high school curriculum
One of the most important decisions High School students make is the selection of courses for their academic program. Students need to consider which courses will best meet their abilities, needs and future plans beyond High School.
The FIS High School provides a well-balanced education for approximately 550 students in Grades 9-12, delivered by more than 150 faculty members.
FIS High School Diploma
All Grade 9–12 students at FIS pursue a High School Diploma. Upon successful completion of all FIS graduation credit requirements, students will receive an FIS High School Diploma accredited by the United States’ New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). In addition to the High School Diploma, in Grades 11 and 12, students may opt to pursue and, if successfully completed, earn the IB Diploma Programme or IB Coursework Certificates. Students who do not undertake the IB Diploma Programme may enroll in a flexible combination of non-IB and IB courses, provided they meet the graduation requirements.
IB Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year curriculum leading to a set of external examinations taken by students in May of their final year at FIS. Those who satisfy the demands of the Diploma demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of the mastery of subject content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world.
At FIS, Grade 10 students decide – with the recommendation of their teachers and counselors – whether or not to pursue the full IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12, or to take IB certificates in individual subjects. In both cases, students must sit the examinations provided by the IB.
Students pursuing the IB Diploma study six subjects including the arts, experimental sciences, individuals and societies, language, second language, and math and computer science. Typically, three subjects are higher level; the remaining three are at standard level. In addition to specified courses, the IBDP has three central parts: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).
For more information on the IB Programme at FIS, please email FIS IB Coordinator, Julie Conley.
FIS IB Diploma Course Selection
Course Offerings in Grade 11-12, in addition to the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service).
Abitur Equivalency
Students who have met specific subject, course duration and IB point requirements set down in the Vereinbarung über die Anerkennung des International Baccalaureate Diploma, will be eligible for direct admission to German universities and to have their IB Diplomas converted into an Abitur equivalency by the Kultusministerium of the state in which they reside.
For more information on country recognition, please visit the International Baccalaureate website.
additional online learning opportunities
Online courses allow Upper School students (Grades 6-12) to enroll in engaging learning opportunities to explore a passion or topic of interest. With the pandemic brought the transformation digital learning, allowing for instruction students cannot get in other ways.
Online Learning Options
Course Guide
Browse a comprehensive listing of offerings for FIS high school students in the course guide below.
Looking for more Course Options?
For students looking to engage in additional learning opportunities or explore passion projects, FIS partners with several online institutions to allow Upper School students (Grades 6-12) to expand their curriculum.
![Students in Environment Systems and Societies]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1601903237/frankfurt/buxqg9lrsb3x3qzjvbcy/ESS.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1601903237/frankfurt/buxqg9lrsb3x3qzjvbcy/ESS.jpg","width":500}])
IB students explore the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies
![Design Technology students explains augmented reality sandbox]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1604826104/frankfurt/ants8n9l6accs85etegv/News_Changemaker1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1604826104/frankfurt/ants8n9l6accs85etegv/News_Changemaker1.jpg","width":500}])
Design thinking comes to life in the Upper School
![Student standing outside in front of field]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1612104368/frankfurt/ncqy48vuyiesdqlh0nhm/WritingAward.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1612104368/frankfurt/ncqy48vuyiesdqlh0nhm/WritingAward.jpg","width":500}])
Why writing about “Why Reading Matters,” matters
Contact Us
Upper School Principal
John Switzer
Ashley van der Meer
FIS Admissions Information
admissions@fis.edu
FIS High School Counselors
Zina Sawabini (Grade 9-10)
Jessica Angelidis (Grades 11-12)
Anna Boyd (Grades 11-12)
Christopher Wilcox (Grades 11-12)
Ji Young Yoo (Korean Counselor)
To schedule a tour of the FIS Oberursel High School, please contact our Office of Admissions.