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"I joined the IS program for a more serious environment. It feels good to have group projects with everybody adding to them, compared to being the only person working in a regular class."
-Byron, class of 2026
Statement of Purpose:
Statement of Purpose:
International Studies is a collaborative social program for college-bound students to develop academic skills, creative thinking, and cross-cultural communication in their humanities classes.
What is the International Studies Program at Mira Loma High School?
What is the International Studies Program at Mira Loma High School?
The International Studies (IS) Program is a non-honors, interdisciplinary, humanities-based program of specialized, rigorous coursework meeting a-g college/university admission requirements.
IS classes feature:
Interdisciplinary, project-based learning (Touchpoints)
Student choice in learning
A focus on cultural understanding
The IS Program at Mira Loma High School currently serves between 250-300 students. Graduates from the International Studies Program collectively contribute over 6,000 hours of service in the Sacramento community annually.
Why the I.S. Program?
Why the I.S. Program?
"As a previous IB student who was overwhelmed by the amount of work, and a student who has tried out standard level classes and was not properly challenged, the IS program offered a perfect middle ground in difficulty and in workload that fit my needs as a student. The cultural education put into the curriculum is a surprisingly interesting way for me to learn more about the world while still keeping me engaged. Going through my second year in the program, I have not ever felt overly stressed or overworked to the point of exhaustion like I have in the past, and yet not a day goes by where I feel like a class period is wasted or that I could have done/learned more. While not directly related to the program, all my peers are wonderful people, and make going through everyday life a lot easier."
-Zackary, Class of 2026
Who is an International Studies Student?
Who is an International Studies Student?
- The First Generation College Student:
This student wants to be the first in their family to go to college. They are doing their best to get there, but their grasp of the English Language or the demands of their home life make the full IB/MYP program inaccessible. They use IS to prepare for college while taking a few IB courses when they are ready.
- The Scientist/Mathematician:
This student uses IS as a reliable and rigorous path to earn their humanities credits while they explore their main interests, Math/Science, in the IB program. They want the increased rigor of the IB program in non-humanities subjects, but they don’t want a full IB schedule.
- The Student-Government Student:
This student uses the learning cohorts of IS to build social connections as they engage with the Associated Student Body to plan and run school events. Because they are in IS classes, they know that their classwork will be featured in many of the events they are planning. They want the openness of the IS schedule to participate in SAR and other school activities.
- The CTE Student:
This student is interested in the Computer Science or Medical Careers CTE offered by Mira Loma. They choose IS because they know that it offers a solid foundation for their future education while still giving them time and freedom to explore CTE classes.
- The Aspiring College Athlete:
This student wants to be academically ready for college, but they understand that most of their time will be spent on physical conditioning. They want a program that prepares them academically, but they are not looking for an honors program.
- The Budding Artist:
This student appreciates the two years of art included in the IS schedule. They like that they get to express themselves artistically in their English class as well. Their schedule is also open to exploring digital and IB art classes.
- The Civic Minded:
This student is involved in volunteering in their community. They like that the IS program helps them prepare for college while allowing them to spend extracurricular time on volunteer opportunities. They really appreciate that IS has a volunteering component.
What makes the International Studies Program Unique?
What makes the International Studies Program Unique?
The distinctive field trips, motivational guest speakers, expert academic advising, and parent workshops make Mira Loma High School’s International Studies Program exceptional. Four years of integrated, intercultural projects in English, Social Studies, and technology-infused Art classes challenge students to realize their potential to make a difference and empower them to embrace their responsibility to build a better world.
Will the International Studies Program help my student get into a good college?
Will the International Studies Program help my student get into a good college?
A four-year college degree is becoming more and more important for unlocking the doors to economic and educational opportunities in America today. High school courses and grades naturally count for admission to college, but many students don’t realize how important it is to make their application stand out and shine. Interdisciplinary programs, internationally focused content, and community service will give your student plenty to write about in their college application.
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