By Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
The American curriculum follows the US K–12 model: Elementary, Middle and High School, leading to a US High School Diploma at 18. Many schools layer Advanced Placement (AP) courses on top in the final years, which act like one-off college-level papers. It's the curriculum used by the largest number of American international schools and is recognised globally for university entry — particularly in the US.
The learning pathway
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Grades K–5
Elementary School
Ages 5–11. Broad, thematic primary teaching across English, maths, science, social studies, arts and PE. Class teachers deliver most subjects. Continuous assessment; standardised testing varies by state.
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Grades 6–8
Middle School
Students move between subject teachers. The curriculum broadens to include electives, and students begin developing independent study habits ahead of the demands of high school.
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Grades 9–12
High School
Students earn credits across required and elective subjects. They may take Advanced Placement (AP) courses — college-level classes with external exams — strengthening university applications. The SAT or ACT is typically taken in Grades 11–12.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
AP courses are the American curriculum's equivalent of advanced study. Students take college-level classes in subjects of their choice and sit external exams scored 1–5. High AP scores (typically 4 or 5) may earn university course credits or advanced standing at US institutions and many universities internationally.
GPA and transcripts
Students accumulate course credits across high school, graded on a 4.0 GPA scale (with weighted GPAs going higher when AP or honours classes are included). University applications include the full four-year transcript, teacher recommendations, extracurriculars and standardised test scores. Many universities are now test-optional, but strong test scores still help competitive applications.
Is American right for your child?
It tends to suit families who…
- •Are targeting US universities or colleges
- •Want a broad, flexible high school education
- •Value extracurricular activities in school life
- •Are relocating within the Americas
- •Want their child to delay specialisation
It may be less ideal if…
- •You're targeting UK or European universities primarily
- •Your child is strong in specific subjects and wants depth
- •The SAT/ACT standardised testing is a concern
- •Local accreditation of the High School Diploma is uncertain
Common questions
FAQs about the American curriculum
Do non-US universities accept the American High School Diploma?
Yes, but most non-US universities expect APs or SAT/ACT scores alongside the diploma. A diploma alone (without APs or strong test scores) is sometimes considered weaker than A-Levels or IB for entry to competitive UK universities.
What's a good GPA for university applications?
A 3.5+ unweighted GPA is solid for most US universities; competitive ones expect 3.7+. Weighted GPAs (which add bonus points for AP/honours classes) often go above 4.0.
How is AP different from the SAT?
APs are subject-specific year-long courses taken alongside high school classes, with an end-of-year exam. The SAT is a one-day standardised test covering reading, writing and maths. Both feed into a strong US university application.
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