International High School Viewbook

High School

Think internationally.

High School Viewbook

Why International?

Rooted in San Francisco and informed by a global perspective, International High School is the intellectual home for those seeking a world-class education and an inclusive, multicultural community. Our international education provides authentic, globally-minded learning experiences in and beyond the classroom. We inspire students to discover their individualities, explore their passions, and think internationally.

Our High School, with its baccalaureate programs, its many languages, and its multicultural, multilingual teachers from around the world, is a vibrant explosion of passions and interests where students excel.

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International High School

Dear Students, The high school years will shape how you see yourself and interact with the world around you.

If you are open-minded, creative, curious, and caring, you will thrive at International. You will experience a rigorous curriculum guided by engaged, supportive teachers who emphasize critical thinking. In the diverse community of our school, you will learn flexibility and develop cultural understanding, positioning yourself for a successful life as a global citizen.

Our students understand the importance of community. We celebrate the many differences within our school, and encourage our students to develop their own unique individualities during these very important years. At International, you will surround yourself with unique, interesting, and passionate people who will become your lifelong friends.

You will find no other school like International.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Joel Cohen High School Principal

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International High School

We Do Things Differently at International Whether you are earning world-renowned credentials in the International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalauréat, you will learn and grow in a culturally vibrant, dynamic environment that prepares you to pursue your passions at the best colleges and universities around the world.

Different types of students of flourish at International.

You can be outwardly confident or on the quiet side; but you must be excited to explore your passions and, on your best days, inspire your teachers and your peers. If you want to take risks, imagine, create, and question, you will be in the right place. If you want to challenge yourself—and your teachers—and engage in a rigorous curriculum embedded in a global perspective, alongside the most interesting, diverse, and sophisticated group of friends and classmates in the city, then you and International High School will be a great match.

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International High School

The Beginning of Your New Adventure

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At International you will find energy, excitement, and inclusion.

You will challenge yourself, work hard, and benefit from a community where the uniqueness of every individual is celebrated. You will discover new extracurricular passions and you will dive deeper into areas where you already excel. You may even boost your international mindedness by participating with your friends in a Global Travel adventure.

Your new adventure begins with an exhilarating three-day Freshman Retreat that includes dynamic team-building activities and camping under the stars. You will be invited to step beyond your comfort zone, tackling ropes courses, collaborative problem-solving activities, and adrenaline-filled white water rafting. The retreat rapidly establishes early friendships and binds the class together. When you return to school, your intellectual and extracurricular journey will begin.

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International High School

Grades 9 & 10

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Your core classes in 9th and 10th grade provide foundational skills and ensure that you explore widely while keeping your mind and options open.

For example, you will take all three sciences, study one or more modern languages, study geography as well as history, take a research and design class, and explore several arts electives. Your foundation classes may have conventional titles, but are not conventional in the sense that it is not what you will learn, but how you will learn. Our top priority for all of our students at International High School is to cultivate the simple and profound pleasure of learning.

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International High School

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High School Viewbook

Grades 11 & 12 The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a two-year, mini-degree program undertaken in 11th and 12th grade. Its blend of critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and education of the whole human being makes it the most comprehensive college preparatory program available in the world today. The IB experience makes young people smarter. It will shape how you think and change who you are—for the better.

Six Liberal Art Subjects All IB classes are in-depth, honors-level classes taught over two years. Your IB Diploma is highly customizable, giving you the opportunity to select six subjects unique to your interests. In choosing your subjects, you can emphasize your strengths and passions, and select classes that are novel and adventurous. You can further play to your strengths by selecting at least three of your chosen subjects at Higher Level for a more in-depth study, while maintaining varied studies with three subjects at Student Level.

At International, it is possible that your six IB subject teachers will be citizens of as many different countries.

Their enthusiasm and international perspectives will be infectious. You will develop working partnerships with each of your IB teachers in a collaborative learning

environment that resembles the first years of college.

Your teachers will encourage you to think critically as you acquire knowledge and build deep understanding.

As powerful as your combination of six core liberal arts subjects will be, they are only part of the IB experience.

You will also take a philosophy class named Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and complete a research thesis known as the Extended Essay (EE). The Diploma experience is rounded off with your personalized array of extracurricular activities known as your Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) profile.

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International High School

Personalizing the IB In the best liberal arts tradition, the IB menu is structured so every student must study literature, mathematics, at least one experimental science, at least one subject in the “individuals and societies” category, and a second language.

