Required for the American Diploma:

  • Eight semesters [or the equivalent] of academic work beyond grade 8;
  • Earning a minimum of 24 credits;
  • Completion of a minimum of three IB courses; and
  • Completion of external IBDP examinations in registered IB courses.

Specific credit requirements for the American Diploma, earned in grades 9-12, include those prescribed below:
  • English (4.0 credits)
  • World Language (3.0)
  • Mathematics (3.0 credits)
  • Social Studies (3.0 credits)
  • Science (3.0 credits)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (1.5 credits)
  • Physical Education (1.5 credits)
  • Health (0.5 credits)

Core Seminar for Juniors and Seniors
The Core Seminar is required for all students in both semesters of 11th grade and 12th grade. It is a joint venture between the IB Programme and Counseling Department, designed to ensure Graded students are best prepared for success during the IB, university research and application process, and life beyond high school.  The purpose of the seminar is to deliver counseling, college & career information as well as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity & Service course content.  Through the seminar, students will receive group and individual support from the TOK teachers, IB Coordinator, CAS & EE Coordinator and Counselors to further their thinking, organizational, time management, communication and research skills. Non IB Diploma students are required to attend the Counseling portions of the Seminar and will be given independent study time when the TOK, Extended Essay and CAS activities are presented.

Community Building Time
The High School Community Building program supports all high school students through a series of activities focusing on intrapersonal/interpersonal skills, character development, and collaborative activities to build a sense of community and encourage students to see themselves as part of our larger world. All students are scheduled for a 30-minute FLEX/Community Time block each day at 11:05. Attendance is mandatory.

Multiple Language Requirement
The following world language requirements apply:
  • While enrolled in the high school, students must study a language in addition to English. Portuguese, French, or Spanish may fulfill this requirement. Exceptions must be approved by the high school Administration.
  • Two years of study of the same world language (e.g., Portuguese, French, or Spanish at the Novice, Intermediate level) and/or an equivalent proficiency approved by Graded in another language is required.
  • Students enrolled in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program and students with a documented language disability may be exempted from studying a language other than English.
Dropping or Adding Courses
Changes in a student’s schedule of classes must be made in consultation with the Counseling Office and IB coordinator and/or with the high school principal. Returning students make course selections in the previous school year. Student-initiated changes may only be made during the first two weeks at the beginning of the first semester and during the first week of the second semester. Teacher-initiated course change requests follow a detailed process that Counselors can share with students should a student be identified by a teacher. Withdrawal and additions will be made based on need, feasibility, and availability. Courses that are dropped after the two week grace period are noted as “W” (Withdrawn) on the student’s transcript except if moving from HL to SL.