IST High School

The International School of Turin (IST) offers a high level international curriculum that includes the IST Pathways: a flexible path designed to meet students’ different needs.

Within this system, students can choose between the Diploma Programme (DP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the American High School Diploma. The IB Diploma, globally recognised and legally equivalent to Italian High School Degree (Maturità), provides access to both Italian and foreign universities.

High School at IST begins with the last years of the Middle Years Programme (MYP 9-10), which are the common baseline for every student. At the end of MYP-10, students enter IST Pathways, a system allowing personalization of each individual academic path according to ambitions, interests and university goals.

At this point, students can choose among three options: the IB Diploma, granting access to universities worldwide; the High School Diploma enhanced by Advanced Placement (AP) courses, recognised in both Europe and the United States or the traditional High School Diploma, providing access to American universities. This modular structure offers each student the possibility to build a path truly tailored to their future aspirations.

As a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited school, IST also awards the American High School Diploma. Students who successfully complete the Diploma Programme automatically earn both degrees, increasing their opportunities of accessing higher education at a global level.

Organization

School schedule: classes are held from Monday to Friday, with a variable schedule, ranging from 8:20 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for grades 9-10).
Class Structure: classes are organized into groups of up to 20 students, ensuring personalized instruction and a learning environment that fosters active participation.
Academic Advising: students are supported by a school counselor who helps them select courses and provides ongoing support throughout the program.

Italian Program

The Italian Program at High School is a vital and essential component of the IST curriculum, contributing to cultural and linguistic development of students, whether Italian or international.

In the first two years of high school (grades 9-10)students continue the study of the Italian language through the MYP Italian Language and Literature programme, which lays the ground for addressing with confidence and competence the Diploma Programme (DP) courses in the last two years (grades 11-12), especially Italian A Literature, offered at both the Higher Level and Standard Level (HL/SL)

This path provides a unique opportunity for learning and cultural reflection, strengthening not only linguistic skills, but also critical thought and intercultural understanding, in full accordance with the IB values.

School Clubs

High School Diploma students have the opportunity to participate in School Clubs, co-curricular activities included in the tuition fee that complement and enhance their educational path. These clubs provide stimulating opportunities in different areas, fostering the exploration of passions, the development of transversal skills and the strengthening of a sense of identity and participation in school life.

Among the available options, in addition to the activities available up to Grade 10, are found:

Model United Nations (MUN)

Simulation of diplomatic debates and international decision-making processes.

UNESCO Club

Exploring global issues related to culture and education.

Yearbook Club

A creative group dedicated to creating the school yearbook through photography, design, and storytelling.

Eco Club

Promoting initiatives related to sustainability and biodiversity, focusing on environmental activities at a local and community level.

Secondary Sports Team

An opportunity for students to practice sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, and cross-country running, taking part in international tournaments and friendly matches with neighboring schools.

Nutrition
and wellbeing

IST pays close attention to student wellbeing, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle as an integral part of the educational experience.

Nutrition Program: students can enjoy a cafeteria service following the Good Food Program, granting healthy and balanced meals made with fresh, organic and locally sourced (for the most part) ingredients.
Psychological wellbeing: beyond nutritional support, students benefit from a psychological wellbeing program, with the opportunity of an open dialogue with a school counselor who guides them in managing stress and personal challenges.

Learning Environment

The learning environment is designed to nurture student intellectual, social and personal growth, encouraging curiosity and reflection.

Spaces and materials: the school is equipped with modern classrooms, scientific laboratories equipped for experiments, a wide library for research and reading and areas dedicated to art, music and sport.

Technology: students use technology as an integral part of their learning process, with tools such as the iPad 1:1 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program, which enhance communication, cooperation and critical thinking development.

Final exam and Certification

At the end of their academic journey, IST students take a final exam based on the Diploma they are pursuing.