An overview of required and additional learning areas, instructional practice, assessment, AP courses, and electives.
Vermont International Academy's curriculum provides a college-preparatory education aligned with the structure of traditional American high schools.
Core departments establish broad academic foundations, while advanced and elective courses support particular interests. Students select courses with academic advisors in light of their goals.
Courses combine teacher guidance, independent study, assigned readings, written work, discussion, and formal evaluation. Students devote regular weekly time to coursework and learning activities.
Student performance is evaluated through complementary forms of assessment. Instructors record grades, which are documented on the student's official academic transcript.
Regular practice and reinforcement of course learning.
In-depth research and application of knowledge.
Frequent checks of knowledge and understanding.
Midterm and final assessments of course learning.
Culminating evaluations of achievement in each course.
Foundations of literature analysis and academic writing.
World literature and analytical writing.
Study of major American literary works.
Research writing and formal communication.
Introduction to algebraic reasoning.
Geometric relationships and proofs.
Advanced algebra and functions.
Preparation for calculus and trigonometry.
Limits and derivatives.
Cellular biology, genetics, and ecology.
Atomic structure and chemical reactions.
Motion, energy, and forces.
Environmental systems and sustainability.
Biology, medicine, and life-science investigations extend scientific inquiry into living systems and health-related questions.
Global civilizations and historical development.
American political and cultural development.
Microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Political systems and civic institutions.
The curriculum references Common Core and NGSS and adapts instruction to student needs. These areas extend the academic program; actual offerings vary by campus and academic year.
Language, geography, history, and political or civic studies connect the international curriculum with students' Chinese educational context.
Art, art history, music, and creative study support aesthetic development and broader university preparation.
Physical education, health, and environmental learning support balanced development alongside academic work.
Nature of Knowledge, research, project-based learning, and digital tools connect subject knowledge with inquiry and communication.
Language study develops academic literacy, intercultural understanding, and clear communication. Actual language offerings vary by campus and academic year.
Chinese language, culture, and academic literacy connect students' learning with their local and global contexts.
Spanish study develops practical communication and intercultural understanding.
French study builds language proficiency and familiarity with Francophone cultures.
English-language support, academic communication, and public speaking prepare students for English-medium learning and university study.
Advanced and interdisciplinary options allow students to extend core learning through research, technology, communication, business, and the arts. Actual offerings vary by campus and academic year.
Honors courses and advanced seminars in mathematics, sciences, computer science, and other core disciplines provide additional academic challenge.
AI literacy and scientific literacy connect responsible technology use, evidence, analysis, and interdisciplinary inquiry.
Project-based capstones, independent research, academic competitions, and seminars develop investigation, collaboration, and presentation skills.
Economics, management, marketing, and business practice introduce commercial reasoning and decision-making.
Expression, communication, new media, and media literacy develop clear, responsible, and effective communication.
Visual art, performance, and creative expression support artistic development and portfolio-ready project work.
These representative AP offerings span mathematics, computing, science, social science, language, and the arts. Actual availability varies by campus and academic year.
Advanced preparation in functions, trigonometry, and mathematical modeling.
An introduction to college-level differential and integral calculus.
Extended college-level calculus topics and applications.
Data analysis, statistical inference, and interpretation of evidence.
Programming, algorithms, and computational problem-solving.
Broad concepts in computing, data, algorithms, and digital innovation.
Algebra-based study of foundational principles in physics.
Calculus-based study of motion, forces, energy, and momentum.
Calculus-based study of electric and magnetic phenomena.
Advanced study of chemical principles, reactions, and inquiry.
In-depth study of biological systems, processes, and scientific investigation.
Analysis of environmental systems, interactions, and sustainability.
Study of individual economic decision-makers and markets.
Study of national economies, economic indicators, and policy.
Systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.
Development of analytical reading, evidence-based writing, and rhetorical skills.
Sustained investigation and portfolio development in two-dimensional design.
Study of artistic traditions, visual analysis, and historical context.
Students may choose elective courses to explore interests and deepen their knowledge. Elective offerings may vary by semester.
Programming, algorithms, and computational thinking.
Business fundamentals and venture planning.
Independent research and scientific inquiry.
Team dynamics, ethics, and leadership skills.