High School (Cycle 7-8)

University Campus

High school students may follow the French Baccalaurate or the International Baccalaureate system, and attend courses at the DIS facilities on the University of Texas at Dallas campus in Richardson, Texas. Through our partnership with the University of Texas at Dallas:

• Our high school students take science, art and physical education classes using the state of the art laboratories, studios and sports facilities of the university.
• Our students who qualify are able to take university classes while still attending high school.
• Our students have access to college and career counseling services at UT Dallas.
• Our students are eligible for 10 annual scholarships created for DIS graduates to the University of Texas at Dallas.

10th Grade

The 10th grade is the beginning of the specialization which will be completed in 12th grade, thus preparing students for university where they will study almost exclusively the subject they have chosen. It is the time to reinforce or create the ability to work without guidance as well as the ability to organize rationally and efficiently one's work, abilities without which it would not be possible to succeed at university level. It is also the last year for general studies.

11th Grade

French Baccalaureate

In the French Baccalaureate system, students take classes according to a choice of specified study. Their choices are based upon personal interest, test scores, and recommendation of teachers. The three common programs of study in the French system are the ES Baccalaureate (economics and social sciences), the S Baccalaureate (science), and the L Baccalaureate (literature).

The different programs all contain the basic subjects such as mathematics, science, languages, and history/geography, but more hours are taken in some subjects than others with additional subjects being offered according to the different Baccalaureates.

• The ES Baccalaureate is the choice of students who are interested in economics, political and social science. Emphasis is placed on economic and social science, history, geography, and two languages besides French.
• The S Baccalaureate gives the student more hours of advanced mathematics, biology, geology, physics and chemistry.
• The L Baccalaureate is chosen by students pursing literary interests such as journalism or languages. In this area students take courses with special emphasis in philosophy, literature, languages, history and geography.

At the end of the eleventh grade, students take the first part of the Baccalaureate examinations, the "Epreuve anticipée de français" literally the "anticipated French test", which assesses whether their command of the French language is sufficient for them to undergo university studies. According to the program chosen, the 11th graders may take one or two other anticipated tests. The results of these tests are integrated into the French Baccalaureate test given at the end of the twelfth grade year.

At Dallas International School, the wide range of nationalities represented complements the teaching of history and geography. The students receive a first-hand introduction to the world thanks to their foreign peers, which facilitates the presentation and comprehension of historical and cultural concepts. Study is aimed at responding to their natural curiosity about the world around them and equipping them to play a responsible role in their future.

12th Grade

The 12th grade is both the end of secondary studies and a transition towards university. Knowledge and skills are assessed and if need be, reinforced and students are prepared for a completely different way of studying. Along the years, students have been nurtured, guided and supported by teachers who knew them well and worked with their parents to create a cozy, protected atmosphere. Now they must learn how to become completely autonomous, responsible and organized, making the most of their time and resources available.

The program at this level cumulates with the examinations that will award the students the French Baccalaureate Diploma. Acording to the program chosen, students must pass a series of examinations, both oral and written, in mathematics, geology, physics, chemistry, history/geography, English, Spanish, biology, economics, philosophy and physical education in order to receive the diploma.

Grading

The grading is based on an average of scores from each exam with the maximum being 20. To pass the Baccalaureate students must receive and average of 10/20 and students who score less than 8/20 fail. A second chance is given to students who score between 8 and 10 during an additional oral examination. The results of this exam and their school grades are considered by the examiners for the final Baccalaureate decision.

Honorable mentions are awarded to students who score above a 10:

• 12/20 - honorable mention of "assez bien"
• 14/20 - honorable mention of "bien"
• 16/20 - honorable mention of "très bien"

The French Baccalaureate Diploma opens the doors to universities in countries of the European Economic Community, Canada, and, of course, France (where many universities are free). American universities (especially Ivy League schools) recognize the French Baccalaureate and often award student's college credit equivalent to a full year of university study.