STEM and Research
It is only quite recently that STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education has been under the spotlight in the US. At International High School, we have been promoting a rigorous scientific education for decades.
The intrinsic value of the scientific method and its transferability to so many other academic areas are certainly good enough reasons to justify renewed focus; but another probable cause is the growing perception that it is through STEM innovations that many global issues will be solved, including revitalizing lagging economies. New technologies are making STEM education more interesting and exciting than ever. Our students are increasingly gravitating towards these subjects.
At International High School, students in both the International Baccalaureate and French Bac sections study all three sciences simultaneously until 10th grade, providing an understanding of the fundamental connections between physics, chemistry and biology.
Our science teachers are experts in their fields. They are committed to providing “hands-on” lab experiences and inspiring all students to think as real scientists. In experiments using sophisticated college-level equipment and materials—including digital probes and sensors—our students are only limited by the sacrosanct nature of the data and their own imaginations.
From programming to science and makers' clubs, robotics, math competitions and science fair preparation, our offerings outside of our regular science classrooms have been growing rapidly. Our students are developing the 21st century skills that will make a significant difference in their lives: creativity, collaboration, innovation and risk taking.
In the Classroom
At International High School, we are committed to delivering a rich, modern, and exciting curriculum based on strong theoretical content systematically introduced and complemented by experimentation. From traditional methods to cutting edge biotechnology and computer-assisted experiments, students are exposed to a broad range of techniques that prepare them perfectly for the best science programs in the best universities.
Classes Offered
International Section: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology, IB Biology SL/HL, IB Chemistry SL/HL, IB Physics SL/HL, Environmental Systems and Societies SL, Algebra/Geometry, Algebra II/Geometry, Pre-Calculus, IB Mathematical Studies, IB Mathematics Standard Level, IB Mathematics Higher Level, IB Further Mathematics Higher Level
French Section: Physique-Chimie, Sciences de la vie et de la terre, Biotechnologies, Creation et innovation technologique, Sciences de lat Vie et de la terre ES/S/S Spécialité, Physique-Chimie S/S Spécialité, Mathématiques, Première S Mathématiques, Terminale S Mathématques, Spécialité, Première ES Mathématiques, Terminale ES Mathématiques
Full descriptions of classes can be found on our Curriculum pages >>
Internships & Co-Curriculars
STEM Events
- Friends of STEAM events
- School-wide Design Faire
- Hour of Code
- Workshops on Design Thinking & Clean Energy
Co-Curricular
- Technovation
- App-building
- Python Programming
- Science Club
- Design Club
Research Internship Opportunities
- Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
- UCSF Summer Research Opportunities
- California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Internship
Science Fair Competitions
- San Francisco Bay Area Science Fair (SFBASF)
- Next California State Science Fair
- Intel International Science and Engineering Fair