High School

High School Report Cards

The High School uses the traditional 4.00 scale grading system for all courses. Grades are assigned after the completion of each course. Credits are awarded for each course of study at the end of each academic year.

All numeric percentage grades are converted to a letter grade. Letter grades are then converted to grade points. Upon graduation, the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) will be recorded on the Official Student Transcript. The GPA that appears on the student’s transcript is calculated based on the following Course Grade Weighting table:

Incomplete (I) Grade Policy

An Incomplete (I) may be issued by the teacher if, for a valid reason, a student has not completed all course requirements by the end of the reporting period. The student must make special arrangements with the teacher to complete the course and seek approval from the Head of Academic Affairs and/or the Principal.

If approved, an official agreement will be signed by the student, parent, and Principal. The student must abide by all terms of the agreement to receive credit. If assessments are not completed by the time frame designated in the agreement, then a failing grade will be issued. 

Calculation of Grade Point Average

The GPA is calculated at the end of each semester. The first Semester GPA is an average of all coursework completed during Quarter 1 and Quarter 2. The second Semester GPA is an average of all coursework completed during Quarter 3 and Quarter 4.

A student’s grade point average is determined by the following formula:

The sum of GPA points X Credits Earned/ divided by the sum of Registered Credits

​After a course grade is recorded, it may not be changed unless there is reasonable proof of error. A calculation error, a clerical error, a failure to read the student's entire examination, or similar circumstances may prompt a review of the course grade.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

NIS offers college-level AP Courses. Taking AP courses can be highly beneficial to a high school student’s education for several reasons. It can verify to a college admissions officer the student’s ability to excel and achieve. It also allows a student to receive college credit before entering university and without paying college tuition.

Students who complete AP courses are encouraged to take AP examinations. These exams are scored on a scale of 1-5. Students scoring between a 3 and 5 may qualify for college credit at most colleges and universities within the United States. With regards to the High School transcript, AP courses are weighted according to the following scale:

Students who take three or more AP courses during a single academic year are eligible for a Study Hall.  

Final Exams and Assessments

Formative assessments take place throughout the academic year to track student progress. Mid-term and final exams/assessments take place school-wide in the final two weeks of each reporting period. These assessments are mandatory for grade-level advancement. Extensions or pre-arranged exam times will not be permitted. All absence requests during this time will be denied.

Academic Distinctions

At the end of each semester, GPA awards are given to students based on the below criteria:

• Honors: Students who achieve a GPA of 3.30 - 3.49

• High Honors: Students who achieve a GPA of 3.50 - 3.69

• Distinguished Honors: Students who achieve a GPA above 3.70

Academic Probation

Students will be placed on academic probation for the following reasons:

• Cumulative GPA below 2.00 (High School only)

• Failing grades in two or more courses in a semester.

The Head of Student Affairs will monitor the student’s progress while on Academic Probation. Weekly conferences will take place with the student’s Academic Counselor to monitor their Self-Improvement Action Plan.

Participation in the Student Council and sports teams will be restricted during the probation period. Furthermore, students on academic probation cannot enroll in the Honors Pathway or AP courses.

The student will have until the end of the probation period to raise their GPA above 2.00/improve failing grades. Students must demonstrate improved academic performance to have the Academic Probation lifted. If the student is unable to achieve this in the required time frame, the student will not be re-enrolled.

Retaking a Class

If a student fails to earn credits in a core course, the course must be retaken. The original grade and the new grade earned will both be calculated in a student’s GPA. Failing core courses may result in a student not being promoted to the next grade.

Schedule Change Policy

All requests for schedule changes must be made within the first 2 weeks of the academic year via the Schedule Change Request Form. Students may not change courses mid-year. They must continue to attend all courses on their schedule until the request has been approved and the official change has been made in PowerSchool. Students are not permitted to have any gaps in their schedule.

Schedule changes will be considered for the following reasons only:

• A required course is needed this year.

• Skill level/placement is inappropriate.

• A prerequisite has not been met.

• Scheduling error (missing periods, double scheduled periods, canceled or newly formed classes).

