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American High School Diploma

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AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA HIGHLIGHTS
A Rigorous Academic base
American High School Diploma in Antwerp - Broad, Flexible, and Built for Your Future.

Owl Academy International School offers an American High School Diploma programme recognised by most universities worldwide - a broad, student-centred pathway designed for international students who want a flexible, future-ready education without sacrificing academic rigour.
Unlike examination-focused programmes, the American High School Diploma is built on continuous assessment and earned credits. Students progress through their subjects at a structured pace, demonstrating knowledge through coursework, projects, and ongoing evaluation rather than high-stakes final examinations. This approach rewards consistent effort and genuine understanding - suits students who thrive when their progress is recognised throughout the year, not just at the end of it.
With a broad core curriculum, access to college-level Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the option to prepare for SAT and ACT entrance examinations, Owl Academy's American diploma students graduate with the academic credentials, personal confidence, and independent thinking skills that universities and employers across the world are looking for.

  • Grades : 9,10,11,12
  • Age Group: 14–18 years
  • Programme Duration: 4 Years (Credit-Based)
  • Assessment Style: Non Exam-Based (Continuous Assessment)
  • AP Courses: Available across multiple disciplines
  • University acceptance: Accepted by most universities worldwide
  • Delivery: On campus - Antwerp, Belgium

Advanced Placement Courses

Advanced Placement courses bring university-level academic content into the high school years - giving motivated students the opportunity to study at a depth that most secondary programmes simply do not reach. Developed by College Board, AP courses allow motivated high school students to engage with university-level content, demonstrate advanced academic ability, and - with strong exam scores - earn college credit at many US and international universities before they graduate from high school.
Owl Academy offers a wide selection of AP courses across the sciences, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts - giving students the flexibility to pursue the AP subjects that align with their university ambitions and personal strengths.

Ap-Art-History

AP Art History

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  None

AP Art History
What You'll Learn

AP Art History takes students on a rigorous journey through visual culture from prehistory to the present day. Students learn to analyse works of art as products of their cultural, historical, and social contexts – examining how form, content, and meaning intersect across civilisations. The course sharpens the skills of close visual analysis, essay writing, and comparative thinking that are valued in both the AP examination and in undergraduate study across the humanities.

Ap-Biology

AP Biology

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  Biology I,Chemistry I,Algebra I

AP Biology
What You'll Learn

AP Biology moves beyond surface-level content into the principles that govern living systems – from cellular processes and genetics to evolution, ecology, and biological interactions at scale. Students develop scientific reasoning through inquiry-based investigations, building the analytical habits that university-level Biology demands. The course prepares students thoroughly for the AP examination while laying a genuine foundation for undergraduate study in the life sciences, medicine, or related
fields.

Ap-Calculus-AB

AP Calculus AB

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  Pre-Calculus 

AP Calculus AB
What You'll Learn

AP Calculus AB introduces students to the fundamental concepts of differential and integral calculus – limits, continuity, derivatives, and integrals – through a mathematically rigorous and practically grounded course. Students learn not just toexecute calculus procedures, but to understand why they work and where they apply in the real world. The course builds the mathematical confidence andproblem-solving precision that Engineering, Economics, Physics, and other quantitative university programmes require.

AP-Calculus-BC

AP Calculus BC

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  Pre-Calculus

AP Calculus BC
What You'll Learn

AP Calculus BC extends the content of Calculus AB into more advanced territory – including parametric equations, polar coordinates, infinite sequences and series, and further applications of integration. The course is designed for students with strong mathematical ability who want to reach the level of a full first-year university calculus course before leaving high school. Students who score well on the AP Calculus BC examination are well positioned for advanced placement in STEM degree programmes at competitive universities.

Computer-Science

AP Computer Science

  • Duration: 2 Semester 
  • Prerequisite:  Algebra I and II recommended

AP Computer Science
What You'll Learn

AP Computer Science develops students’ ability to design, write, and evaluate computer programmes that solve real problems efficiently and elegantly. Students learn the principles of object-oriented programming, algorithmic thinking, and software design – with an emphasis on writing code that is not only functional, but readable, maintainable, and reusable. The course prepares students for the AP examination and provides a solid foundation for university study in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or any technology-adjacent field.

