Glossary

Short explanations of words and short forms you may see on school pages.

Curriculums

AP: AP means Advanced Placement. These are harder US high-school courses. Good scores can help with university entry.
IGCSE: IGCSE is a Cambridge exam for students around ages 14–16. Many international schools use it.
GCSE: GCSE is the main UK exam for students around ages 14–16. IGCSE is the version used in many international schools.
AICE: AICE is a Cambridge programme for older students. It can help with university entry.
AS Level: AS Level is usually the first year of A Level study in the British system.
A Level: A Levels are British subject exams, usually taken around age 18. Universities often use them for entry.
Cambridge Pre-U: Cambridge Pre-U is another British exam for older students. It is an option instead of A Levels.
IB Primary Years: IB Primary Years is the IB programme for younger children, usually up to about age 12.
IB Middle Years: IB Middle Years is the IB programme for students around ages 11–16.
IB Diploma: IB Diploma is the IB programme for the last two years of school. Many universities accept it for entry.
IB Career-related: IB Career-related is an IB programme that mixes study with work and career skills.
IPC: IPC is a primary-school programme used in many international schools.
IMYC: IMYC is a middle-school programme used in many international schools.
Montessori: Montessori schools let children learn at their own pace, often in mixed-age classes, with hands-on materials.

CIS Accredited: CIS is the Council of International Schools. Accredited means the school has met CIS quality standards after a full review.
CIS Registered: CIS is the Council of International Schools. Registered means the school is a CIS member and is earlier in the accreditation path.
CIS Prospect: CIS is the Council of International Schools. Prospect means the school has started the path toward CIS membership or accreditation.
NEASC Accredited: NEASC is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Accredited means the school has met NEASC quality standards after a full review.
NEASC Candidate: NEASC is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Candidate means the school is working toward full NEASC accreditation.

British: British means the school follows a UK-style path. Key exams often include GCSE or IGCSE around ages 14–16, then AS Levels and A Levels around age 18.
IB: IB means International Baccalaureate. It is a set of school programmes used in many countries, from primary through the final years.
American: American means the school follows a US-style path. Students often take the SAT for university entry, and some schools also offer AP courses.
International Curriculum: International Curriculum means programmes made for international schools, such as IPC for younger students and IMYC for middle school.
TISS: TISS means The International School Standard. It is our public rating for international schools.
Platinum: TISS Platinum is our highest rating. These schools are among the strongest we list.
Gold: TISS Gold means the school is fully accredited by CIS or NEASC.
Silver: TISS Silver means the school is on a path with CIS or NEASC, but is not fully accredited yet.

$: One dollar sign means lower fees compared with other international schools we list.
$$: Two dollar signs mean mid-low fees compared with other international schools we list.
$$$: Three dollar signs mean mid-high fees compared with other international schools we list.
$$$$: Four dollar signs mean higher fees compared with other international schools we list.

EAL / ESL on campus: EAL and ESL mean extra English help for students who are still learning English.