At Yantai International Academy (YIA), we are committed to providing a world-class education that blends academic excellence with a global perspective. Accredited by Cognia, our school offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for success in both local and international contexts. We take pride in fostering an environment where students grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally, with a focus on developing critical thinking, leadership, and a deep sense of global citizenship.
YlA students meet challenges and drive changes. The focus of the High School program is engaging them in authentic learning activities that equip them with the knowledge, skills, and creative and innovative thinking.
YIA believes that at the High School level, our students are leaders, and all our students are required to serve as part of the Student Council, on top of their rigorous academic program. We desire to cultivate in our students a heart to serve and through that heart of service, to lead.
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YIA is a place of workmanship. Each child is an individual with strengths, hopes, passions, and dreams. The curriculum provides focus in the classroom and purposeful interactions that teachers have with students throughout the day. This integrated approach is part of the school culture – teaching students to effectively communicate ideas, to address conflicts in a positive way, and to think beyond the obvious. Teachers and support staff work together to ensure every student’s learning is supported and challenged.
YIA offers an American-based curriculum based on the AERO standards, with an international focus, providing a solid foundation in both education and character. Our curriculum prepares students to achieve their goals and to impact their communities around the world.
As part of the iSC system of schools, the curriculum undergoes a review every five years. A thorough review process is conducted over a period of time in five stages. Each school year, two to three subject areas are reviewed at the iSC-China level. Selected individuals from all iSC- China schools participate in the curriculum review.
Graduation Requirements
24 units of high school credit are required for graduation. One-half credit is given for each full semester of a course successfully completed in grades 9 through 12. A failing grade does not earn any credit. The following credits must be earned towards graduation:
| Course | Number of Credits Required for 3-Year Program | Number of Credits Required for 4-Year Program |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts | 3 | 4 |
| Social Studies | 3 | 3 |
| Science | 3 | 3 |
| Math | 2 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 2 | 2 |
| Physical Education/Health | 1 | 2 |
| Fine Arts | 1 | 1 |
| College Preparatory | 1 | 2 |
| Electives | 1 | 2 |
| Total: | 18 | 24 |
Grading Scale
The standard grading scale for academic work in grades 6-12 is as follows:
| A+ | 98-100 | B+ | 88-89 | C+ | 78-79 | D+ | 68-69 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 93-97 | B | 83-87 | C | 73-77 | D | 63-67 |
| A- | 90-92 | B- | 80-82 | C- | 70-72 | D- | 60-62 |
| F | Below 60 |
Grade Point Average & Grading Scales
A grade point average (GPA) is derived for high school students by ascribing a point value to a letter grade as follows:
| A+ | 4.00 | B+ | 3.33 | C+ | 2.33 | D+ | 1.33 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.00 | B | 3.00 | C | 2.00 | D | 1.00 |
| A- | 3.66 | B- | 2.66 | C- | 1.66 | D- | 0.66 |
| F | Below 60 |
Students enrolled in AP courses will receive a weighted GPA of 0.66 points more for their letter grade of C- or above.
The high school program at YIA is designed to challenge students and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in higher education and beyond. Our curriculum is anchored in the belief that academic rigor, coupled with personal development, creates the foundation for success. By working closely with our team of dedicated, world-class teachers, students acquire the knowledge required in core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, while also learning essential tools for successful learning. We focus not just on what students learn, but also on how they learn—instilling in them critical skills such as time management, study proficiency, and confidence.
As part of our commitment to academic excellence, we offer Advanced Placement® (AP) courses both on-site and online. These courses are an integral part of our academic offering and provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. AP courses foster vital skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving, and are designed to challenge students to think analytically and creatively. They also prepare students for the rigorous demands of university education. Courses such as AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Macro- and Micro Economics, and AP Computer Science Principles, among others, allow our students to experience college-level coursework and develop the confidence and study habits that will serve them in the years to come.
A high school life at YIA is enriching and vibrant. Below is a sample schedule of a typical day in high school. Actual schedule will vary across grades.
| TIME | CLASS/ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| 8:00-8:10 | Advisory |
| 8:10-9:35 | Block 1 |
| 9:40-11:00 | Block 2 |
| 11:05-12:25 | Block 3 |
| 12:25-13:05 | Lunch |
| 13:05-13:40 | Block 4 |
| 13:45-14:25 | Block 5 |
| 14:30-15:10 | Block 6 |
| 15:15-16:45 | After-School Activities |
| 16:45-17:30 | Dinner |
| 17:30- 21:00 | Evening Study Hall |
Advisory program is a daily part of the schedule. The program seeks to ensure that every student is cared for and guided as well as to build relationships with a consistent set of peers and an advisor. The advisory group is made up of students across grade levels, so that students constantly have a group that they can build the connection with. Every morning, students meet for 10 minutes with their advisor, and they consider questions for their personal growth. Students are also encouraged to set personal goals for themselves, and the advisor checks in on those goals to ensure that students are on track.
