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AGES 14 TO 18

THE DAIS HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Our international High School program provides a springboard to outstanding colleges and universities around the world. Students progress through the American High School curriculum on to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which offer a university level of education, as well as A Level and Syracuse University dual enrollment courses. Challenging and academically rigorous, our programs create resilient, knowledgeable, and successful learners. 
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OUR AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND AP PROGRAM

High School at Dalian American International School is a dynamic and exciting time, where students enjoy an academically rigorous curriculum that prepares them for a successful college experience.

In a vibrant learning environment, our teachers stretch and challenge each student to fulfil their potential through our American High School curriculum. This sets them up for the challenge of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, A Levels, Syracuse University dual-enrollemnt courses, and Applied Studies opportunities.

Our AP programs are more challenging than typical High School curricula. As such, they are the perfect preparation for college and university. The number and difficulty of AP courses your child takes will play a significant role when a university assesses their academic level.
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A LEVEL COURSES

The A Level program at DAIS/Huamei builds on Nord Anglia Education’s global excellence, strengthened by regional education expertise in China and our experienced school leadership. We are the only NAE school worldwide to offer both AP and A Level pathways in high school.

We offer the following A Level subjects: Mathematics and Further Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Business, and Chinese. These subjects can be combined flexibly to meet common university entry requirements.

Our A Level program is fully aligned with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Renowned worldwide for its rigorous academic standards and global recognition, Cambridge A Level provides a well‑established and stable curriculum that emphasizes subject depth and the development of critical thinking skills. Examination results are widely accepted by leading universities across the UK, the United States, Australia, Canada, and Europe.

A Levels

STANDARDS-BASED GRADING AT OUR PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL IN DALIAN

We determine our High School students’ academic progress through a standards-based grading system. Our system reports on whether a student has mastered key knowledge and skills in each subject. Grades are based on academic factors only; non-academic factors such as attendance, behavior, effort, and responsibility aren’t considered.

At our international High School in Dalian, Grade Point Average (GPA) isn’t weighted. Only courses completed (excluding Applied Studies) are calculated as part of a student’s overall GPA. GPA is based on a 4.0 scale.
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A GUIDE TO OUR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM SUBJECTS

  • Mathematics
    Our Mathematics courses align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS), following accelerated benchmarks provided by CCSS. Designed to give students the best possible chance of success on our Advanced Placement courses, our Math program develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills beyond computation.
  • Science
    Science courses are subject specific and aligned to Next Generation Science Standards. Our program emphasizes laboratory skills, modeling, scientific inquiry, and data analysis, which students explore across different scientific areas. The curriculum sets our learners up for success on our Advanced Placement courses.
  • Social Studies
    Our skills-based Social Studies program aligns with the standards delineated by the National Council for History in Schools (NCHS). Social Studies courses at DAIS correlate to our English Language Arts program, creating connections across the subjects. Our meticulous American High School curriculum offers the best possible preparation for Advanced Placement courses.
  • Visual Arts
    Aligned to the National Standards for the Arts, our expansive Visual Arts program nurtures our students’ creative growth across a variety of mediums. Students also showcase their work at an annual Art Show held each spring. Building confidence and creativity, our American High School curriculum is the perfect stepping-stone to Advanced Placement courses.
  • Music
    Our Music program aligns with the National Standards for the Arts, enabling students to specialize in either instrumental or choral music. Our learners perform in at least one public concert each semester, with further performance opportunities offered every year.
  • English Language Arts
    Our English Language Arts curriculum is primarily skills-based. It connects to correlating Social Studies courses and aligns with Common Core State Standards. Our program refines our students’ high-level reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills through literary and/or non-fiction texts. Successful progression gives our students access to Advanced Placement English courses.
  • World Languages
    Aligned with American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards, our World Language courses focus on the five ‘Cs’ of language learning: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. Tapping into our local community and environment, our programs encourage learners to apply their language skills in real-world scenarios.
  • Physical and Health Education
    Our PE courses align with Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) National Standards. In addition to completing the credit requirement for PE, our students also complete a semester-long Health Education course.
Applied Studies

APPLIED STUDIES COURSES

Our project-based Applied Studies courses encourage creativity and critical thinking, as well as enabling students to pursue their passions. Learners choose from a wide range of courses at our international High School in Dalian, which include Drama, Government, Engineering and Product Design, and Video Production. Each course culminates in a final project that will have a positive impact on the school community.
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  • Secondary School

A TYPICAL DAY AT HIGH SCHOOL

Every day, we provide a breadth of opportunities for our High School students to develop their interpersonal skills and academic knowledge, which prepares them for a global future. 
High School Curriculum | Dalian American International School |Dalian Huamei School - 06 - Visual Timeline
Morning activity
Our students come together as they prepare for a busy day ahead. 
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Mixed lessons
Our students immerse themselves in two blocks of learning, either in our labs, specialist spaces, or flexible classrooms.
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Asian cuisine
Lunch break
Learners enjoy a healthy meal cooked by our onsite chef, whose menu has been devised by a dietician.
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House event
Advisory class
Extended advisory classes on Monday and Friday bring our community together, as students enjoy whole-school assemblies, house events, Character Counts activities, and more.
ADVISORY CLASSES
High School Curriculum | Dalian American International School |Dalian Huamei School - 06 - Visual Timeline
Further lessons
Our students' academic education continues, as they delve into a range of subjects.
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Athletics
Extra-curricular activities
A variety of After-School Activities give our learners the chance to develop their skills and pursue passions.
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Studying
Evening boarding
The day continues for our boarders, who benefit from guided study time before bed.
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HOW WE TEACH

REALIZING YOUR CHILD'S POTENTIAL

Our highly experienced international High School teachers belong to an elite group of professionals, who set the highest standards and work hard to stay at the cutting-edge of best practice. Their energy and expertise will inspire your child, ensuring they achieve their full potential.
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OUR FACILITIES

SPACES THAT WILL INSPIRE YOUR CHILD TO SHINE

Our modern campus has been expertly designed with our students’ education in mind, ensuring a calm, comfortable, and collaborative learning environment. In cutting-edge classrooms, outstanding sports facilities, and dedicated labs and art studios, your child’s talents will shine.
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Academics
A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION IN DALIAN

At Dalian American International School (DAIS), we’ll make sure your child has everything they need to learn, excel, and earn a place at a top college or university.

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