High School (Grades 9 to 12)
The High School program is a four-year course of study (Grades 9–12) leading to an American-style High School Diploma upon successful completion of Grade 12.
Grade Levels
- Grade 9 – Freshman
- Grade 10 – Sophomore
- Grade 11 – Junior
- Grade 12 – Senior
Curriculum and Credit System
All credit-bearing courses address high school commencement-level learning standards and meet required instructional time guidelines.
In alignment with the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards and CollegeBoard Advanced Placement (AP) frameworks, credit courses are structured as follows:
- One credit (or unit) represents a minimum of 180 minutes of instruction per week over a full academic year, equivalent to approximately 120 classroom hours per school year.
- Exceptions: Subjects like Islamic Education follow different instructional time requirements per UAE Ministry of Education guidelines.
Graduation Requirements
| Subject Area | Credits Required | Notes / Who Must Take It |
| English / Language Arts | 4 | Mandatory for all students |
| Mathematics | 4 | Mandatory for all students |
| Science | 4 | Mandatory for all students |
| Social Studies / History | 2 | Mandatory for all students |
| World Language (Arabic is studied to fulfil this component) Arabic | 4 | Mandatory for all students A,B counts instead of World Language |
| Physical Education / Health | 2.0 | Mandatory for all students |
| Visual / Performing Arts | 0.5 | Mandatory for all students (Advised to be completed in Grade 9 ) |
| Islamic Studies | 2.0 | Mandatory for Muslim students; counts instead of part of electives |
| Electives (2 credits of Islamic Studies count towards this) | 5.5
3.5 |
Adjusted depending on Islamic Education substitutions; 3.5 for Muslim students |
| TOTAL | 26 |
Subject/Course Areas
The curriculum includes:
- English Language Arts
- World Languages
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calculus, and calculus)
- Science (General Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
- Technology
- Social Studies and Humanities
- The Arts
- Physical Education
- Electives
Additionally, per KHDA guidelines, students complete subjects aligned to the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum, including:
- Arabic Language
- Islamic Education (for Muslim students)
- UAE Moral Education
- UAE Social Studies
Milestone Achievement
Ignite School proudly celebrated its first graduation – Class of 2026, marking a historic milestone in our journey as we successfully graduated our first senior class.
Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP)
High-achieving, gifted, and talented students are encouraged to pursue our Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP), offering advanced academic opportunities and recognition for exceptional performance.
To learn more about this program, please contact the school administration or click here
High School Distinguished Achievement Program
Ignite School’s Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) requires high performance beyond that usually expected of students in High School. In addition to specific course requirements, the DAP requires that students successfully complete any combination of four CollegeBoard Advanced Placement (AP) examinations with a score of three or above. Ignite School students who successfully complete the DAP are very well prepared for college-level success. The purpose of Ignite School’s DAP is to recognize students who have performed at a level beyond that expected of High School students.
| AP Course | Credit | Grade |
| AP English Literature and Composition | 1 | 12 |
| AP Computer Principles | 1 | 11, 12 |
| AP Biology | 1 | 10, 11, 12 |
| AP Chemistry | 1 | 11, 12 |
| AP Physics | 1 | 11,12 |
| AP Pre-calculus | 1 | 11 |
| AP Calculus | 1 | 12 |
| AP Psychology | 1 | 11,12 |
| AP Capstone Seminar | 1 | 11 |
| AP Capstone Research | 1 | 12 |
For higher achievers, gifted students and talented students seeking extra challenge, Ignite School encourages completion of the CollegeBoard AP Capstone Diploma as part of the High School DAP. The capstone program equips students with the independent research, problem-solving, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by higher education institutions. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative learners who are critical thinkers and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based decisions. AP Capstone Diploma eligibility: Scores of 3 or higher in; AP Capstone Seminar (Offered in grade 11), AP Capstone Research (Offered in grade 12) and in four additional AP exams.
These programmes develop leadership, entrepreneurship, collaboration, digital literacy, engineering, and financial literacy while preparing students for future careers.
Leadership, Innovation and Enrichment
Students are encouraged to become leaders both inside and outside the classroom through opportunities including:
- National Honor Society (NHS)
- Model United Nations (MUN)
- Student Council and Student Ambassadors
- Formula 1 in Schools
- Girls Who Code
- STEM competitions and innovation projects
- BASSMA Volunteering team
Sporting Excellence
Students participate in a wide range of competitive sports, including basketball, volleyball, football, swimming, and gymnastics through DASSA and other local competitions. These experiences promote teamwork, resilience, leadership, and healthy lifestyles while building school pride and confidence.
Ignite School Students Excel in International and External Competitions
Ignite School actively promotes student participation in external competitions across all subjects, including the Harvard Undergraduate Science Olympiad (HUSO), Gizmos Global STEM Competition, Arabic poetry competitions, reading competitions, and other subject-based academic challenges. These opportunities enable students to develop confidence, deepen their skills, and showcase their talents on both local and international platforms.