From the 2019-2020 school year, YIA runs on a Bring-Your-Own-Device(BYOD) policy where students have access to their own personal laptops. Students are connected to Canvas, a Learning Management System in which students are assigned work and in which they use to submit their work electronically. Students also have access to Powerschool to check on current grades and graduation progress. We desire for our students to be prepared not only for High School but also for the world. As such, our learning environment is centered around authentic real-world tasks and requires a high degree of critical thinking and collaboration, together with high technological competence.
In the annual YIA Science Fair, students work on independent research of a science topic using the scientific method. Selecting a problem, making a hypothesis, conducting the experiment, collecting data, and giving the presentation allows students to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to becoming a scientist. This is essentially an opportunity to study any science topic that interests them.
Student leadership is a key focus of our program. We believe that every student has the potential to lead, and we actively cultivate these skills through various opportunities. Whether serving on the Student Council, taking part in career explorations, or leading service projects, students are encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and act responsibly. Leadership is not just about titles—it is about fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility, and helping students build the confidence to lead by example in school, at home, and in their communities.
YIA also places a strong emphasis on learning beyond lessons. We encourage students to be active participants in their educational journey, whether through sports, arts, or service learning. By offering a range of extracurricular activities, we ensure that students have the chance to grow physically, socially, and emotionally. Activities such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and swimming not only promote physical well-being but also teach teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. These activities become an integral part of their school experience, allowing students to connect with one another in meaningful ways.
SUPPORT
At YIA we understand all too well that living abroad and going to school away from home and old friends can be challenging for children of all ages. The difficulties they struggle with are not always visible or clearly expressed. If not addressed, this can affect their behavior as well as their academic performance. For many students, living in China makes it more difficult to choose the subjects and select the colleges that would fit their passions and skills.
COLLEGE & CAREER COUNSELING
College is an important stage in life, and we recognize that it is a stepping stone towards a bigger world. In order to best guide and prepare our students, YIA provides college counseling in a one-on-one setting. Our goal is to help each of them find a major that can best assist them for their future by exploring the different options. Moreover, through providing information on prestigious colleges across the world, we hope to help them narrow down the list of colleges they are aiming for and find the ones that best matches their goal. Our high school students’ academic performance and standardized testing grades will also be monitored regularly to encourage their improvement and help them equip with all the necessary criteria to become a stronger candidate. We also recognize the importance of the supports from parents, so we collaborate with parents to bring out the best outcome. Our goal is to foster students’ growth by providing them with all the options they have and help them bring out their best so they can thrive in life beyond YIA.
CO-CURRICULAR
The best learning is active and engaged. It can be found in ordinary places. Activities outside the classroom are not merely add-ons to the core curriculum. These activities energize students and help them to see the holistic connections between mind, body, and spirit. They are a continuous enrichment, a way to sustain and deepen learning.
At YIA we believe that co-curricular activities are an important part of education that extends beyond the classroom. Co-curricular activities provide motivation for learning, character building, physical growth and creativity while developing confidence and educating the whole child. Students are encouraged to participate and explore all opportunities that interest them. Students who are involved in Co-curricular opportunities become more invested in the school experience, therefore increasing the opportunity for higher academic performance and social well-being.
Athletics and Physical Development
Recognizing the importance of physical development in the overall growth of students, YIA offers a comprehensive athletics program. Our seasonal sports programs include basketball, volleyball, and soccer, where students not only engage in physical activity but also learn important life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and sportsmanship. Our athletics program is designed to foster a sense of community, with students, teachers, and parents coming together to support the teams and celebrate athletic achievement.
CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES
Public performance is a fantastic way for young learners to develop confidence and is an integral part of our program. Throughout the year, YIA students have the opportunity to showcase what they’re learning for peers and parents at seasonal performances in the fall, winter and spring.
CLUBS
After-school activities are a great tool in our aim to develop well-rounded students. The school sponsors a number of after-school activities that give High School students an opportunity to explore and excel in a particular sport, hobby, or area of interest.
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