AP-English-Language-and-Composition

AP English Language and Composition

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  English III

AP English Language and Composition
What You'll Learn

AP English Language and Composition develops students into skilled, flexible writers and critical readers of non-fiction prose. Students study how authors across different periods, genres, and contexts use language, structure, and rhetorical strategy to achieve their purposes – then apply these insights in their own writing. The course builds the analytical reading and purposeful writing skills that are essential for academic success at university level, regardless of the discipline a student ultimately chooses.

AP-English-Literature-and-Composition

AP English Literature and Composition

  • Duration: 1 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  English lll

AP English Literature and Composition
What You'll Learn

AP English Literature and Composition immerses students in the close, disciplined reading of literary texts – novels, plays, poetry, and short fiction from a wide range of periods and traditions. Students learn to interpret how literary devices, narrative structure, and language choices work together to create meaning, and to articulate those interpretations in clear, well-supported analytical writing. The course prepares students for the AP examination and for the kind of textual engagement that English, Comparative Literature, and humanities degrees demand.

AP-Environmental-Science

AP Environmental Science

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  Algebra I and Science

AP Environmental Science
What You'll Learn

AP Environmental Science gives students a science-based understanding of the Earth’s natural systems and the human pressures acting upon them. Students investigate topics including climate change, biodiversity loss, land use, water systems, energy resources, and pollution – building the scientific literacy and data-analysis skills needed to engage seriously with the environmental challenges that define the 21st century. The course is grounded in real-world evidence and prepares students for both the AP examination and undergraduate study in environmental science, geography, or public policy.

AP-Human-Geography

AP Human Geography

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  None

AP Human Geography
What You'll Learn

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of human activity across space and place. Students examine patterns of population, migration, cultural diffusion, political organisation, urbanisation, and economic development – using geographic models and analytical tools to understand how and why the human world is arranged as it is. The course builds spatial thinking, data interpretation, and
comparative analysis skills that transfer directly to undergraduate study in Geography, International Relations, Urban Studies, and the social sciences.

AP-Macroeconomics

AP Macroeconomics

  • Duration: 1 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  None

AP Macroeconomics
What You'll Learn

AP Macroeconomics gives students a rigorous introduction to the principles that govern entire economies – national output, unemployment, inflation, monetary and fiscal policy, and international trade and finance. Students learn to apply economic models to real-world events, evaluate policy decisions, and engage in evidence-based academic discourse about how economies function and why they sometimes fail. The course prepares students directly for the AP examination and for undergraduate study in Economics, Finance, Politics, or Business.

AP Statistics

AP Statistics

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  Algebra II

AP Statistics
What You'll Learn

AP Statistics equips students with the tools to collect, describe, analyse, and draw sound conclusions from data. Students study sampling methods, experimental design, probability, and statistical inference – building the quantitative reasoning and critical evaluation skills that are increasingly essential across virtually every field of higher education and professional life. The course combines conceptual understanding with practical application, preparing students for the AP examination and for the data-driven demands of university-level study in science, social science, business, or technology.

AP-United-States-History

AP United States History

  • Duration: 2 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  None

AP United States History
What You'll Learn

AP United States History develops students’ ability to think analytically and write convincingly about American history from the pre-colonial period to the present. Students examine key themes – power, identity, politics, culture, economics, and global relations – across different periods and perspectives, using primary sources and historical evidence to construct and evaluate arguments. The course prepares students for the AP examination and builds the research and argumentation skills that history, political science, and social science degrees require.

AP U.S. Government and Politics

AP U.S. Government and Politics

  • Duration: 1 Semester
  • Prerequisite:  U.S. History Recommended

AP U.S. Government and Politics
What You'll Learn

AP U.S. Government and Politics gives students a detailed, evidence-based understanding of the structures, institutions, and political processes that define American democracy. Students examine the Constitution, the branches of government, civil liberties, political parties, elections, and public policy – analysing how power is acquired, exercised, and contested within the US system. The course develops the political analysis and argumentation skills that are directly applicable to undergraduate study in Political Science, Law, International Relations, and Public
Policy.

regular high school courses

Choose from a broad selection of high school courses designed to provide a solid foundation and prepare students for the future.

