High School Diploma

Achieve your High School Diploma at CATS Boston
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High School Diploma Facts

Our High School Diploma program has been designed to suit your individual study needs and put you on the pathway to university or college success.

Ages:
14+

Grades:
8 – 12

Average Class Size:
14

Start Dates:
September or January start
available for Grades 8 – 11
September only start available 
for age 17+

Language Requirements:
IELTS 4.0+(or equivalent)

Entry Requirements:
All applicants must submit an application form. Domestic applicants need to provide academic transcripts from the last two years. International applicants must provide academic reports in or translated into English. All applicants take part in an interview with the Director of Admissions.

High School Diploma Overview

A High School Diploma is a North American academic school qualification awarded upon high school graduation. It is an internationally recognized level of educational achievement that gives you the ideal start for progression to one of the best universities or colleges in the U.S. It is studied over the course of four years, from Grade 9 to Grade 12. You can join CATS Academy for one year, or for all of the four years.

CATS Academy educates students from Grade 8. The Grade 8 curriculum is designed to pave the way for a firm grasp of the core subjects required to successfully complete the High School Diploma program. Students are also taught key study skills to launch them successfully into Grade 9.

The United States Education System: Your Pathway To Success

Grade 8
13+
Grade 9
14+
Grade 10
15+
Grade 11
16+
Grade 12
17+
Further Education
17+

Junior High School

Freshman

Sophmore

Junior

Senior

University | College

Postgrad Programs
– age 17+

Higher Education
– age 18+

Core Areas of Study

In each Grade you will study up to 5 core academic classes and 1 or 2 electives that you choose. Your core academic classes ensure that you meet the requirements to receive your High School Diploma and graduate from CATS Academy Boston.

Students will be expected to have completed the following in order to successfully graduate:

Choose Your Electives

You can select your electives from a wide range of subjects that will allow you to try new areas or develop a subject you enjoy or want to study at university or college. There are 90+ electives to choose from, including 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Your teachers will help you to select electives to ensure you make the right choices and are building a great profile for your university and college applications.

Questions about the High School Diploma

Our High School Diploma allows you to personalize your learning experience, letting you study a range of subjects and electives that give you a good base knowledge before you go on to study at college or university. All classes are taught in English and, with additional English language support, students are given the opportunity to develop strong English language skills.

The High School Diploma is ideal for all students aged 13 onwards looking for an American high school experience and an exceptional education. The program allows you to study a range of subjects and gives you the right preparation for achieving a place at a top university or college in the United States.

Each of your courses will be given a GPA (grade point average) and this is the calculated average of the grades you receive from your courses. The U.S. GPA is on a 4-point-scale, with 4.0 being the equivalent of an ‘A’.

At CATS Academy Boston we do not weight our GPAs based on the level of course you take, as we know that every university and college will look at your application and individually assess it against its own entry criteria. Our College Counselors make sure you have the best possible application and include our School Profile Document to ensure Admissions Advisors can easily assess your level of achievement.

Most students take either one or two electives however, high-performing and able students may be considered to take more electives. This is reviewed on an individual basis.

You must study up to 5 core academic classes and 1 elective in each grade. To graduate, you will be expected to have completed the following at minimum:

  • 4 years of English Literature
  • 1 year of the Arts
  • 3 years of World Languages (for all native English speakers)
  • 4 years of Mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
  • 3 years of Science (including 2 years of a lab science)
  • 3 years of Social Sciences/History (including one year of US History)
  • Up to 4 years of ESL (English as a Second Language) for non-native speakers

Student Success

+44 122 334 1300 admissions@catsboston.com
Find out about our fees, semester dates and admissions process
CATS Academy Boston
2024 - 2025