Academics

What is Cambridge?

The Cambridge International Examination curriculum is recognized around the world for its rigor and critical thinking.
Cambridge International Examination (CIE) curriculum is an internationally recognized curriculum developed and produced by the University of Cambridge, in Cambridge, England.

A non-profit division of the University (Cambridge Assessment) oversees three different examination boards : OCR provides curriculum and tests for UK students in alignment with British educational standards, another provides curriculum and tests English of speakers of other native languages worldwide, while CIE provides advanced curriculum and tests students in approximately 180 countries across the world.

While CIE uses a similar structure and naming convention of levels to that used in the UK educational system, the two programs are very different in course content and examination structure. It is generally held that the UK system is a much lower standard of education.

Within the Cambridge System, there are three levels: Middle Years (Cambridge calls this Lower Secondary), IGCSE (International General Certificate in Secondary Education), and A Levels.

Middle Years is essentially a Middle School program. At Herberger Young Scholars Academy, Middle Years is a 2 year program, co-taught in a combined learning environment.

In IGCSE, students cover many, though not all, of their high school requirements. IGCSE is also a 2 year program at Herberger Young Scholars Academy. At the completion of their IGCSE cohort, most students receive the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, depending on how they score on their Cambridge tests.

A-Levels stands for Advanced Levels. These are advanced level classes that are designed to align with college level curriculum while being taken by high school students. A-Level classes are similar in concept to Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
(Learn more about the differences between Cambridge, AP and IB.)

Herberger Young Scholars Academy offers multiple AS (Advanced Subsidiary) courses, the first year of the 2 year A-Level courses. After completing an AS course, students may opt to sit the Cambridge Exam for that course (some courses require sitting the exam for award of credit). Depending on how well a student scores on the exam, they may be able to apply for credit from the college or university they later attend. 

In addition, A-Level students can receive an Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma through their A-Level coursework. We are seeing more and more colleges and universities asking if students are AICE candidates or already have an AICE Diploma on their admissions applications.
(Learn more about the AICE Diploma.)

Many of our students graduate with significant college credit thanks to the Cambridge International Examination program. (We HIGHLY recommend reaching out to any college or university your student is applying to to inquire as to their policy for accepting Cambridge Exams for college credit as these policies vary by institution.)
The Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy seeks and accepts students for admission without reference to race, color, religion, age, disability, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender. Admissions and financial aid decisions are made independently.