High School Academic Program
Seisen requires that students earn 22 credits in grades 9 through 12. Graduation requirements are as follows:Subject / Credits
| English 4 Foreign Language 3 Social Studies 4 Religion 2 |
Math 3 Academic Electives 3 Science 3 Physical Education 1 |
Courses in health and art or drama are required each year. Academic electives include art, physics, business, history, Spanish, French, and Japanese. Other electives are yearbook, newspaper, library assistant, choir, dance, drama, and pottery. Special instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL) is available.
Class size varies according to subject. The grading system uses letter grades (A to F) for electives and physical education and numerical grades (the highest being 100 and grades below 70 indicating failure) for other subjects. Reports are sent to parents at the end of each of the four marking periods. Parents are advised if a student is in danger of failing a subject.
The sectioning of classes is random except in English and mathematics courses, in which groupings are based on ability. The average course load is five classes in academic subjects and one elective. The library is open during the day and for 90 minutes after school.
The following tests are administered in the school: the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and the SAT.
In 1986, the International Baccalaureate program was initiated. Students are able to earn a full I.B. Diploma or to take individual courses for certificates. In grade 10 each student decides whether she will take the Seisen University Preparatory Program or the International Baccalaureate Program to complete her graduation requirements in the last two years of school. In many cases the students in both programs are in the same classes, but there are variations in the requirements, which are designed to meet the needs of the students and their individual strengths and weaknesses.