Singapore’s First American High School Programme
Study at a Real American High School — In Singapore
The MacDuffie School American High School Diploma Programme
Delivered by a prestigious U.S. elite boarding school with 136 years of history
Niche Ranking: Top 100 Boarding Schools in the U.S.
Officially registered with Singapore’s SSG (2024)
The first American high school programme in Singapore
The MacDuffie School Curriculum adheres to the American Common Core Standards and is designed to meet the academic requirements of students across six key areas of study. This programme is delivered in Singapore through a collaboration between SSTC and The MacDuffie School. This curriculum is tailored to provide international educational opportunities that respect the needs and cultural sensitivities of local students.
The school empowers all students to succeed by providing a robust network of academic support, language development, and co-curricular activities, preparing them for university and beyond.
By developing intellectual habits, upholding high ethical standards, and promoting respect for diversity, this holistic education prepares students to thrive as effective individuals and morally responsible participants in the global community.
An Authentic American High School Experience — Delivered in Singapore
Study the same American high school curriculum, earn the same U.S. diploma, and prepare for entry into leading universities around the world—all while studying in Singapore.
The MacDuffie School American High School Diploma Programme, delivered in partnership with SSTC Institute, offers students the opportunity to experience an authentic U.S. high school education without relocating overseas.
Founded in 1890 in Massachusetts, USA, The MacDuffie School is one of America's long-established independent college preparatory schools. Today, students in Singapore follow the same academic curriculum, graduate with the same American High School Diploma, and become part of the same MacDuffie global community as students studying in the United States.
Why Choose the MacDuffie American High School Diploma?
Unlike many international or pathway programmes, students enrolled in the programme are officially registered as students of The MacDuffie School (USA).
Students will:
A School with Over 136 Years of Educational Excellence
Internationally Accredited and Globally Recognised
The MacDuffie School holds accreditation from leading educational organisations, ensuring that its curriculum and qualifications meet internationally recognised academic standards.
Accreditation
These accreditations provide confidence that the American High School Diploma is recognised by universities around the world.
A Global University Pathway
The American High School Diploma is recognised by universities around the world and provides students with multiple progression opportunities.
Graduates may apply to universities in:
The programme provides flexibility for students pursuing a wide range of academic and career aspirations.
For students who wish to continue their studies in Singapore, several public universities accept applicants based on their American High School Diploma and overall academic performance, without requiring AP or SAT scores. Similarly, a number of Top 100 universities in the United States also offer admissions pathways that do not require AP or SAT results. Students are encouraged to contact SSTC to learn more about suitable university progression pathways and specific entry requirements as the entry requirements to universities may difer year to year.
An American Curriculum Designed for University Success
The curriculum follows the American credit system and Common Core Standards, enabling students to develop both academic knowledge and transferable skills.
Students study across areas including:
Students may also choose Advanced Placement (AP) courses according to their university goals and academic interests.
Small Classes. Individual Attention.
MacDuffie believes every student should be known personally.
Students benefit from:
This individualised approach helps students develop confidence, independence and academic readiness.
Preparing Students for Life Beyond School
The programme focuses not only on academic achievement but also on developing the qualities expected of future global leaders.
Students are encouraged to develop:
These competencies prepare graduates for university study and future professional success.
Programme Highlights
Enquire Today
Discover how the MacDuffie American High School Diploma can prepare you for university and beyond.
Mr Eugene Tan
Director of Admissions
Mobile / WhatsApp: +65 9817 5733
WeChat: 13918994873
Globally Recognized Qualification
Students graduate with a formal U.S. high school diploma, which is widely accepted by universities around the world.
GPA-Based System Encourages Consistent Performance
Unlike A-Levels where final exams determine most of the grade, the U.S. system uses a credit and GPA structure, allowing students to build strong academic results steadily over time.
Access to 38 AP Subjects for Academic Rigor
Ambitious students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, giving them the same academic competitiveness as IB or A-Level students when applying to top universities.
Greater Flexibility for Different Learning Styles
The system is less rigid than IB or exam-heavy A-Levels, making it suitable for students who perform better through continuous learning rather than high-pressure final exams.
Assessment Structure Comparison
Based on a credit and GPA system
Students are evaluated continuously through homework, projects, participation, quizzes, and exams
GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is the key indicator used by universities
Ideal for students who perform consistently throughout the academic year
Typical Grade Breakdown
Class Participation / Attendance: 5–10%
Homework & Assignments: 20–30%
Quizzes & Tests: 20–30%
Projects / Presentations: 10–20%
Midterm Exam: 10–15%
Final Exam: 20–30%
This structure allows students to improve and recover grades throughout the term, rather than relying solely on one exam.
Combination of coursework and final examinations
Final exams usually count for 70–80% of the total grade
Students must also complete:
TOK (Theory of Knowledge)
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
Extended Essay
IB emphasizes research, critical thinking, and academic writing, but weak exam performance can significantly affect the final result.
Highly exam-focused
Final grades depend mainly on Year 13 examinations
Students typically study 3–4 subjects in depth
This system suits students who are strong exam performers and already clear about their university subject focus, but it offers less flexibility if exam results are poor.
Summary
U.S. High School Diploma: Flexible, GPA-based, and broad in subject choices. AP courses provide strong academic rigor for university applications.
IB Diploma: Globally respected and academically demanding, combining coursework, research, and exams.
A-Levels: Deep subject specialization with strong emphasis on final exams.
Profile of a Student Suited for the U.S. High School Diploma
Students who prefer steady coursework, projects, and quizzes rather than relying on a few major exams. This approach allows them to build a strong GPA over time.
Students who want to study a wide range of subjects, rather than being restricted to a fixed subject structure.
Example:
A student interested in STEM and business or music can combine mathematics and science with electives like entrepreneurship, music, or computer science.
Many U.S. universities now use test-optional admissions, focusing on GPA, coursework rigor, and AP subjects. A U.S. diploma aligns naturally with these requirements.
Hardworking students who perform consistently can maintain a high GPA (3.7–4.0). Unlike IB or A-Levels, where one poor exam can significantly affect results, the U.S. system allows grade improvement over time.
IB and A-Levels often require strong academic English from the start.
The U.S. diploma system allows students to gradually develop language skills while earning credits through varied coursework such as projects, presentations, and class participation.
This is particularly attractive for first-time international students from China and Southeast Asia.
| COST BREAKDOWN | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | $17,500.00 |
| H&F Insurance | $300.00 |
| Administrative Fee | $600.00 |
| Assessment Fee | $2,300.00 |
| Lab. Fee | $600.00 |
| CCA Fee | Misc, if app |
| Course Materials | $1,300.00 |
| Fee Protection Scheme | $678.00 |
| Application Fee | $2,000.00 |
| Goods & Services Tax | $2,275.02 |
| TOTAL | $27,553.02 |
Online Enquiry Form
1 Selegie Road, #06-01, GR.iD, Singapore 188306
Monday to Friday
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Weekend& Public Holidays :Closed
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