HCR 230 – Culture and Health

  • University Duration: 3 Credits
  • High School Credits:  1 Credit (CTE)
  •  Instructor-Led: (8 Weeks)
  • Fall A, Spring A

What You'll Learn

In HCR 230 – Culture and Health, students explore the concept of culture and its impact on healthcare. The course examines how culture shapes beliefs, values, and practices, and extends these insights into the healthcare field, focusing on their implications within the U.S. and beyond.

HST 100 – Global History to 1500

  • University Duration: 3 Semesters 
  • High School credits:  1 Credit (Social Studies)
  • Instructor-Led: (8 Weeks)
  • Fall A, Spring A, Summner A, Summner B

What You'll Learn

In ENG 131 – Poetry in America: 1850-1945, students journey through American poetry from this transformative period, enriched by insights from the acclaimed Poetry in America PBS series. The course immerses you in the influential works and vibrant themes that defined the era, offering a profound appreciation of the poetic landscape.

CHM 101 – Introductory
Chemistry

  • University Duration: 2 Semesters 
  • High School credits:  Pre-Calculus 
  • Instructor-Led: (16 Weeks)
  • Fall c, Spring C

What You'll Learn

In CHM 101 – Introductory Chemistry, students explore the essential role of atoms in forming the molecules that constitute both living organisms and the materials in our environment. The course breaks down complex concepts into clear, understandable explanations, focusing on how atoms and molecules shape our world. Prerequisites: MAT 117 College Algebra or MAT 142 College Mathematics

PMG 240 – Introduction to Project Management

  • University Duration: 3 Credits
  • High School Credits:  1 Credit (CTE)
  • Self-Paced or Instructor-Led: (8 Weeks)
  • Fall A

What You'll Learn

In PMG 240 – Introduction to Project Management, students gain insights into how projects are planned, executed, and assessed amid changing environmental factors. This certificate course explores the complexities of managing projects of various sizes and scopes, highlighting their impact on stakeholders.

HCR 220 – Introduction to the Health Professions and the US

  • University Duration: 3 Credits
  • High School Credits:  1 Credit (CTE)
  • Instructor Led : (8 Weeks)
  • Fall B, Spring B

What You'll Learn

In HCR 220 – Introduction to the Health Professions and the US Healthcare System, students unravel the complexities of the healthcare system and explore its future possibilities. The course covers healthcare technology, career paths in the field, and the steps to achieve your goals, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering a healthcare career.

ENG 131 – Poetry in America:The City

  • University Duration: 3 Credits
  • High School Credits:  1 Credit (CTE)
  • Self-Paced or Instructor-Led: (16 Weeks)
  • Spring A

What You'll Learn

In ENG 131 – Poetry in America: 1850-1945, students journey through American poetry from this transformative era, enhanced by insights from the acclaimed Poetry in America PBS series. The course delves into influential works and vibrant themes, offering a rich appreciation of the poetic landscape and its historical impact.

ENG 131 – Poetry in America: 1850-1945

  • University Duration: 2 Semesters 
  • High School credits:  Pre-Calculus 
  • Instructor-Led: (16 Weeks)
  • Spring A

What You'll Learn

In ENG 131 – Poetry in America: 1850-1945, students journey through American poetry from this transformative period, enriched by insights from the acclaimed Poetry in America PBS series. The course immerses you in the influential works and vibrant themes that defined the era, offering a profound appreciation of the poetic landscape.

CGF 110 - Resilient American Futures: An Academic Road Trip

  • University Duration: 3 Credits
  • High School Credits:  1 Credit (CTE)
  • Self-Paced or Instructor-Led: (8 Weeks)
  • Fall A

What You'll Learn

In CGF 110 – Resilient American Futures: An Academic Road Trip, students explore the sustainability challenges faced by communities, cities, and natural systems along America’s 2,400-mile Interstate 10. The course examines how these issues affect the fastest-growing, most diverse, and disaster-prone areas and their broader implications for the country.

