A Diploma That Shapes the Future
At Surval, the American High School Diploma is more than a certificate—it’s a flexible, credit-based journey that equips students with both academic qualifications and a personal roadmap for success.
Accredited by Cognia, this programme builds on continuous assessment, tailored learning, and collegiate-level rigour to set students up for entry into leading universities worldwide.
Foundation Year (Age 12+)
A strong academic and language foundation
High School Diploma (Ages 13–18)
A flexible, credit-based American curriculum
Advanced Placements (Ages 16–18)
University-level courses offering academic challenge and distinction
Foundation Year (age12+)
The Foundation Year provides an excellent preparation for entry into the High School Diploma. Students follow a broad curriculum including Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Global Perspectives and Art, alongside Cookery, Etiquette and Sport. A strong focus on English language development supports international students, while French is introduced as part of the programme, with the option to study additional languages. For students requiring further support, a two-year Foundation pathway offers intensive English learning with gradual integration into the full academic curriculum.
The High School Diploma (ages 13 – 18)
Surval’s American High School Diploma is accredited according to California standards by Cognia and offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. The programme is designed to meet — and exceed — university entrance requirements, while allowing students the flexibility to tailor their studies.
Core subjects
All students study:
- English
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- French
- Social Studies, including History and Global Perspectives
Personalised learning and electives
A defining feature of the Surval experience is the ability for each student to shape her own learning journey. Through small class sizes and a highly personalised approach, lessons are delivered in a tutorial style, allowing teachers to adapt to each student’s pace, strengths and ambitions. Beyond the core curriculum, students can personalise their timetable through a wide range of electives, designed to enrich learning and encourage exploration.
Electives include:
- Arts and Culinary Arts
- Language Enrichment
- Sports and Wellbeing
- The Surval Service Award
- Academic preparation, including SAT, IELTS and TOEFL
Students are encouraged to explore new interests and even propose new activities, reflecting Surval’s flexible and responsive approach to education.
Graduate at Surval
To graduate, students must earn at least 24 credits over four years, of which 18 must be from core academic subjects. Expanded participation often leads to 28+ credits by Grade 12.
Advanced placements (ages 16–18)
Students in Grades 11 and 12 have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses — internationally recognised, university-level qualifications. These courses allow students to challenge themselves academically and strengthen their university applications.
Current AP options include:
- Calculus
- English Literature & Composition
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- European History
- Modern World History
- French Language & Culture
Students may take up to five AP courses across Grades 11 and 12.
Learning and growing; beyond the curriculum
Academic study at Surval is complemented by a rich array of enrichment opportunities:
- Language support (e.g., Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, DELF)
- Tutorial masterclasses focused on personal, social, and health development
- Careers and University Counselling (including one-on-one guidance, guest speaker series, and structured application preparation)
Student Voices
"This year I learned so many things, but the things that will help me most in life are how to appreciate other cultures and how to step out of my comfort zone."
Regina, Mexico, Grade 9, 2021–22
Why Choose the American High School Diploma at Surval?
- Accredited by Cognia, validated for global university readiness.
- Flexible and Credit-Based, allowing students to join mid-way and tailor their learning.
- Rigorous yet Supportive, with AP options offering stretch in a nurturing environment.
- Holistic Learning, blending academics with personal development and cultural fluency.
- University-Ready, thanks to counselling and exam preparation embedded in the programme.