Upper School

Upper school students range between the ages of 15 and 18 years. Students come from different socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Around 25 percent of the students hold dual nationalities (Lebanese/Other) or only hold foreign passports. Those students mostly follow the college/freshman year preparatory program. Around 75 percent of students hold only the Lebanese passport and follow the Lebanese program. The student body is represented by a student council.

All upper school teachers have the appropriate qualifications and expertise and are constantly engaged in professional development. There are 15 full time and 11 part time teachers for around 130 students with a student-faculty ratio of seven. The upper school staff also includes a counsellor, librarian, and an activities coordinator.

The school recently renovated upper school facilities include a library with a media center, two science laboratories, spacious classrooms, a visual arts room, a performance room, and a cafeteria with seating for 45 students. The average class size is 20 and does not exceed 25 students in one class. The classrooms are subject-based and serve as resource rooms for specific subjects.

The upper school education consists of a 3-year cycle: Grades 10, 11, and 12. The curriculum is based on international and Lebanese standards and fulfils the requirements of universities worldwide. Two programs are offered; the Lebanese Baccalaureate Program for students who hold only the Lebanese passport or a dual and foreign passport, and the College/Freshman Year Preparatory Program for students who hold a dual or foreign passport. Learning objectives aim at building a variety of skills and promote higher order thinking, using a variety of approaches and strategies that cater for the varied needs and learning styles of students. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards are adopted for integrating technology to enhance learning objectives. Teaching practices encourage collaborative work, project based learning, discussions, researching, performance tasks, lab work, problem solving, role-play and creating opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning through creative and varied methods.

The Lebanese Baccalaureate program

The program prepares students to sit for the official Baccalaureate exams, which include Arabic, English, Math, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Social Studies, Sociology, Economics, and Philosophy as requirements. French, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Drama, and Coding classes are also provided depending on Grade level and branch. Arabic is the language of instruction in social studies, sociology, economics, and philosophy. English is the language of instruction in the other subjects. In Grade 11, students can choose between the Economics and Sociology or Scientific Branch; and in Grade 12, they can choose between the Economics and sociology, General Sciences, or Life Science branch.

The College/Freshman year Preparatory program

The curriculum is designed for foreign and Lebanese students who meet Lebanese government requirements for exemption from Arabic language study or exemptions from official exams.  Students in this program cover all the requirements for the American High School with French and Arabic language at varying levels. The school adopts completely the course system for the upper school College/Freshman year Preparatory curriculum such that students should complete the requirements of the High School Diploma to graduate. The courses given are Math I, Math II and Calculus, Physics I, II, and II Chemistry I, II and II, and Biology I, II and II. English I, II and III, Arabic (as second language), World History and World Geography, Psychology, Drama, PE, business, coding, and Visual Art.

Percentages of students who passed the Lebanese Baccalaureate

Percentages of acceptance to major universities(average since 2010)