silicon valley international’s upper school reasons to choose 10
1 international baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) provides the framework for the Middle Years (MYP) and Diploma Programmes (DP) and is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education. The IB Programme also strives to develop Learner Profile attributes in students that contribute to their overall success academically and social-emotionally.
“The curiosity and ambition that was fostered by my teachers and peers while attending INTL has followed me in my actions that have led to leadership positions.”
- Calypso B. (INTL Alumni, ‘18)
2 college preparedness
INTL’s globally recognized IB Diploma opens the door to a world of possibilities. We strive to find the right individual path for each of our students. Regular college counselor meetings alongside rigorous college preparatory work help INTL students to attend their top choice universities anywhere in the world.
INTL students have been accepted into Stanford University
Northwestern University University of Edinburgh UCLA University of Washington University of Minnesota UC Davis UC Irvine ... and more.
3 individualized attention
The benefit of a small school is access to an individualized experience. INTL teachers take on a mentorship role to deliver the academic curriculum in a way each student learns best. INTL advisors also work with students on stress management and reduction, building community and cohesiveness, and provide an overall social support system for students. As a result of this one-of-a-kind environment, students obtain an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
4 global peers
INTL draws in a diverse range of students from many backgrounds and cultures, resulting in a unique global community. Students are engaged in challenging coursework alongside other individuals who share their passion for learning. INTL students expand their development beyond the classroom by understanding new global perspectives and building lifelong friendships.
“Doing
projects [at INTL] allowed me to collaborate with not only my classmates, but others around the globe.”
- Sasha R. (INTL Alumni, ‘23)
5 cultural experiences
While each of our language programs provides an immersive experience into the heritage and history of the target culture, our students also enjoy exploring the traditions and celebrations of their peers. These windows into diverse cultures are one of the many wonderful benefits of a bilingual, international education. Some of the cultural celebrations at INTL include but are not limited to, La Semaine du Goût (Taste Week), 農曆新年 (Lunar New Year), and Laternenfest. All target language programs are invited to these cultural celebrations, resulting in an experience that is uniquely INTL.
“I think having international exposure is particularly important. It is pretty critical and it’s very unique. I don’t think you find it in a lot of places.”
- Isla M. (INTL Alumni, ‘09)
6 learn through language
INTL offers a dynamic bilingual education that isn’t just about becoming fluent in two languages. More importantly, it is about learning through language. Every day, students immerse themselves in a rich multilingual and multicultural environment and develop the cultural literacy and communication skills they will inevitably need to thrive in an international setting.
7 compassionate faculty and staff
INTL teachers deliver the academic curriculum through a mentorship model. Advisors also work with students on stress management and reduction, building community and cohesiveness, and provide an overall social support system for students. INTL’s faculty and staff are committed to helping students to become resilient and healthy adults.
“You can build a really nice relationship with [the teachers at INTL]. You can trust in them, ask them anything, and learn through them. They are not just teachers, they are there if you need help.”
- Yara G. (INTL Alumni, ‘23)
8 dive deep into academic curriculum
At INTL, students are encouraged to pursue their passions through their academic work. Courses are divided into two to three units within a semester, allowing students to explore a topic in depth. Students also engage in projects that go beyond traditional curricula which include the Personal Project, the Theory of Knowledge, and the Extended Essay, a 4,000-word research essay in the IB Diploma Programme.
“In
the DP, I was able to go deep into the courses that I personally enjoyed. It was a really fun experience.”
- Tristan O. (INTL Alumni, ‘23)
9 flexible block scheduling
INTL’s High School uses flex periods placed strategically in students’ schedules to allow for academic revision, extension activities, clubs, and more. Each grade level has a different block schedule that is shared with students at the beginning of the semester and updated quarterly.
10 explore the world
Global citizenship and international awareness are at the heart of the Global Learning Program, which emphasizes collaboration, community involvement, and a sense of adventure. We encourage our students to be risk-takers, explore the diversity of our world, and develop the skills necessary to take on the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s world. INTL’s experiential learning and foreign exchange opportunities engage their curiosities and develop their international mindset.
“As a [young adult] in a new environment I was able to absorb a lot of the culture and expand my world view.”
- Maia C. (INTL Alumni, ‘12)
