As the Admissions Director of Raffles American School, I understand that families in this region of the world are not familiar with the US education system and what a US High School Diploma can provide a student. As the only American school in Nusajaya, we at Raffles American School continue to strive to fully explain to our potential parents the strength that a US High School Diploma holds.
As written by the US Department of Education in February 2008, the US High School Diploma is the basic US qualification awarded to students who graduate from high (secondary) school after 12 years of formal instruction, 13 years including Kindergarten. US Schools derive the authority for issuing a diploma from the state education department, local school district, or in the case of a private school, from an authorized accrediting agency. Raffles American School is authorized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Education in the American system begins with elementary (primary) school, transitions to middle school, and culminates in high (secondary) school. Families who have the resources available will send their 4-year-olds to preschool as a stepping stone into formal education (pre-kindergarten to kindergarten).
There are no recognized elementary or middle school leaving qualifications in the US system. Students who leave the American Education System prior to earning a diploma may receive a certificate of completion representing a different standard than the High School Diploma.
To further understand the leaving qualifications of a US High School Diploma from an American school, I would like to explain that in general there are three tracks of study: General High School Diploma track, Vocational Diploma track, and the Academic Preparatory Diploma track.
The High School Diploma track meets the state minimum requirements for graduation. Raffles American School does not presently offer this track. The Vocational Diploma track exceeds the state minimum requirements and adds instruction in career subjects plus necessary mathematics and science requirements. Raffles American School does not currently offer this track, however, we may offer this option in the future. The Academic Preparatory Diploma track is currently the track offered at Raffles American School.
The Academic Preparatory Diploma, offered by RAS, exceeds state minimum requirements by adding additional years of study in mathematics, English, World Language and science. In addition, RAS offers rigorous, university level Advanced Placement courses for most subjects. These courses can qualify a student to enter universities in most countries around the world, and within the United States University system successful exam scores earn transfer credit.
For more information or to schedule a visit to Raffles American School, please contact Kerstin Mockrish: kerstinmockrish@raffles-american-school.edu.my
