High School

Moving confidently towards a bright future

High School (Grades 9 through 12) marks the end of students’ school journey. These are years of personal and academical growth, as students keep being challenged in their classes, but also start making plans for their future studies.

As an American School, CAISL offers all its graduating students the American High School Diploma, recognizing not only their academic achievements, but also their qualities as young citizens.

In Grades 11 and 12, CAISL also offers students the possibility to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, together with the High School Diploma. About 80% of our students choose to do both, challenging themselves with high level classes and external assessments.

With both diplomas, CAISL students enter Universities worldwide, most of them going to the US or the UK or staying in Portugal.
These all-important decisions are closely supported by our college counselors, who provide students and families guidance through the complex array of post-secondary education options available.

High Schoolers also participate in exciting programs such as Model United Nations, the National Honor Society and the Tri M Musical Honor Society, along with many other exciting opportunities in community service, arts and athletics.
By the end of Grade 12, students graduate confident and positive young adults, and learners for life.

Differences between the two Diplomas CAISL offers

Program Options

American High School Diploma	International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Fulfilment of the High School Diploma Graduation Requirements to study core academic areas while encouraging student pursuit of individual interest including the creative and performing arts design, information technology, and sports, both curricular and extracurricular.	Prescribes 6 areas of study and very little deviation is permitted.
Completion of a Graduation Project.	Completion of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, Extended Essay and CAS are required.
Courses are taken within each academic year to fulfil the Graduation Requirements; students may take different subjects in Grade 11 and Grade 12.	Courses are based on a two-year curriculum and changes are permitted within the first 2 months of Grade 11.
Assessment of student work, including end-of-course (exams) is done by CAISL Teachers.	Student work submitted for the IB Diploma is “moderated” by IB Examiners (not CAISL teachers). In May of the 2nd year of the program, students take exams which are written by the IB Organization and assessed by IB Examiners.

Regarding University Admission

American High School Diploma	International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Accepted as valid Secondary qualifications for university entrance in most countries.	Accepted as valid Secondary qualifications for university entrance in most countries.
Accepted at all Universities in the USA; if entry into a highly competitive university is sought and the IBDP was available to the student, the student will need to explain why he/she did not pursue the additional qualification.	Accepted at all Universities in the USA and with high enough scores may result in ‘advanced standing” (being exempt from some requirements or awarded college credit).
Accepted by UK universities but it is essential to confirm with each university how the HSD grades are assessed.	Accepted by UK universities as there is an established table for grade conversions.
Accepted by Portuguese universities, AP Exams or the Portuguese Provas must also be taken; CAISL is licensed by the Portuguese Ministry of Education to issue an American HS Diploma.	Accepted by Portuguese universities.
Accepted by most other countries although it is vital to check the specific country requirements well in advance.	Accepted by most other countries although it is vital to check the specific country requirements well in advance.

Graduation Requirements

American High School Diploma	International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
To earn credit for the High School Diploma, the student must meet all of the requirements for successful completion as set and assessed by the CAISL teacher and monitored by the High School Coordinator and the Secondary Principal.	Students pursuing the IB Diploma must meet the requirements for the High School Diploma and, in addition, submit IB-required assignments for moderation or assessment to the IB Organization, which will determine the final score and whether or not the student earns the IB Diploma. (For additional information on the IB Diploma Program, see the CAISL IB Diploma Program Handbook.)

Every day is a promising one in High School.

Photo of student throwing a basketball into the basket

Resources

High School Curriculum Overview

First page of the PDF file: CO_High_School_rev

IB Handbook for Students and Parents

High School Student Parent Handbook

First page of the PDF file: High_School_Handbook_FINAL

First page of the PDF file: HS_Essentials_of_Student_Conduct

Curriculum Frameworks and Performance Indicators

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Puzzle piece representing Foundations of Portuguese

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In This Section

High School

Moving confidently towards a bright future

Differences between the two Diplomas CAISL offers

Program Options

Regarding University Admission

Graduation Requirements

Resources

Curriculum Frameworks and Performance Indicators

In This Section

VHS Online

Standardized Testing Results

High School Exam Scores

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