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High School

The ISK Middle School program is composed of grades 6 through 8. Our core instruction is guided by the AERO/Common Core Standards


Middle school runs from 6th grade to 8th grade and is an important time of transition for students. At ISK, middle school students continue their work in a standards-based learning system while also learning more specialized real-world applications. Middle school students transition from a homeroom style learning environment into a subject-specific environment led by specialists in the subject areas, which reflects the more specific skills taught as the students progress in grade levels.​

Students Profile:

ISK students inquire about their learning, their environment, and the world around them.

  • Participates consistently.
  • Engages in classroom activities and/or discussions.
  • Gives effort in each class.
  • Completes all work in a timely manner.
  • Displays organizational skills.
  • Uses technology safely and effectively.

ISK students show empathy, and care towards everyone they encounter.

  • Respects self and others.
  • Responds compassionately to others.
  • Solves problems in positive ways.
  • Makes positive choices for the shared school resources.
  • Shows empathy by envisioning themselves in others’ positions and circumstances.
  • Works collaboratively in groups.
  • Demonstrates a service mindset, putting others before yourself and contributing to the betterment of those around you.

ISK students are active participants in change for their local and global community.

  • Participate in community activities.
  • Follow school expectations and procedures.
  • Make efforts to engage with the local and global community.

ISK students question, and analyze information in the world around them.

  • They ask questions, and feel comfortable to make mistakes.
  • They understand other points of view.
  • Participate in community activities.
  • Follow school expectations and procedures.
  • Make efforts to engage with the local and global community.


School Wide Assessment Tools
  • WIDA - English language assessment
  • F&P  (Fountas and Pinnell) - Reading assessment
  • MAP - Math and Reading  Assessment
  • Easy CBM - Math and Reading
  • PSAT 9/10/11- College Readiness-Math/Reading/Writing

Additionally, the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is utilized to evaluate student progress and ensure alignment of curriculum and teaching practices with international standards.

High School Curriculum

This integrated mathematics course is aimed at ensuring that students make sense of mathematical problems and persevere in solving them, reason abstractly, construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Using real-world situations, students will be required to use appropriate tools strategically. While the use of definitions, calculations, and estimations with the appropriate level of precision is expected and required, it is the ability to look for and make use of patterns and structure that matters most. The course focuses on five main content areas: Number and Quantity; Algebra; Functions; Geometry and Trigonometry; Statistics and Probability.

This integrated mathematics course is aimed at ensuring that students make sense of mathematical problems and persevere in solving them, reason abstractly, construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Using real-world situations, students will be required to use appropriate tools strategically. While the use of definitions, calculations, and estimations with the appropriate level of precision is expected and required, it is the ability to look for and make use of patterns and structure that matters most. The course focuses on six main content areas: Number and Quantity; Algebra; Functions; Geometry and Trigonometry; Statistics and Probability.

AP Pre-Calculus is a college-preparatory mathematics course designed to prepare students for calculus and other higher-level math and science courses. This course focuses on functions and their applications in real-world and mathematical contexts. It also emphasizes modeling, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.

AP Calculus is a college-level course in differential and integral calculus. It covers topics typically taught in a first-semester university calculus course and prepares students for the AP Calculus examination. This course builds deep understanding of limits, derivatives, integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students will learn to analyze functions graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally.

The AP Statistics course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes evident in the content, skills, and assessment in the AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, probability and simulation, and statistical inference. Students use technology, investigations, problem-solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding.


This course begins with a consideration of the living condition and discussion of the unique properties of living organisms that set life apart from the non-living. It continues with molecular and cellular biology, reproduction and genetics, evolution, and classification across microbiology and plant and animal phyla.

Chemistry is the study of the structure and composition of matter that makes up living things and their environment. This class covers topics such as matter, chemical reactions, and solutions, emphasizing laboratory investigations and inquiry-based learning.

The Physics curriculum continues student exploration of physical sciences with focus on matter and energy interactions, velocity, acceleration, force, energy, momentum, and charge. Students learn through laboratory and field-based inquiry.

AP Biology is a college-level biology course. Students explore evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions through inquiry-based investigations and data analysis.

