A guide for parents

International School Programs

What opportunities each system opens and where students can continue their education

01 / Advantages

Program Advantages

Program
Skills and opportunities for students
University destinations
IB
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Multitasking, time management, managing multiple processes and working on long-term projects
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Asia
Cambridge
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Strong academic foundation, deep subject knowledge and rigorous subject preparation
United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Europe
American + AP
🇺🇸 United States
Leadership, communication, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to build an individual path
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, international universities
British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Self-organization, balance between academics and activities, and gradual achievement of goals
Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia
France
🇫🇷 France
Ability to defend a position, debate, analyze and present ideas
France, Europe, Canada, international universities
Minerva
🇺🇸 United States
Creative thinking, complex problem-solving, working with uncertainty and international teams
United States, Europe, international universities
02 / Parent Quiz

Which program fits your child better?

4 simple questions about your child's personality and learning style

1. How does your child usually approach new tasks?

2. What happens when the workload increases?

3. What is your child like?

4. What matters most in high school?

Closest match

This is a starting point for choosing schools. Schools within the same program can differ in workload and atmosphere
03 / Reference

Stages and Graduation Qualifications

A short overview of program stages

IBInternational Baccalaureate
Transition featureFrom broad exploration to independent academic work
PYP (3–12 years)→MYP (11–16 years)→DP / CP (16–19 years)
Final qualificationIB Diploma / CP Certificate
CambridgeCambridge Pathway
Transition featureEach stage brings fewer subjects but deeper study
Early Years (3–6 years)→Primary (5–11 years)→Lower Secondary (11–14 years)→IGCSE (14–16 years)→A Level (16–19 years)
Final qualificationCambridge A Level (16–19 years)
American + APAmerican system
Transition featureSubject choice increases in senior years
Elementary (6–11 years)→Middle School (11–14 years)→High School (14–18 years)→AP
Final qualificationHigh School (14–18 years) Diploma + AP results
British ColumbiaCanada
Transition featureSenior students begin collecting required graduation credits
Kindergarten (5 years)→Grades 1–9→Graduation Program 10–12 (15–18 years)
Final qualificationDogwood Diploma
FranceFrench system
Transition featureAfter the general foundation, students choose specialized subjects in lycée
Maternelle (3–6 years)→Élémentaire (6–11 years)→Collège (11–15 years)→Lycée (15–18 years)
Final qualificationBaccalauréat
MinervaMinerva Baccalaureate
Transition featureDifficulty increases through projects and interdisciplinary work rather than separate exam stages
Middle School (11–14 years)→High School (14–18 years) / MBacc
Final qualificationDepends on the school's main system