integrity;
• Accepting, appreciating, and understanding human diversity as it relates to themselves and others;
• Developing cultural skills such as mindfulness, empathy, and patience in uncertain situations, self-reflection,and a culturally relative viewpoint;
• Understanding the impact of the actions and those of others (individuals and groups);
• Learning cross-cultural leadership skills in preparation for success.

AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

NISS Schools' graduation requirements correspond with the NCA guidelines for college preparatory schools and meet or exceed the Minnesota state graduation standards. Students must submit complete, translated academic transcripts for each year of high school in order to be considered as a candidate for High School graduation.

48 semester credits* are required for High School graduation:
 

• 8 Language Arts credits
• 6 Mathematics credits
• 7 Social Studies credits
• 6 Science credits
• 2 Physical Education credits
• 1 Health credit
• 2 Fine /Performing Arts credits
• 1 Technology credit
• 6 Foreign Language credits (4 in the same language)
• 9 Elective credits

* 1 credit is earned for each semester course.

FAQs

What degree do graduates earn from Notre-Dame International High School?
All graduates from Notre-Dame International High School earn a US high school diploma.

Can graduates attend universities anywhere in the world?
Recent graduates from Notre-Dame International High School have enrolled in colleges and universities in various countries around the world.
The US High School diploma is recognized by US Colleges and Universities located in the USA and abroad. This diploma is also recognized by local Universities in various countries but students may have to undertake equivalence's recognition or meet specific criterias.
There is no general rules and admission procedures are country- or even university-specific.

Requirements for International Students

International students who have fulfilled the following requirements are eligible to receive a high school diploma from NISS and get High School graduation:

• Completion of an equivalent of four years of high school;
• Completion of the above academic credits;
• Proven proficiency in English (80% or higher on the SLEP test);
• Attendance at a NISS school for a minimum of two semesters.

Some students arrive at a NISS school with low English language skills that may require additional classes to meet our English language standard and graduate from our High School. Moreover, there will be students who arrive at one of our NISS schools as 12th graders and who need specific courses to graduate from High School. Every effort will be made to help students graduate on time, but there may be specific situations where these students cannot be fully accommodated. The school will do its best to offer alternatives and options.

Study at Notre-Dame International High School and graduate!

TRANSFER OF CREDITS

Please note that the student is not guaranteed placement in a certain grade level, or that transferable credits will be granted, or that a diploma will be awarded at the end of the academic program at Notre-Dame International High School. These decisions remain at the entire discretion of the national educational authorities of the sending country and of Notre-Dame International High School' officials.

Notre-Dame International High School is not responsible for the procedures and information needed in this process. Applicants must clearly be aware that they may have to pass again the corresponding grade in their home country after return.