AP Chemistry provides deep understanding of chemical principles, emphasizing inquiry, experimentation, and problem-solving to build analytical and laboratory skills essential for advanced study in science.

AP Physics explores fundamental physical concepts and real-world applications. Students build strong conceptual understanding through inquiry, experimentation, and data interpretation.

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course exploring the natural world and human impacts on it. Students analyze environmental challenges and explore sustainable solutions to promote environmental stewardship.

Science courses form part of the graduation requirement, ensuring students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills necessary for higher education and real-world challenges.


The Grade 9 English course uses both literature and non-fiction to examine the human experience through varied perspectives and worldviews. Students will study analysis techniques to understand deeper meanings behind texts and share insights through both written and oral discussion. They will explore multiple forms of writing such as creative, research-based, and analytical compositions.

The Grade 10 English course uses literature and non-fiction to examine the human experience through diverse perspectives and worldviews. Students develop advanced analysis skills to uncover meaning behind texts and express their perspectives through writing and discussion.

The Grade 11 English course deepens exploration of literature and non-fiction to understand complex human experiences. Students continue developing their analytical, written, and oral communication skills while working on creative, research-based, and analytical writing projects.

The Grade 12 English course integrates literature and non-fiction to study diverse human experiences and perspectives. Students enhance their analytical and communication abilities through creative, research, and analytical writing. The course also prepares students for college-level work, including interview skills and college entrance essay refinement.

The AP English Literature course is a rigorous, college-level program designed for students passionate about reading, analyzing, and writing about literature. It emphasizes critical analysis of imaginative works from various genres, historical periods, and cultures to develop a refined appreciation for literary artistry.

Grade 9 – World History: African History
Students explore the history of Africa from its ancient roots as the cradle of humankind through the rise of powerful empires, colonialism, and into modern times. Emphasis is placed on lessons from history that can be applied to contemporary society, helping students connect Africa’s past to its present and future.

Grade 10 – Pre-AP World History
This year-long course examines the major events and turning points of world history from the Enlightenment to the present. Students explore key revolutions, global transformations, and recurring themes such as democracy, social change, and cultural exchange. They analyze the influence of geography, economics, and politics from the Renaissance through the 20th century, developing an understanding of global interconnections and modern civilization.

Economics
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of economic systems and the principles that govern them. Students study topics such as national income, price determination, and international trade. Emphasis is placed on understanding economic performance indicators, growth, and the impact of policy decisions on individuals and societies.

AP Psychology
Students explore the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, engaging with key psychological concepts through reading, research, and discussion. Topics include Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, Learning, Cognitive Psychology, Development, Emotion and Personality, Clinical Psychology, and Social Psychology. The course prepares students for success on the AP Psychology Exam.

AP Comparative Government and Politics
This introductory college-level course uses comparative analysis to examine the political systems, institutions, and challenges of six countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students analyze power structures, legitimacy, democratization, and global political forces using data, case studies, and political theory.

AP Economics
This advanced course introduces both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Students learn how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions in a world of scarce resources. The course emphasizes analytical reasoning, economic modeling, and application of economic principles to real-world policy issues and global trends.

In HS French 2, students expand their range of grammar and expression while deepening cultural understanding through the study of French adolescent lifestyles. By the end of the course, students gain a foundational grasp of grammar that enables them to begin reading and analyzing French texts with greater confidence.

HS French 3 equips students with intermediate-level skills in writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Built around eight thematic units, the course provides deeper insights into grammar, encourages expressive communication, and broadens students’ knowledge of the Francophone cultural world.

HS French 4 builds upon prior learning by refining grammatical mastery and enhancing students’ ability to engage critically with French cultural themes. Using authentic materials, students strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities while applying critical thinking in the target language.

AP French follows the official AP curriculum and is organized around six main topics subdivided into twenty-four subtopics. The course places special emphasis on written communication — including comparative and persuasive essays — as well as grammar and verb tenses. Assessment is designed to prepare students for the AP French examination.

HS Spanish 2 reinforces students’ understanding of written and spoken Spanish. The course emphasizes communication for daily life situations while promoting multicultural awareness of Spanish-speaking countries through contextual learning and conversation practice.

