Academics FAQ

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Dalat is an American, college-prep, biblically based international school. (That is a mouthful!)

What it means is that Dalat runs the same kind of school as in the United States of America, using a US curriculum, preparing students to enter colleges and universities, and integrating a Christian worldview in all subjects. Even though the curriculum is American, universities worldwide will accept the high school diploma for admissions.

View our entire curriculum online

Dalat provides standardized testing that allows the school to compare itself with schools in the United States and around the world. All students in grades 1 to 10 take the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test. The MAP measures academic achievement of students by comparing the curricular knowledge they have gained at Dalat to American curricular standards. The MAP is used extensively in the U.S. and by many international schools around the world.

Students in grades 10 and 11 sit for the Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test (PSAT) which allows the school to compare their achievement to all other students taking the same test at the same time. In preparation for college entrance, students in grades 11 to 12 take the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT), and/or the Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

The AP exams are taken at the conclusion of AP courses studied. Successful results on the AP exams will allow students to acquire college credit and be exempt from taking that course in college. By comparing Dalat students results in the PSAT, SAT, ACT and AP’s, Dalat is able to measure its curricular standards to that of other schools.

It is only under extenuating circumstances that students would be allowed to drop a course after the first week. It is very important that students choose their courses wisely and make any changes to their schedule the first week of the school year.

In middle school, X blocks are optional enrichment classes at the end of the school. These are not graded and are a time to encourage students to build relationships and try new things. X blocks in middle school run on a trimester schedule to match the sports schedule. Some classes offered included Jazz Band, choir, dodge ball, chess, dance, and many others. D League, an intramural sports competition for 5th and 6th grade students, also happens during X blocks. There are also 2 classrooms available for study hall during X block each day. Fifth and sixth grade students to not have open campus privileges during X block; they must attend and X block or study hall, be supervised by their parents on campus, or go home.

In high school, X-Block is a time at the end of the day for us to offer some exciting new opportunities as well as support demanding courses like Journalism and the AP’s with more class time. Students will have a variety of choices for the XBlock. Some X Block classes are mandatory, such as those for AP classes in which students are enrolled, but most are optional.

Every student can chose to have a study hall. However for the 9th and 10th graders that choice is during X block at the end of each day. For 11th and 12th graders the inclusion of a study hall will depend on their demands of their schedule and progress towards graduation.

Dalat International School works hard to take care of the individual needs of each student whether it be extra assistance or an additional challenge. Elementary school and middle school through grade 6 can provide additional homework and extra credit projects for an additional challenge. Middle school grades 7 and 8 math students are divided by ability. 7th grade offers 7th grade math and pre algebra while 8th graders have the opportunity to take pre algebra or Algebra (a high school level class).

Once students are in high school courses offered by ability are available for all core subjects. Advanced level courses include Advanced Placement (AP) classes (where college credit can be earned) as well as the Advanced Merit Diploma (AMD) for a more rigorous course of study that includes AP classes, community service and a senior project.

Very well!

Check out the Results Book published every year with standardized testing results from Dalat and other international schools in the region as well as what universities Dalat students have been accepted to all over the world. The Results Book is the school’s annual report.

We believe the “fun stuff” is just as important as the academic stuff. Dalat’s motto is “Education for Life” and the extracurricular opportunities are key in helping students to develop life skills that will benefit them in any arena of life. In addition, having more opportunities to demonstrate excellence captures the hearts of students. Happy children demonstrating excellence and success in one area have a tendency to apply their confidence in academics as well.

Also, Dalat is preparing kids for colleges and universities that are looking for well-rounded students, and the various extracurricular activities that are offered are an excellent way for students to become just that.

A prerequisite is a requirement that must be completed before moving on to a higher level course. The prerequisite course contains materials that must be learned before introducing more advanced material.

Prerequisites are only waived under extreme circumstances and by the head of the respective department and the high school principal.

Only grade 11 and 12 students can take an online course. Students taking an online course with an outside provider must do the following:

  1. Receive pre-approval from the High School Guidance Counselor. The eLearning Contract is obtained from the Guidance Counselor and then filled out and signed by the student and his/her parents/guardians.
  2. The eLearning Coordinator will then assist the parents/guardians in registering their student with an approved Outside Provider.

No. Although the desire and discipline to do that is commendable students needs to have lunch and the break that goes with it to do well in their other classes and make it through the day.

The arts are a very important part of Dalat International School. There is a large investment made by the school to provide many quality opportunities for students in this area. Dalat offers band, vocal ensemble and visual arts through middle school and high school.

Please refer to the Programs of Instruction Handbook for details. In addition, drama and musicals are performed by all grade levels throughout the school year.

There are many ways which Dalat middle school seeks to address the individual student.

  • SAT’s are small groups designed for students to meet with an adult advocate. They interact on a variety of developmental issues including organization, interpersonal relationships, and preadolescence issues.
  • Multiple Intelligences of students are considered as teachers develop student centered lessons. Not every student is built the same. Teachers attempt to learn each students individual learning style. Student centered instruction allows for every student to maximize individual learning.
  • Cooperative Learning is a teaching method which maximizes student participation and accountability. It creates scenarios where students are able to work cooperatively to learn and understand the material. Students benefit from each other’s strengths as they take responsibility for their classmates learning as well as their own.
  • Specials are classes focused on specific life skills: technology, health, physical education, band, art, and language. As students learn and develop in these areas they gain a better understanding of their own unique gifts and talents. These classes also encourage students to create and achieve individual goals.
  • X Block classes are unique classes designed to give students a wide variety of educational experiences assisting them in discovering special interests and talents.
  • All MS activity occurs once a week. It provides an opportunity for all of the middle schoolers to interact. The focus is often specific elements of multiple intelligence or how students interact with their environment.