Each student’s IB profile is personalized and unique. In addition to selecting which classes to take in Higher Level (HL) or Student Level (SL), you can also choose from:

Theatre, Film, Music, or Visual Arts classes

Additional Language class

Additional Experimental Science courses

Highly original Extended Essay topic

Additional Individuals and Societies courses

Variety of extracurriculars to create a balanced Creativity, Action, Service profile

The Bilingual IB Diploma The Bilingual IB Diploma is awarded to successful students who have undertaken any combination of the following:

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• A second Literature or Language and Literature class • An academic subject taught in a second language • Extended Essay written in a second language

The Scientist

The Diplomat

The Artist

Focus on the sciences, technology, and math at the most advanced levels

Focus on economics and world history

Art and design emphasis with psychology

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Geography HL

1

Economics HL

1

Visual Art HL

2

Physics HL

2

Chinese Language HL

2

Design Technology HL

3

Math HL

3

History HL

3

Psychology HL

4

Chemistry HL

4

Biology SL

4

English Literature SL

5

English Literature SL

5

Math SL

5

Spanish Language SL

6

Spanish Language SL

6

English Literature SL

6

Math Studies SL

TOK

Exploring the nature of knowledge

TOK Exploring the nature of knowledge

TOK Exploring the nature of knowledge

EE

Investigating the bacteriostatic properties of salicylic acid on Escherichia coli

EE

EE

CAS

• Varsity Sailing

CAS • Varsity Soccer

• Saxophone in the Musical • Volunteering at St Martin de Porres House of Hospitality • Planning and organizing an official TEDx Conference at school

What was the impact of the Japanese occupation on independence in the Philippines 1942-1946?

• Lead role in Fall Play • Organizing a soccer

The evolution of gender roles in the Russian Ballet

CAS • San Francisco Ballet Level 6

• Choreographer

club for girls in Nuevo

for the musical

Progresso, Guatemala

• Volunteering at the California Pacific Medical Center

International High School

French Baccalauréat About a quarter of students at International High School choose to continue their studies in French and prepare for the French Baccalauréat (Bac). The Bac is an academically rigorous, two-year, pre-university program taught in French. It speaks volumes for the sheer excellence of the education in our French Track—and also the camaraderie and sense of belonging— that many of our highest performing students in the French Track come from families where French is not spoken at home.

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High School Viewbook

There is vibrant mingling between students in our French and International tracks. Together, you will attend the Freshman Retreat, try out for sports, travel across the world, audition for plays, organize clubs, and collaborate in student leadership roles. In the French Track, you could attend English Literature, Research and Design, Arts, and PE options alongside your friends in the International Track. In addition, if you are a bilingual student in the International Track, you can take additional academic subjects in French to fulfill your Bilingual IB Diploma requirements.

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International High School

Personalizing Le Bac After preparatory courses in 9th grade (Classe de 3ème) and 10th grade (Classe de 2nde), you are invited to customize your Bac, choosing combinations of subjects that reflect your strengths, future college aspirations, and passions. This will allow you to specialize your studies and delve more deeply into your curriculum.

In addition to your core subjects, you will also choose to complete:

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Interdisciplinary Research Project (TPE)

Spécialité to enhance your academic specialization

Philosophie

Optional IB English Literature or US History (in English)

Arts Option

Full Range of Extracurricular Activities

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The Humanitarian

The Environmentalist

The Journalist

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1

Philosophie

1

IB English Literature HL

2 Littérature Française

2

Histoire-Géographie

2

Littérature Française

3 Mathématiques

3

Mathématiques

3

Mathématiques

4 Histoire-Géographie

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Physique-Chimie

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Histoire AméricaineOption Internationale

5 Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre

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Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre

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Sciences Economiques et Sociales

6 Sciences Economiques et Sociales

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Mathématiques—Spécialité

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Sciences Economiques et Sociales—Spécialité

7 Espagnol Langue Vivante II

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Chinois—Langue Vivante II

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Italien Langue Vivante II

8 Éducation Physique

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Éducation Physique

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Éducation Physique

Option

Option

Option

Arts Plastiques— Option Facultative

Arts Plastiques— Option Facultative

Théâtre— Option Facultative

TPE

TPE

TPE

La propagation de la rougeole

Une nouvelle détection du diabète par polarisation de la lumière

Consommation— Les touristes Californiens en France

Activities

Activities

Activities

• Perform in “Songs for Senegal”

• Tutoring at Sanchez Elementary in

• Publicity for “Arts of

IB English Literature HL

• Varsity Badminton • Service Learning in Ethiopia

the Mission District

Fashion” show

• Student Council Vice President

• JV Soccer

• Bass player in several bands

• Lead Role in Student Directed One-Act Play

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International High School

Matriculation International High School students have a distinct advantage when applying to various schools, in part because colleges and universities appreciate the challenging nature and unique value of the International Baccalaureate and the French BaccalaurĂŠat Diplomas. Colleges know that International students come already prepared for the upper level thinking, sophisticated writing, global mindedness, and independent research skills that lie ahead.

Applying to colleges and universities appears complicated and daunting. In part, it is, but it is also a wonderful opportunity for self-examination and thoughtful planning. By beginning the process in 11th grade, and with advice and support from our College Counselors, the application process can be relatively smooth and free of worry.

