What is the American High School Diploma?
- The American High School Diploma is a North American academic school-leaving qualification awarded upon high school graduation. It is studied over 4 years, from grade 9 to grade 12, and is required for college admission and employment purposes.
How is the American High School Diploma different from the GED?
- The American High School Diploma is issued after completing high school educational requirements over 3-4 years. The GED is a set of four national tests taken after the age of 17, assessing reasoning in language and maths, and science and social studies knowledge. Universities and employers prefer a traditional high school diploma over the GED.
Is the American High School Diploma accepted in South Africa?
- Yes, the Advanced American High School Diploma is equivalent to Cambridge A levels matric or SA gr. 13. It is recognized by the South African Matriculation Board and USAF for university admission. Students will need matric exemption to study at a South African university.
What is a matriculation exemption and how do I obtain it?
- A matriculation exemption is a legal requirement for first-degree study at a South African university. Foreign students must have their school qualifications evaluated by the Matriculation Board to receive a certificate of exemption. South African students who did not pass the senior certificate with endorsement must apply for matriculation exemption through the Matriculation Board.
What are the graduation requirements for the American High School Diploma?
- To graduate, students must earn a total of 24 high school credits, complete a minimum of six credits, be enrolled and active in the program for at least twelve months, be at least 16 years of age, and meet all outstanding financial obligations.
Can I get credits for subjects that I have already studied in high school?
- Yes, credits earned while attending an accredited high school may be eligible for transfer. Only credits with a grade of C- or greater may be accepted. Simply submit your latest school report for review, and we’ll let you know the decision.
Is there a minimum age that a student can begin AHSD?
- Yes, the minimum age to start the American High School Diploma program is 14 years old. This age requirement ensures that students are academically and developmentally ready to handle the high school curriculum, providing them with the foundational knowledge and maturity needed to succeed in more advanced studies.
At what point can a student academically begin AHSD?
- Students will need to be able to demonstrate a full understanding of the required curriculum up to the beginning of Grade 9.
What courses are offered in the American High School Diploma program?
- The curriculum includes core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, Reading, History, and Social Studies, as well as courses in Foreign Languages, Music and Fine Arts, Health, Career and Technical fields.
How does the PRISM Diagnostics technology work?
- PRISM Diagnostics identifies gaps in each student’s background knowledge and provides custom personal instruction to fill these gaps, resulting in a tailored course experience for each student.
Are there different pathways to graduation in the American High School Diploma program?
- Yes, there are two graduation pathways: standard and honours. The honours pathway is more rigorous and recommended for students planning to apply to university. Note: We ONLY offer the Honours pathway.
How does the American High School Diploma compare to its British and South African equivalents?
- The American High School Diploma is highly flexible and comparable to the Cambridge A levels matric or SA gr. 13, making it a viable option for students aiming for international education or career opportunities.
What support is available for students throughout the program?
- Students have access to academic advisors, tutoring services, and online resources to help them succeed. Teachers are available for personalized instruction and support as needed.
Can students participate in extracurricular activities?
- Yes, students can participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and arts programs, depending on the offerings of the online school or local community.
How do students take exams and submit assignments?
- Exams and assignments are typically submitted online through the school’s learning management system. Some exams may require proctoring, which can be done virtually or at approved testing centres.
