Choosing the right curriculum is a crucial step in setting your child up for academic success. CambriLearn offers the American, International British (Cambridge), Pearson Edexcel, and CAPS curricula; giving families a range of high-quality options to choose from.
With so many options available, it’s important to understand how each one compares to ensure your child benefits from the best international curriculum for their needs. Each curriculum has its own structure, teaching style, subject offerings, and university pathways, and what works well for one learner might not suit another.
In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the American and British curriculum to help you decide which curriculum is the best suited to your child’s educational journey.
Curriculum Overview
Each curriculum offers a unique structure, philosophy, and approach to learning, all of which can shape a child's educational journey and future opportunities. Understanding how these systems differ is key to selecting the path that best aligns with your child's goals, learning style, and long-term ambitions.
Here is an overview of the American and British curricula offered by CambriLearn.
American Curriculum Syllabus
The US curriculum is built on the Common Core State Standards. It spans from Kindergarten through Grade 12 and is known for its flexible, credit-based progression model.
A key feature of the American curriculum is its emphasis on developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through continuous assessment. Rather than relying solely on high-stakes exams, students are evaluated through regular coursework, projects, and participation.
As students progress through high school, they have the opportunity to explore college preparatory subjects such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These are university-level classes offered in high school that can earn college credits.
In addition, many students prepare for the SAT or ACT exams, which are commonly required for university admissions in the United States and recognised in various other countries.
International British Curriculum
The British curriculum is divided into structured stages known as Early Years, Primary Stage, Foundational Stage, International GCSE, AS Levels, and A Level. Each stage is designed to build upon the previous one, allowing students to progress through a well-structured academic journey that encourages both subject mastery and independent thinking.
One of the distinguishing features of the British Curriculum is its academic depth and early subject specialisation. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, research skills, and independent learning habits that serve them well in higher education.
The curriculum is designed to be internationally adaptable and is taught in schools around the world. Its consistent structure and globally benchmarked assessments make it a popular choice for families seeking high academic standards and recognised qualifications that open doors to universities worldwide.
Structure and Progression: British Curriculum vs. American Curriculum
The table below provides a simplified comparison of the key structural elements of the American and International British curriculum, helping you understand how each system is organised.
Subject Choices and Flexibility
Each curriculum offers a unique approach to subject selection and academic flexibility, which can significantly influence a learner’s engagement and success.
US Curriculum
The American curriculum offers a broad and flexible structure, particularly in the high school years. Students are generally required to take core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. In addition to these, they can choose from a wide range of electives that range from Journalism, to Psychology and even Artificial Intelligence in the World.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available for students who wish to study subjects at a more rigorous, college-level standard. This flexibility allows learners to tailor their education based on their interests and potential university goals.
International British Curriculum
The British system offers subject specialisation from an earlier stage. At the IGCSE level, students typically select between five and seven subjects from a wide offering, including both core and optional subjects.
In the A Level stage, students usually narrow their focus to three or four subjects aligned with their intended university pathway. This level of specialisation is beneficial for students with clearly defined academic strengths or interests, though it does require more focused decision-making at an earlier age.
Learning Style and Teaching Approach
Understanding how a curriculum is taught can be just as important as what is being taught. Each system brings its own approach to learning, assessment, and classroom engagement, which can significantly impact how a child experiences their education.
- American Curriculum: the US curriculum places strong emphasis on critical thinking, participation, and project-based learning. Lessons are often interactive and designed to encourage discussion, collaboration, and creativity. Students are encouraged to explore topics through real-world applications, research assignments, and group projects. This approach supports a broad skillset, preparing learners for both university and the workplace.
- International British: the International British curriculum follows a more academic and exam-focused approach, particularly in the upper years. They emphasise analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and content mastery. Students are expected to engage deeply with subject material and develop independent study skills. While coursework and practical components are included in some subjects, formal examinations remain the primary method of assessment.
Recognition and University Entrance
Each curriculum opens different pathways for university entrance. Understanding how qualifications are recognised can help families plan for future academic or career goals.
- American Curriculum: the US curriculum is recognised by universities in the United States and many international institutions. Students typically earn a high school diploma and may submit SAT or ACT scores for university entry. Advanced Placement (AP) courses can further strengthen applications and may count towards university credit. Its flexible structure suits learners aiming for North American or international study.
- International British Curriculum: the International British Curriculum is globally respected, with IGCSEs and A Levels accepted by universities in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and more. A Levels are often used for direct entry into undergraduate programmes, while AS Levels may support foundation course applications. The British Curriculum is valued for its academic depth and strong international reputation.
Online School Compatibility
Each curriculum has unique features that influence how well it adapts to an online learning environment, and CambriLearn has carefully designed its offering to ensure that all curricula are both accessible and effective for remote learners.
The US curriculum, with its credit-based structure and emphasis on continuous assessment, lends itself well to online learning. It allows students to progress at their own pace, complete assignments digitally, and engage in interactive, project-based tasks.
The International British curriculum is more exam-focused, but its clear structure and subject specialisation suits learners who thrive with independent study.
CambriLearn is an accredited online school and as such has ensured that both of these curricula are fully compatible with online schooling by providing a structured virtual learning environment that includes live lessons, live chat support, interactive resources, and regular assessments. In addition, students receive personalised feedback, academic tracking, and access to support from qualified teachers.
Whether learners are studying towards a US high school diploma or British A Levels CambriLearn offers the tools and guidance needed to succeed in an online setting.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
Selecting the right curriculum is a deeply personal decision and depends on your child’s academic goals, learning preferences, and your family’s future plans. While all the curricula offered by CambriLearn are internationally recognised and academically sound, understanding which one aligns best with your child’s needs can make a significant difference in their educational experience.
Here are some key factors to consider.
- Educational goals: consider where your child is likely to study after school. If they’re aiming for international institutions in the UK or Europe then the International British Curriculum will be more suitable. However, if they want to study in North America the US curriculum may provide better alignment with admission requirements.
- Learning style and subject interests: every student learns differently. The American curriculum suits learners who prefer interactive, continuous learning with varied subject options. On the other hand, the International British Curriculum is ideal for students who enjoy academic depth and want to specialise early.
- Preferred assessment type: the US system incorporates ongoing assessment through assignments, quizzes, and projects. Whereas, the British curriculum relies heavily on final exams.
- Long-term relocation or emigration plans: if your family is planning on relocating it is a good idea to move your child over to the curriculum that best corresponds to the country you are moving to.This can offer a smoother transition for your child when the big move takes place.
- Availability of support and resources: online learning success depends heavily on the support available. CambriLearn offers dedicated resources, experienced teachers, live support, and academic guidance across all its curriculum offerings, ensuring students feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Choosing the right curriculum can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to make the decision alone. Contact a CambriLearn Education Consultant today for personalised guidance on which curriculum best suits your child’s needs and future goals.
