As families consider post-secondary options for their children, many ask which programme best prepares students for the challenges of university and beyond.

Students can choose the pathway that best aligns with their goals, strengths and future aspirations.

Option 1: The IB Diploma Pathway (IBDP)

The IB Diploma Programme is the world’s leading pre-university qualification broad, balanced and academically challenging. Over two years, students study six subjects and complete the core requirements:

• Extended Essay (EE)
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

They graduate with:

• The internationally recognised IB Diploma
• A WASC-accredited CIS High School Diploma

CIS IBDP graduates consistently outperform global averages and gain admission to top universities worldwide, including the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.

Option 2: The Extended Pathway (IB + AP + Accredited Courses)

The Extended Pathway offers flexibility for students who want a customised pre-university experience while retaining the academic rigour of IB and AP coursework.

Both IB and AP are widely recognised by universities worldwide. Together, they offer students multiple advantages in admissions. The IB Diploma demonstrates strong academic discipline, research skills, and balance across subjects, while AP courses showcase subject-specific mastery. Similar to IB Higher level courses, universities may grant credit or advanced placement for high AP scores, giving students the opportunity to save on tuition or take higher-level universities courses earlier in their programme.

Students can combine:

• IB Diploma courses
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses
• Accredited online high school electives

This pathway allows students to:

• Specialise in areas of strength or passion
• Prepare strategically for specific university programmes
• Balance academics with elite athletics, arts portfolios or other commitments

Graduates earn a WASC-accredited High School Diploma, recognised by universities worldwide.