Elementary students learn Literacy, Math, Cultural Studies, Science, World Languages, Music, Technology, Art, and PE (physical education). Middle and Secondary Students get to choose electives which include PE/Wellness, Technology, Music (Band/Orchestra/Choir/Guitar), Drama or Art. Students that cannot go yet into the appropriate age program go to IE (Intensive English) classes for Literacy and World Languages. They move up when they can go to the appropriate program for their age. The school has 6 Success Orientations to follow:
Responsibility
Kindness & Politeness
Trustworthiness
Aesthetic Appreciation
Concern for Others
Group Interaction
The school is funded partially by the U.S. Department of State.[3] The school is accredited by CEESA[4] and MSA.[5]
Curriculum
The QSI education system differs from the traditional American system in several aspects. The naming of the key stages in the QSI curricular system diverges from typical naming. Additionally, the different stages cover different age groups. The table below represents all the changes:
QSI Education System
Traditional American
Schools
QSI Schools
Age Group
Preschool
Pre-K
3-4
Kindergarten
4-5
Elementary School
5-6
Lower Elementary
6-9
Upper Elementary
9-11
Middle School
11-12
Middle School
12-14
High School
Secondary
14-18
A variety of AP Courses is offered, ranging from AP World History to AP Chemistry. Intensive English class is compulsory for ESL (English as a Second Language) students who have struggle effectively communicating in English. A university counselor is also offered to the senior class. Study Hall is offered to high school students with tight schedules and/or numerous AP subjects.
The QSI grading system also differs from that of traditional American schools:
QSI Grading System
A level
B Level
N (Not Yet)
W (Withdrawal)
P (In Progress)
H (On Hold)
D (Deficient Effort me)
Student illustrated knowledge beyond mastery, went beyond what was expected of him/her and has completed all the TSW's
Student illustrated mastery in the unit and completed all the TSW's
Student failed to show mastery in the unit and has not completed all the TSW's
Student withdrew from the particular unit or the subject as a whole
Student is in progress of mastering the unit and has not completed the unit at that point in time.
Student is placed on hold and starts attending unit recovery
Student showed lack of effort, therefore, receives a D for a particular unit
TSW ("The Student Will") are a set of guiding points that illustrate what the student should learn in the unit/subject. A TSW sheet is created by a group of teachers with expertise in that particular subject. Every unit in every subject has a TSW sheet.
All QSI schools are based on the course credit system. Each whole-year subject contains 10 units. Each semester-long subject contains 5 units. A single completed unit with a grade of B or above will earn a student 1 credit. A pupil must earn 220 credits throughout his secondary (high school) years and complete all mandatory subjects such as Algebra I and Biology to earn a Standard Diploma. If a student wishes to receive an Academic Diploma, they must earn 240 credits and embark on additional English and Social Science classes. With a student wishes to receive an Academic Diploma with Honors, he/she must complete 2 AP subjects between Secondary 1 and Secondary 4 as well as meeting the requirements of both the Standard and Academic Diploma. The student must complete the subject's AP exam with a score of 3 or above. The mandatory courses for the 3 diplomas are as listed:
