High School
Preparing scholars for university and beyond.
At the American School of Douala (ASD), our high school program transforms students into confident, innovative thinkers ready to excel in universities worldwide. Our rigorous American curriculum, combined with Advanced Placement courses and personalized support, ensures every student reaches their full potential.
Why Choose ASD High School?
College-Preparatory Excellence
- U.S. Common Core Standards-based curriculum
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses for college credit
- 190 days of comprehensive instruction annually
- Proven track record of university admissions success
Global Citizenship Development
- International learning community in Douala, Cameroon
- Multicultural classroom environment
- French language proficiency alongside English mastery
- Leadership and service learning opportunities
Personalized Learning Experience
- Small class sizes with individualized attention
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learning styles
- Academic advising and university counseling
- Credit-based graduation system
High School Curriculum Overview (Grades 9-12)
Foundation Years: Grades 9-10
Building essential skills across core subjects while exploring interests through electives.
| # |
Grade 9 Core subjects
|
Grade 9 Elective Options
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
English 9 (Literature and Composition)
|
Visual Arts
|
| 2 |
French 9 (Language and Culture)
|
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
|
| 3 |
Geometry (Mathematics)
|
Business Studies I
|
| 4 |
Chemistry/Physics I (Integrated Sciences)
|
Project-Based Learning
|
| 5 |
Social Studies (History and Geography)
|
Spanish Language
|
| 6 |
Physical Education
|
|
| # |
Grade 10 Core subjects
|
Grade 10 Elective Options
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
English 10 (Advanced Literature)
|
Visual Arts
|
| 2 |
French 10 (Advanced Language Skills)
|
ICT (Advanced Computing)
|
| 3 |
Algebra II (Pre-Calculus Preparation)
|
Business Studies I
|
| 4 |
Honors Biology (Laboratory Sciences)
|
Project-Based Learning
|
| 5 |
Social Studies (World History)
|
Spanish Language
|
| 6 |
Physical Education/Health
|
Specialization Years: Grades 11-12
Advanced coursework and university preparation through AP courses and specialized electives.
| # |
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses Available:
|
Specialized Electives (Grades 11-12):
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
English & Literature:
* AP English Language and Composition * AP English Literature and Composition |
* Basic Biochemistry * Accounting & Finance * Marketing & Management * Environmental Science * Consumer Mathematics * Introduction to Spanish * Sociology * Global Leadership * Philosophy * Advanced Art * Robotics |
| 2 |
Mathematics & Sciences:
* AP Calculus AB/BC * AP Statistics * AP Physics I/II * AP Chemistry |
|
| 3 |
Social Sciences:
* AP Microeconomics * AP Macroeconomics * AP Psychology |
|
| 4 |
World Languages:
* AP French Language and Culture |
Our Teaching Philosophy
Student-Centered Learning
We believe every student learns differently. Our experienced educators use diverse teaching methods including:
- Project-based learning experiences
- Inquiry-driven classroom discussions
- Cross-curricular connections
- Technology integration
- Real-world applications
Critical Thinking Development
Students develop essential 21st-century skills:
- Problem-solving abilities
- Creative thinking
- Collaboration skills
- Digital literacy
- Global awareness
Differentiated Instruction
Every student receives equal access to learning opportunities through personalized instruction that meets individual needs and learning styles.
Assessment and Academic Excellence
Comprehensive Evaluation System
Formative Assessments:
- Class discussions and presentations
- Peer reviews and self-reflection
- Regular quizzes and assignments
- Portfolio development
Summative Assessments:
- Unit tests and examinations
- Research projects and presentations
- Mid-year and final examinations (Grades 6-12)
- AP examinations for college credit
Standardized Testing Program
- MAP Growth Testing (Grades 9-10): Reading, Language, Mathematics
- AVANT Testing: French language proficiency assessment
- AP Examinations: College-level subject mastery
Academic Reporting
- GPA System: 4.0 scale for standard courses, 5.0 scale for AP courses
- Quarterly Progress Reports: Regular feedback to students and families
- Semester Grades: Comprehensive academic performance records
- Teacher-Parent Communication: Ongoing support for student success
Beyond the Classroom: Enrichment Opportunities
Professional Internship Program (Grades 10-12)
- Minimum 40 hours of hands-on professional experience
- Formal evaluation and mentorship
- Career exploration and workplace skills development
- Partnerships with local businesses and organizations
National Honor Society (NHS)
- Eligibility: Minimum 3.5 GPA, end of Grade 9
- Focus Areas: Academic excellence, service learning, leadership, character
- Activities: Community service projects, peer tutoring, leadership initiatives
- Recognition: Internationally recognized achievement
Student Council Leadership
- Grade Representation: Grades 6-12 elect class representatives
- Responsibilities: Student voice in school policies, event organization
- Skills Development: Leadership, communication, civic engagement
- Impact: Positive school culture and community improvement
Additional Activities
- Student-led clubs and organizations
- After-school enrichment programs
- Academic competitions and contests
- Athletics and sports programs
- Visual and performing arts
Academic Calendar and Schedule
School Year Structure
- Duration: August to June (190 instructional days)
- System: Two-semester academic year
- Quarters: Four academic quarters with regular assessments
- Daily Schedule: Seven-period day with varied subject rotation
Key Features
- Balanced academic and extracurricular time
- Regular breaks and examination periods
- Professional development and teacher collaboration days
- Parent-teacher conferences and progress meetings
Preparing for University Success
College and Career Readiness
- University Counseling: Personalized guidance for college applications
- Scholarship Preparation: Support for merit-based awards
- Transcript Services: Official academic records for admissions
- Recommendation Letters: Faculty support for applications
Global University Recognition
- U.S. Universities: Common Core alignment ensures seamless transitions
- International Institutions: Globally recognized American diploma
- AP Credits: Potential college credit for qualifying examination scores
- Dual Enrollment: Advanced students may access university-level courses
IBDP SUBJECTS GROUPS
As a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), we are working toward offering the following subjects upon authorization. This proposed curriculum reflects our commitment to providing a rigorous, globally-minded education that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
Students must select One subject from each of the following six groups ( With some flexibility in Group 6):
| # |
Group
|
Subject Area
|
Examples
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Group 1
|
Studies in language literature
|
English A: Language & Literature
|
| 2 |
Group 2
|
Language Acquisition
|
French B
|
| 3 |
Group 3
|
Individuals and societies
|
Business Management
|
| 4 |
Group 4
|
Sciences
|
Biology & Computer Science
|
| 5 |
Group 5
|
Mathematics
|
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
|
Additional Core Requirements (Mandatory for a full diploma students)
In addition to six subjects, students must also complete the IB Core:
- Theory Of Knowledge (TOK) – A COURSE FOR critical thinking
- Extended Essay (EE) – a 4.000-word independent research paper
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – experiential learning through projects and service
- College-preparatory American curriculum
- IB Diploma Programme pathway
- University and careers counseling
- Leadership, service, and athletics
What Students Learn
The High School curriculum at a glance.
Language & Literature
Advanced English and world literature.
Mathematics
Analysis, applications, and interpretation.
Sciences
Biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.
Individuals & Societies
Economics, business, and global politics.
The Arts
Visual arts and design.
University Guidance
Counseling, applications, and scholarships.
Join ASD
Discover life beyond High School.
Explore the next stage of the ASD journey — or start your application.