High School

9th through 12th Grade
Ages 14-18

Success and Opportunities

Our high school program is designed to connect students to university-level success and opportunities. Teachers create environments that enhance learning, accelerate achievement, and develop the critical thinking necessary for success in universities and beyond.

Research shows teacher-student relationships have the most significant impact on student learning. Every high school student belongs to a small advisory group, with an advisor to discuss and solve learning issues and to set goals.

Additionally, ISQ offers 17 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the AP Capstone Diploma program covers a wide array of topics for students pursuing university-level academic courses. This gives them an advantage when applying to colleges and universities around the world.

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3.73

The Class of 2020 had an average GPA of 3.73

15+

Over 15 student-led clubs all year

45%

Out of our 60 highly qualified education staff, 45% of our educators hold a master's degree or higher.

Curriculum

Our balanced approach to education means engaging a student's mind, heart, and body through exceptional academics and a wide range of activities.

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English Language Arts

English Language Arts curriculum focuses on reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language foundations. We offer English I-IV, AP Language, AP Literature, AP Seminar, and AP Research.

Mathematics

Mathematics courses are created to meet the needs of students who have varying backgrounds, interests, and career goals. We offer Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, Advanced Calculus, and AP Statistics.

Physical Education

Students acquire lifelong healthy skills and knowledge through health and physical education courses. These courses cover broad personal health topics, the interconnectedness of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual health, as well as necessary skills in various sports.

Social Studies

Students develop skills in historical analysis, economic principles, respectful critique, and learn about recurring themes in societies throughout time. Our social studies curriculum offers Modern World History, AP World History, Economics, AP Economics, AP Comparative Government, Contemporary History, CSI (Culture, Society, Identity), Government, and AP Geography.

Philosophy

Philosophy at ISQ exposes students to various philosophies, ethical issues, worldviews, and guides students to research, articulate, and defend their personal worldview. Students will take Introduction to Philosophy, Applied Ethics, Worldview and Popular Culture, Advanced Philosophy, and Worldview Survey and Development.

Science

Science courses offer a wide variety of scientific disciplines which develop students' skills to become scientifically literate. Students can choose from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles.

Chinese

Whether students are beginning Chinese or continuing their mastery, we offer expansive Chinese classes. ISQ has six levels of core Chinese, AP Chinese, and Honors Chinese for Native Speakers.

Fine Arts

With a history of remarkable teachers, the students in our visual and performing arts programs have flourished, establishing our programs amongst the most vibrant in the region. Students can take Introduction to Art, Advanced Art, AP Studio Art, Choir, Band, Fundamentals of Performing Arts, and Movie Production.

Counseling

Whether your child is transitioning into ISQ or moving onto university, our counselors are there for our students to guide and support them.

Counseling Support

Socio-Emotional Counselors support the learning environment nurturing healthy relationships and personal wellbeing. In classes and groups, socio-emotional counselors teach, meet with students and families individually, and educate our parents and teachers on how to support and address a variety of issues.

University Services

At ISQ we seek to prepare students for life after high school. Beyond preparing students for university, we provide career counseling services to help students consider potential future career paths.

For all high school students, we offer grade-specific support throughout the year by creating awareness of universities and careers and assisting with researching university choices and preparing university applications. Our students also receive advice from alumni and information from university representatives. Our university guidance counselor is always happy to meet with parents and students to discuss progress toward graduation and future plans.

ISQ University Planning Overview

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Grade 9 Guidance

• Grade-level meetings with the university guidance counselor
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT
• Explore extra-curricular interests (sports, clubs, service, etc.)
• Use BridgeU to learn about universities choices
• Make a list of activities and awards from this year

Grade 10 Guidance

• Grade-level meetings with the university guidance counselor
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT
• Explore and commit to extra-curricular activities (sports, clubs, service, etc.)
• Begin visiting potential college websites
• Use BridgeU to learn about university choices
• Make a list of activities and awards from this year

Grade 11 Guidance

• Grade-level meetings with the university guidance counselor
• Parent and student meetings with university guidance counselor
• Study and take the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL as necessary
• Plan campus visits or attend virtual fairs
• Use BridgeU to create a diverse list of prospective universities
• Review progress toward graduation
• Begin writing college application essays
• Ask for teacher recommendation letters
• Complete involvement list for activities and awards in Grades 9-11

Grade 12 Guidance

• One-on-one meetings with the university guidance counselor to discuss future plans
• Review transcript
• Complete self-assessment tests on BridgeU
• Study and take the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL as necessary
• Finalize application list, essay(s), and involvement list
• Decide on submission strategy if applicable (e.g., early, regular)
• Submit university applications at least one week prior to stated deadline (see university websites)
• Send official test scores to colleges as requested (SAT, ACT, TOEFL)
• U.S. citizens complete financial aid applications. For federal aid submit the FAFSA. For institutional aid the CSS Profile may be required. (Both usually open on October 1 and should be completed as soon as possible.)
• Decide which university to attend

Ready, Set, Succeed

Over 400 high school students have graduated from ISQ to live out their values and reach their dreams. Check out where our alumni have been accepted and attended as of 2020.

Passions Ignited

Athletics and activities at International School of Qingdao are where students can discover and express their passions, leveraging and complementing what they've learned in our core subjects.

High school students can compete in four different sports teams, be a part of several electives from numerous offerings, perform in concerts and participate in other events throughout the school year, and go on week-long excursions to serve others and be immersed in different parts of China.

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