Academics
Curriculum Overview
Grades 9-12
Standard course offerings in all core and non-core areas are available through our FIA Learning Management System that contains collegiate accredited curriculum. Curriculum is customizable, which means we can make adjustments based on a student’s prior knowledge or credit profile. Pre-college courses aligned with our higher education partners and Advanced Placement courses are also available - as well as opportunities to pursue unique projects of interest that contribute to a cause or community. Successful FIA graduates will be eligible for US University Pathways scholarships to attend one of our partner colleges.
Grades 6-8
Standard course offerings in all core and non-core areas are available through our FIA Learning Management System. We also supplement instruction in English and Math with various adaptive resources when appropriate. A student’s personalized learning plan will determine the range and depth of the curricular resources as well as opportunities to pursue unique projects of interest. As with the upper levels, curriculum plans are customizable, which means we can make adjustments based on a student’s prior knowledge and skills.
Adaptive Learning
Access to courses at any level is generally asynchronous and fully adaptive. Pacing and progress guides will assist students and parents in knowing where they should be in relation to the course completion date. Grades and feedback are issued by the LMS and/or FIA instructional staff. Live communication may be scheduled on an as needed basis or at-will basis for additional support or enrichment. Student schedules will be determined based on a graduation plan that is developed with learning coaches, FIA academic staff, parents and students.
Unlimited Courses
FIA supports a full schedule of ongoing standard elective and core area courses for the same tuition during any term.
Keys to Success
Regardless of grade level, the content is 30-50% greater than what students might expect to see in a traditional setting. Students and families will always know where they stand in terms of progress and expectations. They will be supported and coached through their schooling by their learning team and who can either accelerate or scale back content and pacing depending on individual progress. Proctored exams are administered in many courses in order to earn credit at the 9-12 grade level or a passing grade at 6-8 grade level. Retakes of exams are permitted. Students who commit to at least 45-60 minutes per subject per day have an increased rate of academic success (grade of B or higher).
Course Descriptions
Download the 2024-25 edition of the Forward International Academy’s high school coursebook here. In it you will find titles and descriptions for interesting, fun and challenging courses in the core and elective areas. The majority of courses are asynchronous and, therefore, lend themselves to self-paced learning environments.
2024-25 Academic Calendar
First Semester:
Semester Begins: September 3, 2024
End of First Semester: January 17, 2025
Second Semester:
Semester Begins: January 21, 2025
End of Second Semester: June 6, 2025
Holiday Break:
December 23, 2024 - January 2, 2025
Major US Holidays Observed:
Labor Day: September 2, 2024
Veterans Day: November 11, 2024
Thanksgiving Break: November 28-29, 2024
Christmas Day: December 25, 2024
New Year's Day: January 1, 2025
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20, 2025
Presidents' Day: February 17, 2025
Memorial Day: May 26, 2025
Learning Resources
FIA support resources are available to enrolled students, learning coaches, parents and partner schools. Contents of the page include academic planning resources, Learning Management System (LMS) access, enrichment tools and other ongoing communications. Please contact FIA administration for access.
Instructional Staff
Our teachers are highly qualified professionals with experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds. All instructional staff at FIA possess the knowledge and skills to help students succeed, including strong content expertise and coaching skills that challenge learners and promote growth in learning and life!
Program Features and Credit Requirements
Forward International Academy (FIA) is an innovative private school serving students in grades 9-12 from various locations around the globe as part of a network of educational services supported by US University Pathways. FIA provides students with:
Quality American Curriculum
FIA offers a high-quality American curriculum, providing students with an education that is recognized globally. The curriculum is designed to meet the highest standards of academic excellence, ensuring that students are well- equipped for their future endeavors, whether in higher education or the professional world.
Various Forms of Learning
FIA embraces a flexible approach to demonstrating academic achievement. This includes traditional content delivery as well as alternative methods such as project-based learning and internships that we endorse in collaboration with partner schools.
Self-Paced Learning Model
As an online high school, Forward International Academy provides flexibility for students to learn at their own pace and convenience. This format allows international students to balance their studies with other commitments and activities.
Individualized Graduation Plan
FIA works closely with each student to develop personalized graduation plans that align with their aspirations and goals, ensuring a meaningful and relevant educational journey.
Preparation for Higher Education
The curriculum at Forward International Academy is intended to prepare students for success beyond high school. By following learning plan aligned with Wisconsin model standards, students are well-equipped for college admissions and future success, whether they choose to attend school in Wisconsin or elsewhere.
| Content Area | Required Credits | Required Courses/Topics |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | Composition, Literature, Verbal Communication, Research, Argumentation, Reason, Debate, Grammar & Conventions |
| Social Studies | 3 | 0.5 credit Government & Civics, 1 credit History |
| Science | 3 | 1 credit Biology, 1 credit Physical Science |
| Math | 3 | 3 credits of Algebra or higher Math coursework, or modified plan based on PLP |
| Health & Fitness | 1 | 0.5 credit Health, 0.5 credit Physical Fitness |
| Electives | 10 | Additional coursework to reach 24 credits |
Scholarship Opportunities
FIA’s partner program offers students a pathway toward obtaining an affordable college degree from leading Wisconsin universities. Download the fact sheet to learn how much FIA students can save through the partner program.
ESL Support
FIA offers English language proficiency courses to students with a solid foundation in English, but who continue to work toward fluency.
Courses are asynchronous and fully online and include placement testing and full access to an instructor. Courses may be individualized based on placement test results. Each course is 4-months in duration and will be offered concurrent with FIA academic coursework. Students can work from anywhere they can access the internet and can submit their work any time of the day or week regardless of timezone.
Upon successful completion of their recommended course(s), students will have the necessary skills to take the TOEFL or similar proficiency exam. Successful completion of each ESL course will also qualify students for .5 elective credit toward FIA graduation.
Details about accessing ESL services will be discussed with partner schools during the FIA onboarding process.