Curriculum
Although YIS has a non-selective admission policy, our high school programs provide academic rigor, balance and challenge. Students in grades 9 and 10 complete the IB Middle Years Program (MYP), while we offer the the IB Diploma Program (DP) in grades 11 and 12. Well over 90% of students take on the full diploma, while some students pursue IBDP courses and a few opt for YIS high school diploma credit.
Subjects and Courses
Students in grades 9 and 10 take MYP courses in the arts, design, English, mathematics, modern languages, physical education, science and the social sciences. In grades 11 and 12, students can choose courses in six subject areas (Language A, Language B, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts) as well as the core DP curriculum requirements of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).
Beyond the Classroom
Learning opportunities beyond the classroom, including a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, field trips and expeditions, and service programs, complement and extend the taught curriculum.
Graduation Requirements
All YIS high school students must fulfill the following graduation requirements regardless of any external examinations taken. One (1) credit is awarded for a course in which the student receives a passing grade and which meets four or more times a week for a full year of study. It should be noted that students who attend grades 9-12 at YIS typically earn at least two more credits than the number mandated for the YIS High School Diploma. Students transferring to YIS mid-way through grade 9 or later may receive credit for equivalent courses at other schools or have certain requirements waived with the approval of the head of academics.
To receive a YIS High School Diploma, 23 credits must be earned over grades 9 - 12, distributed as follows:
| Subject | Credits |
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Modern Languages | 3 |
| Science | 3 |
| Social Sciences | 3 |
| Physical Education | 3 |
| The Arts | 2 |
| Theory of Knowledge | 1 (over 3 semesters in Gr. 11 & 12) |
| Design | 1 |
In addition, students must:
- Show a sustained commitment to service over grades 11 and 12.
- Complete a senior research paper (on an academic topic of the student’s choice) by the end of the first semester of grade 12. (Note: The DP Extended Essay satisfies this requirement.)
- Meet the requirements to earn a Global Citizen Certificate.
Three Diploma Options
All high school students completing grade 12 at YIS and satisfying graduation requirements receive a YIS High School Diploma. In addition, those students who fulfill the examination and other requirements of the IB Diploma Program receive an IB Diploma. Although the great majority of grade 11 students at YIS choose to pursue the full IB diploma, some students may elect to pursue DP subject-specific certificates.
There is a third graduation credential that students may opt to pursue. The YIS Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) is a unique recognition that YIS graduates can gain in addition to the IB Diploma and YIS high school diploma. The GCD aims to complement the academic rigor of the DP by recognizing a student's whole education and accomplishments -learning that has taken place in the classroom, within the larger context of the school, and in the world beyond. Learn more about the GCD here.