The curriculum
The US High School Diploma follows an American-style curriculum that offers flexibility and breadth of subject options. This American high school qualification opens the doors to universities anywhere in North America and is widely recognized by international universities worldwide. Students build their own schedule from a range of required and elective courses. Courses are available at different difficulty levels, and your Pathway Manager will help you make a selection that match your learning level and interests.
At EF Academy, university advising and preparation for the SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS are built into the US High School Diploma program. On successful completion of this program, graduates are awarded a US High School Diploma accredited by the State Department of Education.
8
subjects per year
30+
courses to choose from
The US High School Diploma is for you if:
Build your American high school schedule
Below is a sample of the courses available to US High School Diploma students at EF Academy. Download our curriculum to see the full list of courses on offer this year.
Language and literature
Explore a range of literary texts and language techniques for different purposes and audiences in your native or a fluent language.
English language and composition
English Literature
English language arts
World literature
Chinese
Vietnamese
Language acquisition
Get extra English support or learn an additional language to broaden your cultural horizons.
French
Spanish
Chinese
EAL Resource room
English as an additional language (EAL)
EAL Guided reading and writing
Humanities
Study relevant social, historical, geographical and cultural topics to expand your understanding of the world, past and present.
American history and culture
Business studies
Foundations of learning and knowledge (FOLK)
Global history and politics
The 20th century
World history, culture and geography
Sciences
Learn about our universe through the sciences and solidify your knowledge with hands-on experiments.
Biology
Combined science
Computer science
Chemistry
Environmental systems and societies
Physics
Mathematics
Develop reasoning and analytical thinking skills to become a better problem solver.
Algebra
Calculus
Fundamental math
Geometry
Pre-algebra
Pre-calculus
The Arts
Exercise your creative thinking and expression through a range of artistic media.
Art and design
Choir
Communication arts
Drama
Film
History of rock 'n' roll
Music
Songwriting
Course offerings are subject to change. For our current list of courses, download this year's US High School Diploma curriculum.
Enrichment curriculum
The US High School Diploma curriculum encompasses co-curricular learning as well as academic courses in order to educate the whole student.
Advisory
Regular, small group guidance meetings for academic support and personal guidance.
Organizational skills
Social and emotional development
Community-building
Creativity, Activity, Service
Involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies.
Creative expression
Physical activity
Service learning
Health and wellness
Developing a healthy lifestyle and mindset to live a balanced, fulfilling life.
Physical education
Mental wellbeing
Self-care
Graduate ready for university
As the most popular high school qualification in the US, the US High School Diploma is renowned for developing students into multitalented, resourceful graduates. At EF Academy, we complement the curriculum by assigning each student a University Advisor to provide personalized application advice, interview preparation and help highlight your strengths to universities.
Customize your high school program
Prep + US High School Diploma
If you have your heart set on enrolling in the US High School Diploma but are unsure of your English level, we offer a preparation course to equip you with the skills to succeed in this full-time program in English. Talk to our admissions team to find out more.
US High School Diploma + IB Courses
Students who wish to demonstrate a keen interest in certain subjects can add a selection of IB Courses to the US High School Diploma. With this combination, students receive IB certificates for each course completed and do not need to complete the IB Core.
FAQ - US High School Diploma
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about the US High School Diploma.