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A multiple entry 9th to 12th grade graduation pathway for changemakers, innovators, and creative thinkers to take charge of their learning and lead with impact.
The IICS Impact & Innovation Diploma empowers students to become adaptive, creative, and purposeful leaders through a bold, forward-thinking educational experience. Rooted in academic rigor and real-world relevance, the program invites students to engage in interdisciplinary learning, tackle authentic challenges, and develop the skills to thrive in college, careers, and beyond. The program is anchored in three Domains of Distinction: Impact Ready, College Ready, and Future Ready.
Domains of Distinction
Domains of Distinction
This domain empowers students to take action through agency, meaningful learning, and wellbeing. Students design and lead real-world impact projects, collaborate with peers and community partners, while document & sharing their journey of growth and impactful leadership.
Requirements: 2 credits (all 4 learning experiences)
Leadership for Impact
Cultivating agency, vision, and purposeful leadership (.5 credit)
Impact Project Lead a self-directed initiative tackling a real-world issue (.5 credit)
Consultancy Studio Hands-on collaboration with external clients or organizations (.5 credit)
Impact Portfolio A reflective showcase of growth, learning, and contribution (.5 credit)
Students build a strong academic foundation through personalized combinations of advanced coursework and external credentials.
Requirements: 4 credits of advanced courses
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses & Exams (on demand online, hybrid, and in person)
IBDP Certificate Courses & Exams (in person through available IICS offerings)
Dual Enrollment Courses with universities (requires IICS pre-approval)
Honors-Level Courses from IICS or accredited providers (requires IICS pre-approval)
Through our Future-Ready Courses, students explore passions, emerging careers, and industry-relevant skills. These interdisciplinary courses are dynamic, hands-on, and often taught in collaboration with community professionals such as artists, entrepreneurs, digital developers, engineers, etc.
Requirements: 4 credits of any combination of Future Ready Courses (Future Ready Courses for 2025-26 listed below. On Demand Courses from accredited providers require IICS approval.)
Innovation & Design
STEM
Innovation Lab
Robotics
Game Design
Math & Innovation
Fashion Design
Creative Arts
Studio Art
Culinary Arts
Performing Arts
Music Lab
Marketing & Communication
Digital Marketing
Creative Media
Communications
Photography
Leadership & Business
Entrepreneurship
Leadership & Management
Principles of Design
Principles of Design
Our Three Design Principles
Agency, Meaningful Learning, and Well-Being aren’t just ideals, they are the lens through which we design and facilitate every future-ready course. They guide our planning, our teaching, and our decision-making. When shaping a learning experience, we ask: Will this give students ownership and voice? Is this opportunity relevant, authentic, and engaging? Will it nurture confidence, celebrate their ideas, and encourage healthy risk-taking? These questions ensure our courses are not only dynamic and creative, but also deeply connected to what students need to grow, thrive, and succeed, both in school and in life.
*These design principles emerged from our collaboration with over 100 international schools at the Secondary Pathways Summit in Budapest, May 2024. Learn more here.
Agency
Meaningful Learning
Wellbeing
Giving students voice, choice, and ownership in shaping their learning journey.
Future-ready learning begins with student voice and choice. We believe students should be active shapers of their own educational journey, empowered to make decisions, follow their passions, and explore interests that spark curiosity. By offering flexible pathways, we give every learner the opportunity to develop a strong sense of self and take ownership of their growth.
Bringing learning to life through authentic connections and real-world experiences.
Learning takes on deeper significance when it is relevant, authentic, and connected to the world beyond school walls. Our courses create opportunities for students to engage with real people in the fields they’re exploring, work with authentic materials, and immerse themselves in hands-on experiences that bring concepts to life. This kind of learning fuels curiosity, sparks creativity, and builds understanding in ways that feel purposeful—helping students see how their education connects to the world beyond the classroom.
Fostering the confidence, recognition, and courage students need to grow and thrive
Future-ready learning thrives when students feel grounded, confident, and energized to take on challenges. We intentionally design cultures that nurture mental and emotional health, foster genuine connections, and value each learner’s contributions. Students experience success through achievement, the appreciation of their ideas, and the celebration of their courage to take risks. When they feel seen, valued, and supported, they are empowered to push boundaries, engage deeply, and grow into their best selves.
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