WHY STUDENTS AND PARENTS CHOOSE OWL ACADEMY FOR THE AMERICAN DIPLOMA

The American High School Diploma at Owl Academy is not a generic off-the-shelf programme. It is a personalised, academically rigorous pathway built around the strengths, goals, and learning style of each individual student - with the support, flexibility, and breadth to prepare them for universities and careers across the world.

A Learning Model Built Around Each Student

Our on-campus teaching model is designed to place the student at the centre of every academic decision. Rather than asking every learner to fit a fixed pace and structure, Owl Academy's American diploma programme adapts to how each student learns best - whether they need additional time to consolidate a concept, or whether they are ready to move ahead. This flexibility is what makes the credit-based American diploma genuinely different from examination-driven programmes, and genuinely more effective for students with diverse learning styles.

Dedicated Academic Counselling for Every Student

Every Owl Academy American diploma student works closely with an academic adviser throughout their programme. Counselling covers credit planning to meet graduation requirements, subject selection that aligns with target university or college entry requirements, career exploration, and goal-setting at every stage. For international students navigating a new school system, this level of structured personal guidance is not a bonus - it is the difference between a programme that works and one that does not.

A Comprehensive Core Curriculum Plus Advanced Options

Owl Academy's American diploma students study all the core subjects required for a complete American High School education: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Modern Foreign Languages. For students with the ability and ambition to go further, Advanced Placement courses provide access to college-level content while still in high school - and strong AP examination scores may qualify students for university credit. Students preparing for US college entry can also receive targeted preparation for the SAT and ACT examinations.

Education That Develops the Whole Student

Academic results are important - but they are not the only thing universities and employers are looking for. At Owl Academy, American diploma students engage in sport, creative arts, leadership development, and community service as part of a holistic programme that builds character, resilience, and social awareness alongside academic achievement. Students graduate not just with a diploma, but with the personal qualities and practical experiences that make a compelling university application and a genuinely prepared young adult.

Recognised by Most Universities Worldwide

The American High School Diploma is one of the most widely accepted secondary qualifications in the US and some parts of the world. It is accepted by most universities in the United States, and by most universities internationally - including institutions across Europe, the UK, Australia, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East. For internationally mobile students and families who want a qualification that travels with them, the American diploma offers broad, reliable global recognition. Strong AP examination scores can further strengthen a university application and, at many institutions, earn advanced placement or course credit.

A Welcoming International Community in Antwerp

Owl Academy brings together local and international students from across the world in a safe, inclusive, and genuinely multicultural school community in Antwerp. The school's deliberately small size means that every student is known - not one face among hundreds. Students build real friendships, develop cross-cultural understanding, and gain the confidence that comes from navigating an international environment with the right support around them. For families relocating to Belgium, this community is often one of the most important facets that Owl Academy offers.

Begin Your American High School Journey

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Fee Structure

American High School Diploma
(Grades 9–10)

Annual Tuition Fee: €16,000

The annual tuition fee of €16,000 covers the full American High School Diploma programme for students in Grades 9 and 10 - including all timetabled on-campus lessons, academic counselling, credit planning support, and access to course materials throughout the school year.

American High School Diploma
(Grades 11–12)

Annual Tuition Fee: €18,500

The annual tuition fee of €18,500 covers the full American High School Diploma programme for students in Grades 11 and 12, including all timetabled teaching, Advanced Placement course access, academic counselling, university application support, and access to course materials throughout the school year.

Enrollment Fees:

Registration Fee (non-refundable): €1,000 per student.
The registration fee is payable on application and confirms your child's place in the American High School Diploma programme. This fee is non-refundable.

Payment Terms:

All tuition fees are payable within 15 days of enrolment confirmation, or within 7 days of invoice receipt, whichever falls earlier. For questions about fees or payment arrangements, please contact our admissions team directly.

Advanced Placement and Examination Preparation Fees

Advanced Placement course examination fees and SAT/ACT preparation costs may be charged separately from the standard annual tuition fee. Students and families will be advised of any additional costs associated with AP examination entry or college entrance test preparation. Please contact our admissions team for current details.

FAQ's

Have a question? We are here to help.

