This International School Lets Kids Design Their Own Diploma By Choosing The Subjects They Want

ICS’ Advanced Placement Programme lets kids choose subjects that match their goals and strengths, while still opening doors to top universities.

Parents, you probably already know this: When it comes to learning styles, no two children are the same. Some naturally gravitate towards maths and science, while others shine in the humanities or languages. International Community School (ICS) understands that a one-size-fits-all system isn’t ideal, especially when students end up struggling through subjects that don’t play to their strengths. Here’s how the school’s Advanced Placement (AP) programme offers more flexibility, while still keeping students competitive for top universities.

Gain an edge to enter top universities

Families may have several great pre-university programmes to choose from, and you’ll be glad to know that the AP programme is just as well-recognised by leading universities around the world. The best part? It offers more room for students to personalise their journey by letting them choose subjects centred around their goals, interests and abilities. This way, students become more motivated and confident in their studies.

Students who achieve strong AP scores can even get a head start in university, since these results can count as credits or exemptions, allowing them to skip certain modules or even graduate earlier! For example, 2023 graduate Josie H.’s AP results helped her enter Georgetown University with 36 credits already completed, equivalent to more than a year’s worth of coursework. She’s now on track to finish her degree in just three years, which also translates to both time saved and lower tuition costs.

Read more: Personalised Learning With Small Class Sizes, Counselling, & More at ICS

Proven track record

Of course, ICS students have the results to prove it. In 2025, they posted an average AP exam score of 4.21. For context, AP exams are scored from 1 to 5, with last year’s global average at just 2.92! On top of that, out of the 143 AP exams taken, 45% earned a perfect score of 5, which is well above the global average of 17%.

Graduate Zaara B., now at the London School of Economics, says, “AP classes at ICS taught me to think critically and back my ideas with evidence,” making university feel much more manageable.

So if you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional diploma route, learn more about ICS’s AP Programme by making an inquiry or booking a tour here! You can also join the on-campus Open House on 11 April 2026 here to see the AP experience in action.

Quote SASSY to the ICS staff to enjoy $400 off your enrollment fee upon signup!

International Community School (ICS), 27a Jubilee Road, Singapore 128575, www.ics.edu.sg