Overview

The goal of the high school is to provide a holistic educational environment within the context of an American curriculum in an international setting.  The key to this concept is our belief that learning takes place not only in the classroom, but also in the corridors, the playing fields, and among the hills and plains of our host country, Israel.  This is balanced by our commitment to meeting the needs of every student who enters our school.  The result is an energetic, caring, and diverse atmosphere where students are taught to meet challenges, to be tolerant of other cultures, and to deal effectively with the rapidly changing world around them.

The anchor for our philosophy is an academic core curriculum that is college preparatory in nature, but is geared to meet the different needs of our diverse student body. A range of elective courses that includes requirements in health, the fine arts, technology, and physical education enhances the core curriculum. Each year, students leave the classroom during the Week Without Walls to participate in community service activities while also enjoying the diverse nature of Israel’s geography through activities designed to connect them with the country.  An extensive co-curricular program includes a student council, National Honor Society, intramurals, an active Model United Nations program, various clubs and activities, and an  athletic program - all serving to complement our comprehensive academic program.

Our small classes, counseling support, and special services illustrate the emphasis on a personalized education for each student.  There are Advanced Placement courses for motivated students, English Language Learners (ELL) for students not proficient in English, and special education support for mainstreamed students with special learning needs. At AIS, we are dedicated to the success of each and every one of our students. Communication is important to the high school faculty and administration.  There are four formal reporting periods with interim progress reports in each quarter.  Two formal parent-teacher-student conferences are scheduled on the calendar; however, more frequent communication is common and enhances the partnership between home and school.

AIS believes that there are lessons to be learned beyond the academic rigors of the classroom.  To this end, the student body is constantly challenged to be responsible and to feel ownership of their school.  The student council at AIS is a participant in the decision-making process and is expected to serve the student body.  Service to others is emphasized through community service opportunities for all students.  Many high school students serve as tutors for younger students or classroom aides in the elementary school, as well as in a host of other service opportunities.  The Senior Project requirement affords seniors the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have learned during their entire school experience.

The high school is not just a place where one learns about Shakespeare, the Puritans, or a geometric theorem; it is a place where one learns to share, to give, to be tolerant, and to take responsibility for oneself.

School Profile 

Guidance

From the day a new student and family arrive on campus, the counselor coordinates and implements the process of planning for, monitoring, and insuring the successful educational experience of each student. As the “ case manager” for each of his or her students, the counselor wears many hats in fulfilling this role.

The high school the counselors have responsibility for developing student schedules. They implement a comprehensive process that involves coordination of teacher recommendations, student course advisement, input into master schedule development, and scheduling of individual students.

Upon arrival each new family meets with the counselor in order to receive pertinent information about the school, have the student assessed for placement, and initiate a positive relationship with the school community as a whole. The counselor organizes an orientation program designed to facilitate the new student’s adjustment to AIS. To provide the new student with the opportunity to meet others, the counselors supervise an orientation trip prior to the first day of school. Each student is assigned a returning student as a buddy who takes responsibility for helping the new student during the first few days of school. Additionally, the counselor is involved in organizing presentations to students and their parents when students are preparing to move from one school to the next within AIS.

Throughout a student’s stay at AIS the counselor monitors each student’s academic progress. This includes reviewing all progress reports and grades as they become available, conducting staffings with teachers as needed, and receiving teacher input when problems arise with a student’s progress or performance. As a member of the Student Services Team the counselor monitors students receiving Resource support in weekly meetings. When problems do arise with student progress, the counselor serves as the coordinator of resources designed to help the student and in many cases becomes one of the resources herself.

College Counseling

Resource

The Resource Department provides support to students with mild learning disabilities who are within two years of grade level.  Students receive support for their classes from specialists who are trained and certified in special education.  Students who receive this support are enrolled in the same academic program as all high school students and must meet the same requirements.

ELL

The high school English Language Learners program is designed for students who are not native language speakers and who have acquired some English through study of the language. The program gives students additional instruction in English over a period of one to two years so that their level of language will enable them to take the required standard courses that are language based. A beginning ELL student over the age of 16 will generally not be accepted to the high school.

