Curricular Goals
The program aims to:
- Prepare students to work within an American educational environment and enter an American course of study.
- Acclimatize students to the teaching methods and practices of American instructors.
- Practice English skills within academic content areas in preparation for immersion in the American curriculum.
- Acquire knowledge in Chinese studies including the academic content areas by learning Chinese-grammar, art and culture.
Courses
The regular US High School Curriculum (English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Art/Music, Physical Education, technology and Electives) is taught by American teachers. The STEM curriculum offers AP Science, Math, Engineering, Fab Lab, Robotics and Computer Programming.
The special Chinese Curriculum (Language, History, Culture, Art/Music) is provided by the Chinese sister school. The academic needs and abilities of each student are evaluated on an individual basis.
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
By learning the application of scientific methods and applying them to projects in STEM science fields, students will be prepared to enter the science program at any university or college. Course offerings include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Astronomy
Courses in computer science will prepare students to apply computer software skills for technological innovation. Course offerings include:
- Computer Science Principles
- AP Computer Science
By learning and applying the engineering design process, students will be able to identify a problem, analyze it, develop solutions, implement the solutions, and iterate this process for continual improvement, preparing students to enter the engineering program at any university.
Course offerings include:
- Fab Lab 1
- Foundations of Engineering
- Fab Lab 2
- Principles of Engineering
- Robotics
- Engineering Capstone
Completion of four years of mathematics will fully prepare students to enter the first year mathematics program at any college or university. Course offerings include:
- Algebra 1
- Geometry
- Algebra 2
- Pre-Calculus
- AP Calculus
Graduation
St. Paul American School’s graduation requirements are designed to meet American accreditation standards and entry requirements for a wide range of colleges and universities. Students are required to attend eight semesters of high school in ninth through twelfth grades and complete a minimum of 48 semester credits for graduation. These 48 semester credits must also satisfy the specific departmental requirements described below. Students are individually responsible for seeing that they are meeting the requirements necessary for graduation, but an advisor or administrator monitors each student’s records at the start of each school year. Any student who has a question regarding graduation status should contact an advisor or administrator.
Requirements for STEM Diploma Graduation:
- 6 Science credits
- 3 Chinese Language/Culture credits
- 4 Technology credits
- 7 Social Studies credits
- 4 Engineering credits
- 2 Physical Education/Health credits
- 8 Mathematics credits
- 2 Fine/Performing Arts credits
- 8 English Language Arts credits
- 4 Elective credits
Total: 48 credits
STEM Certification Program, Duration: one semester to one year
Students seeking to complete a semester or a year in a STEM program will find that SPAS – Gezhi offers a complete program in which they can take courses within each academic area, including STEM.
International students who fulfill the following requirements are eligible to receive STEM Certification from SPAS – Gezhi. The STEM certificate program follows SPP’s guidelines for STEM standards.
Requirements for the certification (7 credits per semester required)
- 4 STEM credits
- 1 English Language Arts credit
- 1 Social Studies credit
- 1 Chinese Language credit