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The 3 Diploma Pathways
CIS Diploma with Full IB Diploma
The most rigorous pathway, for students in grades 11–12.
- Structure: 6 subjects (3 Higher Level, 3 Standard Level)
- Also includes: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS
- Exams: External IB exams each April/May
- Leads to: Advanced standing at universities across North America, Canada, Europe & beyond
CIS Diploma with IB Certificates
For students who want IB-level rigor without the full 6-subject commitment.
- Structure: Individual IB courses of the student's choice
- Assessment: Same external IB exams, official IB transcript issued
- Note: Not eligible for the full IB Diploma
- Leads to: Potential college credit per course
CIS Diploma
Our standard college-preparatory pathway.
- Structure: Minimum 24 credits over 4 years
- Accreditation: Middle States Association (MSA)
- Best for: Students who prefer CIS-designed courses over the IB curriculum
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Credit Requirements
| Subject | Required Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 (4 recommended) |
| Science | 3 (4 recommended) |
| Social Studies | 4 |
| World Language | 2 (4 recommended) |
| Physical Education & Health | 2 |
| Arts & Design | 2 |
| Electives (student's choice) | 4 |
| Total | 24 credits (8 full semesters) |
Additional Requirements Alongside Credits
- Satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay or a Senior Project
- Satisfactory completion of Theory of Knowledge (recommended)
- CAS / Service Learning completed each grade level
- A minimum of 85 community service hours before graduation (Grade 9: 15 hrs, Grade 10: 20 hrs, Grades 11 & 12: 25 hrs each)
Students who complete all standard graduation requirements plus maintain a B+ average, complete a ToK Essay or Extended Essay, take at least 2 IB Higher Level courses, and study a language other than English for 2 additional years graduate with Distinction.
Helpful Resources
A Year of Learning at a Glance Program of Studies High School Handbook
Grading Philosophy Explained
How We Grade
CIS doesn't calculate a GPA or rank students against each other. Grades reflect what your child actually understands and can do and not how they compare to classmates. Every grade is tied to the same clear standards across all subjects, so an A means the same thing in Math as it does in English. It's a system built around growth, not competition.