Soundview School’s International Program has a rigorous but flexible curriculum which not only enables individuated instruction but also ensures that all students will have the specific preparation they need to succeed in challenging high school environments in the US, their home countries, or abroad.

Upon entrance into the International Program and at the beginning and end of each school year, students undergo level testing to determine appropriate placement in all subjects. This testing both gives Soundview teachers the data they need to accurately tailor instruction and helps to prepare students for the types of high-stakes tests they will need to move ahead: TOEFL, SAT, ACT, AP and IB exams.

Central to the success of Soundview International Program students is the Humanities Block. This intensive class meets every day and provides instruction in English as a Second Language in a highly engaging setting enriched with historical and cultural studies. This is the only class which sees International Program students separated from their domestic counterparts, allowing International Program students to develop the skills and confidence to function and thrive in Soundview’s immersion atmosphere.

In addition to working on English grammar, vocabulary, and test preparation, each trimester the Humanities Block focuses on a different theme around which texts, activities, and projects are organized. These themes not only provide interesting subjects for investigation and expression, but also—because Soundview’s domestic students are working on the same themes in their Humanities block—give opportunities for conversation and collaboration among all Soundview students, international and domestic.

All other classes are taken with Soundview’s highly motivated and capable domestic students who welcome and support their International peers. Additional support for International students is always available in the other subject areas. Because Soundview’s curriculum is advanced, graduates of the Soundview International program are well-prepared to do high school-level work in all disciplines.