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International High School

Travel Abroad We are called International for a reason. Every year, our students participate in unforgettable trips and exchanges all over the globe.

We offer a range of linguistic trips, exchange programs, scientific fieldwork explorations, and intense cultural adventures in far-flung places that incorporate meaningful service learning. Recent destinations have included China, Cuba, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, the Galapagos Islands, Guatemala, India, Italy, Malawi, Morocco, Peru, Senegal, Tahiti, Tanzania, Thailand, and Vietnam.

These unforgettable experiences, shared with friends yet deeply personal, are full of transformative learning moments that truly embody our school’s mission and values. They will provide extraordinary opportunities to enhance your globally-focused education outside of your classrooms and enrich your linguistic proficiency.

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High School Viewbook

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International High School

Action and Service Many different types of students flourish at International as there are a multitude of ways to be active in our school. Along your high school journey, you will learn many new things that may spark an interest in taking a leadership role.

Our students share their time, talents, and energies with others and become active, committed, and compassionate members of their local and international communities.

A great way to follow your passions and to have fun is to participate in student-led clubs, committees, and governance.

Examples of student groups include: Allies for Social Change, Gender & Sexuality Alliance, Men/Women of Color, Peer Counseling, Prom Committee, Service Learning Committee, Student Council, and TEDx.

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International High School

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Thriving Arts The arts are a vibrant, integral part of the International community and student life. You can explore a wide range of art activities from directing one-act plays to making short films, from painting murals to composing music. The Arts Program offers major musical performances, several music concerts and events, and art shows throughout the year.

With a black-box theater, a costume shop, and a fully-equipped workshop, our theater program invites you to develop your talents as an actor, writer, director, and designer. Our Arts Pavilion offers three large classroom-studio spaces where you can work in a variety of media ranging from oil paint to charcoal, photography to sculpture. Additionally, if you are interested in music, you can take advantage of our practice rooms and recording studio, preparing for year-round school performances, or rehearsing with your own student-led bands. And, with state-of-the-art computers, software, cameras, and sound equipment, you can write, shoot, and edit your own work in our film program. Your projects could include experimental pieces, animation projects, and traditional narrative work.

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International High School

Fall

Winter

Spring

• Cross Country

• Men’s Freshman,

• Badminton

• Sailing

Junior Varsity, and

• Men’s Baseball

• Men’s Junior Varsity

Varsity Basketball

• Sailing

and Varsity Soccer • Women’s Junior Varsity and Varsity Tennis • Women’s Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Volleyball

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• Women’s Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball • Club Skiing

• Women’s Varsity Soccer • Swimming • Men’s Junior Varsity and Varsity Tennis • Track & Field

High School Viewbook

Competitive Athletics Interscholastic athletics are a central part of life at International. From the novice to the college-bound athlete, student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in competitive team sports, building strong relationships with their teammates and developing healthy practices of mind, body, and character.

Athletics are fully integrated into our educational philosophy and experience. Our athletic program fosters a spirit of commitment, leadership, and sportsmanship, while honoring cultural diversity and gender equity. We want you to play because you love the game, value your teammates, and take pride in representing your school.

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International High School

Engaged Community Our bilingual curriculum truly comes alive in the daily learning interactions among teachers and students, and between school and families.

Our vibrant school culture is as much about smart, interesting people and their values as the curriculum itself.

In our classrooms, it is about our teachers taking pride in knowing every single student and all our families. Across the school, it’s about creating a welcoming community that brings together people from many backgrounds, cultures, and countries. From the outset, parents meet kindred spirits and, like their children, build lifelong friendships around the International experience.

At International, there are variety of opportunities for parents to volunteer and sustain our mission-driven programs.

Our parents’ support ensures that we continue to provide academic excellence and strong extracurricular opportunities to our lively, diverse community.

Volunteerism builds a proud, engaged community. Our parent volunteers can choose from many different roles with varying levels of commitment. All parents are part of our Parent Association, and we encourage them to chaperone a class party, lead admissions tours, or chair a fundraising event, among other opportunities. Getting involved in the school fosters friendships and creates a vibrant community for our families.

Giving from our community is essential to maintaining our standard of excellence. Participating in the Annual Fund is the most important way our parents can make a difference for their child and others. An enjoyable way for potential parents to get to know us and support our school is attending one of our community fundraising events. Our Cercle du Proviseur event in the fall recognizes our families that give at leadership levels, and our annual Auction in the spring semester provides a fun, semi-formal event to dine, dance, and bid in support of our school.

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International High School

Mission Statement

Guided by the principles of academic rigor and diversity, French American + International offers programs of study in French and English to prepare its graduates for a world in which the ability to think critically and to communicate across cultures is of paramount importance.

