High School

Grades 9 - 12

Welcome to the TIS High School!

In our high school, our teachers challenge students to become critical thinkers and expert communicators, while effectively differentiating instruction to various levels of behavioral and academic support. Students who wish to explore college-level academic subjects can choose from 17 different Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Furthermore, we welcome students that are interested in visual and performing arts to our many classrooms, music suite and auditorium to develop their talents and express their passions.

We welcome you to the high school division, where over 130 students are pursuing a four-year college-preparatory program of study.

Dr. Rico Corporal

High School Principal

Advanced Placement (AP)

At TIS, we are fully committed to each student’s academic and personal success and we believe that access to challenging and rigorous curriculum, such as the Advanced Placement® program, plays an important role in that success. We also know that taking an AP course helps students build critical thinking skills, confidence, and the essential time management and study skills needed for college success.

Our experienced AP teachers are fully trained and certified by the College Board, have full access to the latest AP resources and keep up with current information regarding AP. Not only are the trained to teach course content well but they also teach students the required skills to excel in their AP exams. This effective teaching method is reflected in that on average 90% of our students who took AP courses over the last 5 years have scored a 3 or higher.
 

AP Courses Offered

English: English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition
History and Social Sciences: European History, World History, United States History, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Psychology
Mathematics and Computer Science: Calculus AB, Statistics, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles
Science: Physics, Biology, Physics C: Mechanics
World languages: Chinese Language and Culture
Other: AP Seminar, & Research

AP Test Results

Our high school produces high functioning students with proven results.
For 2018-2019, 91% of our AP students scored 3+ compared to 55% globally.
2017-2018: TIS 93.8%, Globally 61.3%
2016-2017 TIS 92.7%, Globally 60.0%
2015-2016 TIS 90.5%, Globally 60.3%
2014-2015 TIS 90.7%, Globally 60.7%

AP Capstone Diploma

This challenging program helps students deepen their passion for learning, gives them greater confidence in their academic skills, and a broader perspective on their world.

We are proud that TIS is one of the leading schools in China offering this highly valued program.

Benefits of AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA

Earn Distinction – Stand out in the college admission process and have the opportunity to earn valuable college credit or placement
Acquire Critical Skills – Students acquire challenging college-level analysis, writing, and research skills that are increasingly valued by colleges
Choose what to study – Students choose their own research topic and study issues and topics of interest and importance to them

AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA: How it works

Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of your choice, will receive the AP Capstone DiplomaTM

College and Career Planning

College is an important stage in life, and we recognize that it is a stepping stone towards a bigger world. In order to best guide and prepare our students, TIS provides college counseling in a one-on-one setting in addition to a summative class. Our goal is to help each student determine a field of study that best prepares them for their future career. To achieve this goal, students are provided information from Universities all over the world. As so many University options exist, we personally assist students as they navigate their choices. In addition to University guidance, student progress is systematically monitored to encourage improvement in their academics and standardized assessments. As we individually assist each student, we are confident they will be well-prepared as strong university candidates.

University Planning Overview

Grade 10

Grade 10

Semester 1

  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test)
  • Register online for MyRoad

Semester 2

  • Review Stanford Achievement Test and PSAT scores
  • Plan world or community summer service projects
  • Plan junior year courses
  • Search for scholarships and financial aid

Grade 11

Grade 11

Semester 1

  • Schedule a pre-college planning session with the school counselor
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT
  • Attend a college fair at local schools and visit college websites
  • Take the SAT I (Reasoning Test), SAT II (Subject Tests) and ACT as necessary

Semester 2

  • Take a TOEFL prep class
  • Take the SAT I (Reasoning Test) and ACT as necessary
  • Use My College Quickstart.com
  • Search potential college websites
  • Target weak academic areas to focus on during summer
  • Obtain recommended reading for college preparation
  • Plan university campus visits

Grade 12

Grade 12

Semester 1

  • Review college transcript
  • Attend college fairs
  • Complete scholarship and financial aid applications
  • Complete college applications by Dec. 1
  • Take the SAT I (Reasoning Test), SAT II (Subject Tests), ACT and TOEFL as necessary

Semester 2

  • U.S. citizens file the FAFSA for financial aid (Available in January)
  • Confirm that colleges have received your 1st semester grades
  • Decide which college to attend

University List

University List

  • Boston University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Columbia University
  • Cooper Union
  • Cornell University
  • Duke University
  • Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne
  • Emory University
  • Fu Dan University
  • Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
  • Korea University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • New York University
  • Parsons School of Design
  • Seoul National University
  • Stanford University
  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • University of the Arts London
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Canberra
  • University of Hong Kong
  • Waseda University
  • Yale
  • Yonsei University

CO-CURRICULAR

At TIS, we believe that co-curricular activities are an important part of education that extends beyond the classroom. Co-curricular activities provide motivation for learning, character building, physical growth, and creativity while developing confidence and educating the whole child. Students who are involved in co-curricular opportunities become more invested in the school experience, therefore increasing the opportunity for higher academic performance and social well-being.
 
 

Model United Nations (MUN)

All high school students can take part in this club where students role-play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. By focusing on current day themes, students are given the opportunity to debate, and collaborate with their peers.

Throughout the year, students are able to participate in our school's TIANMUN and other MUN events such as MUNiSC and CISSMUN.

Student Council (STUCO)

Student Council exists to help develop student leaders to impact their peers in the TIS community. Student representatives are elected by their classmates to be a bridge between staff and students. The current StuCo Executives are Jessica Wang, DoYoon Lee, Stellen Li, and Emily Lee.

Drama

Students learn about being comfortable on stage through the development of speech, stage presence and confidence. Behind the scenes students learn the skills of set design, lighting, sound, even directing and stage management. The skills acquired culminates with students participating in two major drama productions each year.

FINE ARTS

The Art program is well developed to ensure that students can excel in their specific areas of skill. The beautiful art that graces our halls is a tribute to the talents that have been developed by our well-rounded teaching staff. Whether you are interested in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and much more, you will be able to develop that talent in our art department. One of the highlights of the year for the Arts department is the iSC Fine Arts Festival.

ATHLETICS

TIS has a fantastic athletics program that grows our students in the knowledge of the sport, and then teaches them how to compete at their highest levels.

In middle school, the students are given equal playing time in games and tournaments. The emphasis is on students learning the rules, skills, and strategies of the sports they are playing. We currently feature soccer, volleyball and basketball for the middle school.

Concerts & Performances

Performance is something that takes time and practice, and our excellent facility and instructors will help bring out the best in you. Our band program is masterfully designed to ensure commitment and professionalism, where students can learn and grow. The choir program is toned to bring out the best in students that have the gift of voice. Those seeking experience in drama, will find joy in participating in our school plays. Each of these areas provide a great experience for students as they gain confidence in performance.

Spring Trips

Each Spring, students are exposed to the land, culture, history, and people of China. We place a strong value on serving the Chinese community, and as such, students have specific service activities on this trips.

Science Fair

The TIS Science Fair is just one of the many ways that students are encouraged to flourish in the sciences - to ask questions and figure out solutions through the scientific process. In groups, they present their research in front of a qualified panel, who then critique the students' work. Groups who perform well have the opportunity to then participate at the iSC Science Fair.

VEX ROBOTICS

Each year, we host one of the premier Robotics competitions for secondary students, VEX Robotics. This competition provides an exciting way for students to engage and immerse themselves in STEM through the buildilng and programming of robots.

Ready to visit?

We would love to have you visit our school.