About the Upper School

Developing skills and characters for futures rich with promise through conceptual, character and competency based learning.

Welcome to the Upper School, a dynamic continuum of learning in an English-speaking environment enriched by the diversity of 40 nationalities and a variety of linguistic and cultural contexts. Guided by the inspiration that diversity brings, we strive to challenge and empower students as they grow into independent, lifelong learners.

Our collective mindset emphasizes growth, independence, and criteria-based assessments, ensuring that students are prepared to meet academic and personal challenges with confidence. We continually reflect on how and why we teach, embracing the same passion and curiosity that we hope to foster in our students, as they navigate their unique paths in an ever-evolving world.

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In middle school (grades 6-8), learners prepare to be confident owners of their learning, to develop the skill sets necessary for a growth mindset, the resilience to advocate for themselves, and the power to contribute to their community through a wide range of required academic subjects and co-curricular electives.

In high school (Grades 9-12), our students progress in structured and student-directed inquiries in subjects that build on and expand the foundations of middle school.

High School students build resiliency through complex tasks and are asked to self-monitor, self-manage and self-modify. Reflection is an important part of learning. Students in the high school are expected to be independent inquirers. Four diploma pathways are available to students at the conclusion of Grade ten, including but not limited to the high school honors diploma and the I.B. Diploma.

The learning impacts that drive our programs are as follows:

  1. Every student will become an expert in his/her learning
  2. Every student is known, advocated for and supported. 
  3. Every student personalizes learning and pursues dreams.

Upper School Curriculum

The mission of AISZ is to build character and skills for futures rich with promise. In developing the AISZ Learning Ecosystem, we’ve framed our work within the three main pillars of the Common Ground Collaborative: conceptual learning, competency learning, and character learning. Through inquiry-based methodologies and an integrated approach, our commitment to innovative education comes to life.

Middle School

At AISZ, every student will become an expert in his or her learning. Every student is known, advocated for and supported. Every student personalizes learning and pursues dreams.

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High School

High School (Grades 9-12) experience a broad range of subjects. Students are expected to engage in structured and student-directed inquiries in each subject. They continue to learn through complex tasks and asked to self-monitor, self-manage and self-modify. Reflection is an important part of learning. High school students are expected to be independent inquirers.

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AISZ Pathways to Graduation

At the American International School of Zagreb (AISZ), the high school program equips students with the skills and knowledge to make informed future decisions. Combining foundational courses, specialized electives, and extracurriculars, AISZ provides a well-rounded education supported by daily advisory and consultancy periods for personalized mentorship.

AISZ High School Diploma

The foundational diploma accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, certifying the completion of a contemporary secondary education. It enables access to universities and employment worldwide and can be personalized with IB Certificates in specific focus subjects.

AISZ Honors Diploma

A specialized program for students passionate about exploring academic areas of interest through rigorous coursework, personalized senior projects, and six external metrics of validation. This pathway fosters academic excellence and prepares students for specialized post-secondary pursuits.

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

A globally recognized, rigorous two-year pre-university curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and personal growth. The IB Diploma is widely respected by leading universities worldwide and includes coursework in six subject areas, an extended essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

AISZ High School Diploma + IB certificates

For students who wish to pursue focused areas of interest, this pathway offers the opportunity to take specific IB courses and exams to earn certificates, providing targeted academic enrichment and preparation for post-secondary studies.

AISZ supports students and families throughout the pathway selection process, with personalized guidance from school counselors to navigate academic options and the college admissions journey. These pathways ensure all students graduate with the skills, qualifications, and confidence needed to achieve their aspirations.

AISZ Bridges Program

We believe that every student is a “story of possibility, filled with promise” and that when we have a diversity of stories all members of our community benefit. With that as our foundational compass we are pleased to share with you our AISZ intensive learning needs program. A program that we refer to as “Bridges”.

Home Language/Mother Tongue

At AISZ, we value the importance of languages in fostering cultural diversity and personal identity. With over 30 home languages represented, we support and encourage students to maintain and develop their mother tongues, recognizing their role in cognitive growth and further language acquisition.

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AISZ offers personalized options for Home Language (HL) Learning, including classes during or after school hours, as well as virtual synchronous and asynchronous formats. HL classes in Upper School align with the Croatian/Global Perspectives block and can be noted on report cards. While AISZ provides recommendations for HL tutors, parents handle final arrangements and payments.

In the IB DP program, students can earn a bilingual diploma by taking two Language A courses. AISZ offers Language A in English, Croatian, French, and German, along with self-taught options in various languages, such as Chinese, Danish, and Korean, based on student interest.

For details on HL Learning, contact Ms. Martina Salluzzo (martina.salluzzo@aisz.hr).

For IBDP Language A options, contact IB Coordinator Ms. Erin Henkels (erin.henkels@aisz.hr).

Learner Assets

Inspired by the research of Kath Murdoch (Power of Inquiry, 2015), the AISZ curriculum offers opportunities for students to develop and practice learner assets. These skills and dispositions provide valuable support for students working to meet the subject group’s aims and objectives.

The Learner Assets are grouped into five categories that include multiple specific skills that can be introduced, practiced and consolidated in the classroom and beyond.

The upper school program is highlighted by some noteworthy features:

Graduation Pathways: 4 diploma options designed to meet the diverse goals and aspirations of its students.

MTSS Model: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for socio-emotional learning and research-based interventions.

Math Hub: Flexible instruction with access to multiple teachers, adaptive groupings, and personalised support.

Professional Learning Communities: Ensures a guaranteed and viable curriculum.

Unity Trips: Fall trips designed to foster class unity, build resilience, and set focus for the school year.

Status M Workshops: Expert-led workshops in Zagreb focused on adolescent development.

MAP Testing: Conducted twice annually, supported by tailored student interventions as needed.

FLEX Blocks: Time for grades 11 and 12 students to manage their schedules and responsibilities.

Collaboration Blocks: Scheduled time for educators to share strategies and improve student learning.

Character Strong Curriculum: Supports the AISZ Advisory Program with targeted socio-emotional learning strategies.

Consultancy Blocks: Daily 30-minute sessions for students to meet teachers for personalized support.

Bridges Program: Dedicated support for neurodiverse learners to enhance their educational experience.

Start Your Journey with AISZ - Admissions

Discover how to become part of the AISZ community. Click on the link below to begin your application process today.

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Winter Break
The American Internationa School of Zagreb is currently on Winter Break.
The school is closed till January 7th, 2025.