At International Academy of Flint (IAF), our goal is to prepare students for entry into the finest colleges and universities around the world and for a lifetime of continuous learning. Therefore, from age 5 through grade 12, all "eyes are on the prize." Obviously, a substantial portion of the college application process is anticipating the college application process. This may seem to be an unnecessary statement to make; however, academic institutions--especially independent schools--cannot presume that because post-secondary education sequentially follows secondary education, the curriculum, staff, students, and parents are likewise geared toward college and its application process. At International Academy of Flint, it is imperative to our educational system that we teach students and parents to anticipate the college application and acceptance process as early as upon entry to IAF. |
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Early Childhood - The first steps of learning
A high-quality, all day kindergarten encourages children to develop a healthy attitude toward education and prepares them for life-long learning.
Lower School, Grades 1-6 - A solid foundation
Young students thrive in an atmosphere of high expectations and ongoing emotional and academic support.
Upper School, Grades 7-12 - The Road to College
It is in the Upper School that the formal college- |
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preparatory training begins. Upper School curriculum offers a balance of coursework in the humanities, mathematics, and sciences. Students develop abstract reasoning and critical thinking skills. These higher-level thinking skills are considered vital to the learning process at IAF and are emphasized in all disciplines. IAF's core curriculum of math, English, and World Language (Spanish) automatically addresses many of the course requirements for most colleges, but we offer our students opportunities to look beyond their campus and into the community for ways they can contribute.
Our school offers organizational management, test taking strategies, time management and leadership training included in advising courses throughout the years. Quality arts, vocal and instrumental music offerings, varsity and junior varsity sports, clubs and activities to creating opportunities for developing well-rounded students.
Guidance
In addition, to our library of college catalogs and computer resources, IAF has formal classroom college preparation opportunities. Students begin early college-preparatory "thinking" in grade 7, but the formal advising begins in grade 8 during a weekly class in which students completed EDP (Educational Development Plans). In addition, in grade 9 they discuss where, geographically, they would like to attend college, how big or small the school should be, and whether or not they want sports, fraternities, performing arts, community service, etc. Grades 10 and 11 students take the ACT for a "dry run". SAT is also offered for those students who are considering going out of the Midwest for college. By the time they have completed their 12th grade year, our students have taken four years of English, math, world language (Spanish), three years of science and social studies, two years of visual and/or performing arts, two years of physical education, and two years of computer programming during their Upper School education. Many of our students take up to 5-6 years of sciences, as most colleges like to see that the applicant has taken a challenging course of study in high school and has attempted to "stretch him or herself."
Minimum Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from International Academy of Flint, students are required to obtain a minimum of 27 credits in grades 9 though 12. Following is a breakdown of course requirements and applicable credits. |