What is the American High School Diploma and how is it different from British qualifications?
The American High School Diploma is a four-year secondary qualification covering Grades 9 to 12, built on continuous assessment and earned credits rather than high-stakes final examinations. Unlike British A-Levels, which require deep specialisation in three or four subjects, the American diploma provides a broad education across core academic subjects – English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and a Modern Foreign Language – alongside elective courses and Advanced Placement options. It is accepted by most universities worldwide and suits students who thrive with ongoing assessment rather than end-of-year examinations.
Is the American High School Diploma recognised by universities?
Yes. The American High School Diploma is recognised by most universities worldwide – including institutions in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and across Asia and the Middle East. Strong performance in Advanced Placement courses can further strengthen a student’s application and may qualify them for university credit or advanced placement at many institutions. Owl Academy’s academic advisers work with students to ensure their diploma and AP combination is aligned with the specific requirements of their target universities.
What are Advanced Placement (AP) courses and why do they matter?
Advanced Placement courses are college-level programmes offered within the American High School Diploma pathway. Developed by College Board, AP courses allow high school students to study university-level content, sit rigorous examinations, and – with scores of 3, 4, or 5 out of 5 – earn college credit at many US and international universities before graduating from high school. Strong AP performance signals advanced academic ability to university admissions teams and can result in advanced standing, course exemptions, or scholarship consideration at competitive institutions.
Which AP courses does Owl Academy offer?
Owl Academy offers AP courses across a wide range of disciplines, including AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, AP Statistics, AP United States History, and AP U.S. Government and Politics. Students select AP courses in consultation with their academic adviser, based on their strengths, interests, and university goals. Subject availability is confirmed at enrolment.
How does the credit-based assessment system work?
The American High School Diploma is earned through the accumulation of credits – each credit representing the successful completion of a course assessed through coursework, projects, and ongoing evaluation rather than a single final examination. Students must earn a minimum number of credits across required subject areas to qualify for graduation. At Owl Academy, academic advisers work with every student to plan their credit pathway from the start of Grade 9, ensuring they are on track to meet graduation requirements and university entry prerequisites throughout the
four-year programme.
Can students prepare for SAT and ACT examinations at Owl Academy?
Yes. Students following the American High School Diploma at Owl Academy can receive targeted preparation for the SAT and ACT – the standardized college entrance examinations widely used in the US university admissions process. Test preparation support is particularly relevant for students targeting US universities, where SAT or ACT scores form a standard part of the application. Our academic advisers can guide students on whether SAT or ACT preparation is appropriate for their specific university targets and timeline.
What entry requirements does Owl Academy have for the American Diploma programme?
Entry to Owl Academy’s American High School Diploma programme is assessed individually. Applicants should be aged between 14 and 18, have appropriate prior academic qualifications for their target grade level, and demonstrate English language proficiency – as all teaching and assessment is conducted in English. Students joining from non-American curriculum schools, or those entering mid-programme, are assessed by our admissions team to determine the most appropriate grade placement and to identify any bridging support needed for a smooth transition.
How does Owl Academy support American diploma students academically?
American diploma students at Owl Academy receive ongoing academic support throughout their programme. This includes dedicated academic counselling sessions for credit planning and subject selection, regular structured feedback on coursework and assessments, and access to learning resources and enrichment materials. Students who need additional support in specific subject areas can access targeted guidance from specialist teachers. Progress is monitored continuously, and parents receive regular updates to ensure they are fully informed about their child’s academic
journey.
What happens after the American High School Diploma - where do students go next?
Graduates of the American High School Diploma programme go on to apply to universities across the world. The diploma is accepted by most universities in the United States and internationally, and strong AP examination scores can open additional doors – including advanced placement, course credit, and scholarship opportunities at competitive institutions. Owl Academy provides university application guidance as part of the Grades 11 and 12 programme, helping students identify the right universities, prepare compelling applications, and make confident transitions into higher education.
What are the fees for the American High School Diploma at Owl Academy?
The annual tuition fee for Owl Academy’s American High School Diploma is €16,000 for Grades 9 and 10, and €18,500 for Grades 11 and 12. A non-refundable registration fee of €1,000 is payable on application. AP examination entry fees and SAT/ACT preparation costs may be charged separately. All tuition fees are due within 15 days of enrollment confirmation or within 7 days of invoice receipt. Please contact our admissions team for full details about fees and what is included.