A student who wishes to change their class must obtain the signature of the teacher who teaches the current class and the teacher who teaches the intended class. The Head of Academic Affairs will issue the final approval on all schedule changes. Both teachers and the Head of Academic Affairs have the right to deny any requests to add/drop a class.

Please see the chart below for the consequences of schedule changes:

An F will appear on the student’s transcript for the course that the student withdrew from. The F will not impact the cumulative GPA calculation.  

Academic Appeal

Students seeking to resolve problems or complaints about their grades need to contact the Principal within 7 days of the conclusion of the disputed reporting period. A process will then be undertaken where all of the necessary coursework and examinations of the student filing the grievance are reviewed. The Head of Academic Affairs will make a final decision based on the data.

High School Graduation Requirements

The graduation requirements and the elective courses offered ensure eligibility for universities and colleges around the world. Most courses have equal graduation credit (1 credit per semester). Students will not receive credit for courses they fail.

Transfer Credits

Credits for courses taken at other schools in Grades 9-11 may be transferred to NIS and counted towards graduation requirements. The acceptability of transfer credits will be determined by the evaluation and discretion of the Principal and the Head of Academic Affairs.

Graduation Awards & Distinctions

The following awards are given yearly to graduating High School students:

• Valedictorian: Awarded to the student with the highest overall Grade Point Average (GPA) based on courses taken at NIS. The student delivers a speech at the graduation ceremony.

• Salutatorian: Awarded to the student with the second-highest overall Grade Point Average (GPA) based on courses taken at NIS. The student delivers a speech at the graduation ceremony.

• Commitment Award: Given to a High School senior, selected by the teachers, who has demonstrated a high degree of commitment to improving the NIS community.

• Sports Achievement Award: Awarded to a High School senior, selected by the Athletic Director, who demonstrates overall ability in a variety of sports, as well as exemplifying good sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork.

• All-Around Excellence Award: Given to a High School senior, selected by the teachers, who has demonstrated a high degree of excellence in academics, sports, community service, leadership, and awareness of global issues.

Special Distinctions

Graduation sashes will be awarded to High School seniors who exemplify excellence in:

• Advanced Placement Courses

• Overall Cumulative Grade Point Average

• Community Service

• Varsity Sports

General University Application Information

Most colleges/universities in the United States have the following minimum requirements for admission eligibility:

• 4 years of College Preparatory English

• 3 years of College Preparatory Mathematics, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (4 years of Math is recommended)

• 2 years of College Preparatory Science, including 1 year of Life and 1 year of Physical (3 years of Science is recommended)

• 2 years of Social Science

• 2 years of a language foreign to your native language (3 years is recommended)

• 1 year of Traditional Fine Arts (Art or Music)

In addition to the minimum course requirements, many universities also require:

• Meeting the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)

• Meeting required SAT, IETLS, or TOEFL test scores

• Participation in co-curricular activities including sports, clubs, community service, and student organizations

• Demonstrating high achievement in advanced and/or AP courses

Students should research the admissions requirements of each college/university before applying.

Career & College Counseling

NIS has a College Counselor who offers guidance to help students make the best choices for future university entrance. The College Counselor assists students with college/university applications. All university applications must be given to the College Counselor at least 10 school days before the deadline, and teacher references should be requested at least 10 school days before they are required.

Reserve Officer Training Corps

NIS provides support for Thai National students to register for the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), allowing them to meet their military obligations as required by Thai law. Students attend scheduled session drills and participate in fundamental military training camps. Students who complete three years of ROTC will be waived from conscription for the Thai army when they reach the age of 21.

Community Service

Community Service is a graduation requirement at NIS and is recorded on the graduation transcript. Between Grades 9-12, students are required to complete 60 hours of Community Service, with 20 hours arranged with organizations outside of the school. The remaining 40 hours can be obtained via in-school opportunities, such as Summer School volunteering, peer tutoring, coaching, and Student Council volunteering. Service may be completed during weekends, after school, or during summer holidays. Community Service assignments must be approved by the College School Counselor by completing the required form; credits awarded will be based on the number of hours and type of service offered.