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Guidé par des principes de rigueur académique et de diversité, le Lycée International Franco-Américain propose des programmes en français et en anglais pour assurer la réussite de ses diplômés dans un monde dans lequel la pensée critique et la communication interculturelle seront déterminantes.

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International High School

Our Values Our international community brings together people from many backgrounds. Together we strive to create a shared culture that develops compassionate, confident, and principled people who will make the world better. We base our community on these values:

Notre communauté internationale rassemble des personnes de toutes origines. Ensemble, nous contribuons à créer une culture qui forme des êtres altruistes et déterminés. Dotés d’un sens moral, ils œuvrent à un monde meilleur.

Notre communauté repose sur les valeurs suivantes:

Integrity Intégrité We speak and act with honesty. We take responsibility for our actions and we meet our commitments.

Nous parlons et agissons avec honnêteté.

Nous assumons la responsabilité de nos actes et tenons nos engagements.

Respect We celebrate the dignity, shared humanity, and potential in everyone. We listen attentively, speak thoughtfully, and act with courtesy and kindness. We take care of ourselves, our community, and our environment.

Nous célébrons la dignité, l’humanité et le potentiel de tous. Nous écoutons attentivement et mesurons le poids de notre parole et de nos actes. Nous veillons à notre bien-être, à celui de notre communauté et de notre environnement.

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High School Viewbook

Inclusion We celebrate the diversity that defines our school, our community, and the world. We seek to understand one another and to appreciate differing perspectives. We act with empathy and compassion.

Nous célébrons la diversité qui caractérise notre école, notre communauté et le monde. Nous souhaitons nous comprendre et apprécier des perspectives différentes. Nous faisons preuve d’empathie et de compassion.

Collaboration We prize the benefits of working and learning together. We succeed through shared effort and by seeking excellence in ourselves and one another.

Nous comprenons la valeur du travail et de l’apprentissage collectif. Nous réussissons grâce à l’effort collectif et la recherche de l’excellence, pour nous-mêmes et les autres.

Curiosity Curiosité We are inquisitive about the world and our place in it, about ourselves, and about one another. We ask questions, take risks, and delight in discovery.

Nous regardons les autres etnous-mêmes avec curiosité. Nous interrogeons le monde et partons à sa découverte en prenant des risques.

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International High School

FAQs Do students need to speak French to enter the high school?

Does the IB Diploma somehow replace a regular high school diploma?

No No, students do not need to speak French or any other second language to enter the high school.

Students in the IB track can choose to start Chinese or French, or continue those or Arabic, Italian, or Spanish.

The IB Diploma does not replace a regular high school diploma. At International you get a recognized 8-semester transcript, with a regular GPA, and graduate with a regular high school Diploma. The big difference being that the course titles on your transcript look really good in the eyes of college admission, because you will be engaged in so many IB honors classes. Your IB Diploma will be in addition to your high school diploma.

Why should I receive a Baccalaureate diploma?

How are learning differences viewed at International?

1 The French BaccalaurĂŠat (Bac) diploma and International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma are considered among the most prestigious and rigorous programs in the world. They are both two-year mini degree programs that are among the best in preparing students for college and life beyond school. There are currently more than 900,000 IB students and 750,000 Bac students globally. International is proud to be the first IB Diploma school in San Francisco and the 4th IB Diploma School in the country. We have over 40 years of experience offering the IB.

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Learning differences are viewed as part of reaching and engaging every student in every class by our teachers. In fact, we want all students to be fully aware their own learning style. Under the guidance of our excellent Learning Specialist, we have many successful students who routinely receive extra time and other accommodations on exams, standardized tests as well as the final IB and French Bac examinations. We cannot dilute the work but we do offer great support.

How can I make friends in a freshman class that has “lifers” who already know each other?

Students arriving from our own 8th grade will be anxious to meet you. Many will approach you directly even on the first day and you will make new friends fast. These returning students grew up respecting and enjoying differences, and are interesting, open, and friendly. They love their school but, just like you, can’t wait to reinvent themselves in the exciting new social arena of high school.

Our students look after each other and really value individuality and eccentricity. The kinds of things considered cool at International include: asking the teacher tough questions in a seminar class, making a wild spirit day costume, delivering an elegant oral presentation, being on a winning team, starting up an original club, or writing—and performing live—your own alternative folk song.

Beginning second language

Fluent in French

What is the difference between the International Baccalaureate diploma and the French Baccalauréat diploma?

The French Baccalauréat is the diploma of choice for our students who are fluent in French, and feel completely at home in a French approach to teaching and learning. The International Baccalaureate is ideal for students who are just beginning second language studies, or would like to pursue an international track of classes. Both diplomas are considered among the most prestigious programs in the world, and offer students the opportunity to self-direct their learning and immerse themselves in challenging academic studies.

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