Programs of Study

Students must acquire a total of 24 credits from AIS and/or other recognized institutions.  The following minimum academic credits must be earned in specific areas:

Course Load

Each semester a student must carry at least 7 full-time courses. Exceptions may be made for students enrolled in a full Advanced Placement program.

Course Descriptions

Advanced Placement

AIS offers a program of 13 Advanced Placement courses.  These College level courses allow students to study the particular subject in depth and at a level of independence greater than the other courses. 

Advanced Placement courses are rigorous and generally require certain prerequisites. The expectations of all students enrolled include the ability to work independently and at a college level in order to ensure the successful completion of the entire curriculum. Students are recommended for these courses on the basis of their previous academic achievement, skills, and work habits. For example, in order to enroll in AP Calculus, students must have completed math coursework through Pre-Calculus at a high proficiency level. Although some courses may have more specific requirements, all AP courses have the following pre-requisites: 

High level of student interest, motivation and academic independence

Demonstrated ability in the subject matter

Teacher recommendation

The course work culminates in rigorous examinations held in May. All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam and pay the AP exam testing fee (approximately $85 per exam). At WBAIS we provide the following AP courses:

AP English Language and Composition

AP English Literature

AP U.S. History

AP European History

AP Biology

AP Physics

AP Calculus

AP Statistics

AP Computer Science

AP Art History

AP French Language

AP Spanish Language

AP Spanish Literature

AP Studio Art

For more detailed information about the program, click here.

Senior Project

The successful completion of Senior Project, a requirement for graduation, will include an academic research paper, development and implementation of a project (e.g. internship, final product, portfolio), and an oral presentation before a senior project panel of faculty and community members.  Skills practiced in this course include selection of topics, proposal writing, the art of oral defense, research techniques, the writing process, conducting field research, time management, and interpersonal skills.

Activities

Student Council

Four executive members and three representatives from each grade are elected in September. The Council performs many duties as the voice of the students. It is heavily involved in activities that promote the spirit of the student body and activities that impact policy decisions. It also plans social activities such as dances, and spirit events like the Clash of the Classes and CAT Wars. The Student Council constantly attempts to meet the needs of students and is their voice for student concerns and issues regarding school policies.  Students interested in becoming actively involved in decision making and leadership should participate in the Student Council.

National Honor Society

The NHS is an internationally recognized society held in high esteem by U.S colleges and universities. The NHS inducts a selected number of students each year in grades 11 and 12. Criteria for selection to the NHS rests upon academic average, scholarship, character, leadership, and service contribution to the school. In order to qualify to apply for NHS selection, a student must have an 90 average in academic areas and an 90 average in non-academic subjects.  A committee consisting of five teachers selects students. NHS coordinates fund-raising activities for charity and other service-type activities and promotes the attributes of scholarship, character, and leadership.

Ecology Club

The club is active and interested in heightening awareness about environmental concerns. It has spearheaded the planting of trees in the Jerusalem Forest and the Adopt-A-Street program in Kfar Shmaryahu.   

Model United Nations

MUN is offered as both an academic course and International Relations as a club.  Selected students from each participate in one of the World MUN conferences.

Language Clubs

Students studying French, Spanish and Hebrew have the opportunity to become involved in clubs which seek to gain a greater understanding of the cultures of the respective languages. 

Events

Dances

Twice a year (December and May) we hold formal dances. Student Council selects the site and sponsors the events. Cost depends on location and requirements. Regular dances are sponsored by the Student Council and specific classes. These are always well attended and people usually have a good time. Students wanting to bring guests must receive permission from the principal.

Hockey Marathon

Each year, the entire high school splits into two teams, Red and Blue, which play a 36-hour marathon of hockey. EVERYONE participates regardless of his/her ability. This is a high-spirited event that raises school spirit and also, through fundraising, benefits the Save a Child’s Heart Foundation.

Drama and Musical Productions

Each year, under the direction of an advisor, students produce dramatic or one musical productions which are performed for the community over the course of two or three nights.