HS Spanish 3 prepares students for intermediate-level fluency. It focuses on comprehension and expression through reading, writing, and speaking activities, using authentic materials such as audio clips and videos. Various assessments ensure balanced progress across all core language skills.

AP Spanish is a college-level course that advances students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It explores real-world topics like culture, identity, and global issues through diverse activities such as discussions, essays, and presentations. The course uses the resource Temas to support content and structure.



Students will explore Studio Art, Music, and Drama through a hands-on approach that encourages inquiry and creative skill-building. This course allows students to experiment with multiple art forms, fostering collaboration and self-expression while developing foundational artistic techniques.

Building on the foundation of Integrated Arts 1, students will continue to explore Studio Art, Music, and Drama through an immersive, hands-on experience. This course emphasizes refinement of artistic skills, creative problem-solving, and deeper personal expression through interdisciplinary projects.


In this semester-long skills-based class we will investigate many dimensions of health - from physical health to environmental health. We will use health decision-making skills to examine influences, validate health information, determine necessary health services, make health-promoting decisions, and more!


The Physical Education program at ISK is based on the Society for Health & Physical Educators (SHAPE) America framework. The premise of these standards & the ISK Physical Education program is that all individuals must develop physical literacy in order to lead productive & healthy lives in which they can enjoy a range of physical activities. The framework includes five core standards. Unit themes are focused on six Activity Categories: Outdoor Pursuits, Fitness, Dance & Rhythm, Individual-Performance Activities, Games & Sports, and Lifetime Activities. Specific health & fitness activities are taught within these categories.

This course introduces students to the field of computer science and the fundamentals of computer programming. Introduction to CS is specifically designed for students with no prior programming experience and touches upon a variety of fundamental topics. Students may choose to focus on a specific programming language or gain a wider exposure to computer science principles. This is an online course and students have the option of taking the following courses: Stanford CS101, Harvard CS50, Python Programming with Udacity, or Khan Academy CS.

Varies based on student interest.

Kinyarwanda lessons will allow our students to share ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others and help them to be integrated into Rwandan communities as well as to be open-minded, which refers to being receptive to other ideas and new experiences. Students will also learn about Rwandan culture, which encompasses codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, art, and music.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Students in this course will use various skills from these disciplines to solve real-world problems.

In Personal Finance class, we explore some of the fundamentals of personal finance. Topics include behavioral economics, banking, saving, and investing. We will use group activities, games, and case studies to examine influences, explore finance information, and learn how to make smart budgeting decisions.

Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations. Students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country in the classroom, with the goal of traveling to another country to engage with other students who represent their chosen countries in a much larger discussion/debate.

The intention of this course is to allow students the opportunity to engage in various styles and dimensions of language in its creative form. Students will draft, edit, and publish multiple creative writing pieces, including short stories, personal narratives, children’s storybooks, poetry, and prose. In addition to these creative pieces, students will publish a quarterly online magazine encompassing some of their final pieces.

High School Student Council: A group of students who self-select to represent high school government and to help plan activities (prom, sport tournaments, etc.) and, if needed, listen to student concerns on behalf of the student community.

Students will develop and practice the skills in research, collaboration, and communication that they will need in any academic discipline. Students will investigate topics in a variety of subject areas, write research-based essays, and design and give presentations both individually and as part of a team. Students will learn to read and analyze articles, studies, and other texts, how to gather and combine information from sources, how to view an issue from multiple perspectives, and to craft arguments based on evidence. AP Seminar is one of 2 courses needed as a foundation to complete the AP Capstone diploma.

AP Research students build on what they learned in AP Seminar to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students will design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question. Students learn how to conduct independent research, analyze sources and evidence, apply context and perspective, write a college-level academic paper, and finally present the findings to an audience. AP Research is one of 2 courses needed as a foundation to complete the AP Capstone diploma.

Service Learning is a one-semester course to introduce Grade 9 to Service Learning. It looks at different examples of service-learning projects that are direct service, indirect service and/or advocacy. The students also read the book 'Be a Changemaker,' which is the backbone of the course. It asks students to explore their own skills, passions and think of ways they can combine these into ventures that have an impact on their communities (local, national or global). This course is really about individual students and where they want to take their own learning as they develop as global citizens.