High School
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.
A tentative (subject to KHDA approval) list of High School courses is available upon request through the Admissions Office.
Sample English Language Arts Course Offerings
| Course | Code | Credit | Grade | Prerequisite Criteria |
| English 9 | ENG9 | 1 | 9 | — |
| English 10 | ENG10 | 1 | 10 | — |
| English 11 / AP English Literature & Composition | ENG11 | 1 | 11 | For AP: B+ or higher in English 10 and teacher recommendation |
| English 12 / AP English Literature & Composition | ENG12 | 1 | 12 | For AP: B+ or higher in English 11 and teacher recommendation |
Note: 4 Credits is required (4 years)
Electives Sample English Language Arts Course Offerings
| Course | Code | Credit | Grade Levels |
| Creative Writing | CWRT | 0.5 | 9–10 |
| Research & Debate | RS&DBT | 0.5 | 9–10 |
Subject/Course Areas
The curriculum includes:
- English Language Arts
- World Languages (Spanish and French)
- 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
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. Tentative AP course offerings (subject to KHDA approval):
| AP Course | Credit | Grade |
| AP English Literature and Composition | 1 | 11, 12 |
| AP Computer Science | 1 | 11, 12 |
| AP Biology | 1 | 10, 11, 12 |
| AP Chemistry | 1 | 11, 12 |
| AP Physics | 1 | 12 |
| AP Per-calculus | 1 | 11 |
| AP Calculus | 1 | 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.
