The US K-12 CurriculumThe American High School Diploma online
CambriLearn is an accredited online private school teaching the American curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with qualified teachers, teacher-graded coursework and NCAA-approved courses. Credits build toward the US High School Diploma across three learning packages.
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Four connected school experiences, working as one school. Your child's US K-12 pathway runs on all four.
See CambriOSThe live school day: timetabled lessons with qualified subject teachers, the campus your child logs into every day.
Six accredited pathways, each one leading to a recognised qualification. The US K-12 curriculum is one of them.
Clubs, events, meetups and study groups. Learning is online. The relationships are real.
The parent view: attendance, progress and standing, visible as the week runs.
Why parents choose the US K-12 at CambriLearn
Six things this pathway gets right, from enrolment day to the final exam.
A Cognia-accredited American diploma
The US High School Diploma at CambriLearn is issued under Cognia accreditation, the body that reviews more than 36,000 institutions across 85 countries.
Credit-based, with no single high-stakes exam
Students earn credits across core subjects and electives, building a GPA through coursework, assignments and assessments. Consistent effort counts, all year.
NCAA-approved courses for student-athletes
Courses meet NCAA requirements for Division I and II eligibility, keeping the collegiate scholarship pathway open for athletes who train full time.
A diploma recognised by universities worldwide
The US High School Diploma is accepted by universities in the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia and across Europe.
Three ways to learn, one curriculum
Asynchronous for independent learners, Flex with weekly live group lessons and recordings, or Synchronous with small-group classes of four.
A school community, online and in person
CambriCommunity brings students together through clubs, events, meetups and study groups. Classmates turn into real friends.
Explore CambriCommunityWhat is the US K-12 curriculum?
The US K-12 curriculum is the American school system, running from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and finishing with the US High School Diploma. Instead of one final examination, students earn credits across core subjects and electives, building a GPA through teacher-graded coursework. At CambriLearn it is taught fully online, delivered through Score Academy Online, a Cognia-accredited institution.
Comparing systems? Read our US vs British curriculum guide.
| Stage | Grades | Ages | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary SchoolLiteracy, numeracy and discovery learning | K to 5 | 5 to 11 | Teacher-graded coursework and assessments |
| Middle SchoolCore subjects with growing independence | 6 to 8 | 11 to 14 | Teacher-graded coursework and assessments |
| High SchoolCredits, electives and AP options | 9 to 12 | 14 to 18 | Coursework builds a GPA toward the diploma |
The US High School Diploma is awarded on completion of Grade 12, with SAT or ACT scores and AP courses complementing applications to competitive universities.
What makes our US K-12 pathway different
The American credit system, delivered fully online with the structure and accountability of a real school.
Speak to a Consultant
A Cognia-accredited diploma
The US programme is delivered through Score Academy Online, a Cognia-accredited institution. Cognia reviews more than 36,000 institutions across 85 countries, so the diploma carries recognised weight with universities.
NCAA-approved courses
Courses meet NCAA requirements for Division I and II eligibility, keeping the collegiate scholarship pathway open for student-athletes.
A consultant who knows your child
Every family works with a dedicated academic consultant who understands the credit system, university pathways and your child's goals.
Kindergarten to Grade 12, one school for every stage
Credit-based American education with NCAA-approved courses and a globally recognised diploma. Choose a stage to see the grades in it.
Elementary School builds foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, with age-appropriate content designed to grow curiosity and independent learning habits.
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Middle School is the transition stage, introducing more subject-specific teaching while students build study skills and independence across English, Mathematics, Sciences and Social Studies.
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
High School is where the credit system becomes critical. Students accumulate credits across core subjects and electives aligned with their goals, leading to the American High School Diploma.
Grade 9 (Freshman)
Grade 10 (Sophomore)
Grade 11 (Junior)
Grade 12 (Senior)
Three ways to learn it. Every package covers the same accredited curriculum with teacher-graded coursework counting toward the GPA. The difference is how the teaching happens.
Asynchronous
For independent learners. The full curriculum on demand, worked through with teacher-graded coursework, feedback and progress tracking.
Flex
Live lessons, plus recordings. Weekly live group lessons with qualified teachers, backed by a full library of recordings.
Synchronous
Small-group classes. The closest thing to a private classroom: live, interactive lessons in groups of four students or fewer.
Not sure which grade or package fits your child? A consultant can help you find the right starting point.
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"Our son is a competitive golfer and needed a school that works around his training schedule. He is on track for NCAA eligibility and his grades have never been better."
"We relocated from the US and wanted our daughter to keep an American diploma. Same credit system, same accreditation, and she did not miss a beat. She is applying to US universities with confidence."
"The continuous assessment approach changed everything for our son. No cramming for one big exam, and the steady teacher feedback keeps him motivated week after week."
From first conversation to first lesson
Book a consultation
Talk to an academic consultant who understands your child's needs and recommends the right grade and pathway.
Choose your courses
Select core subjects and electives to build the credit pathway, with NCAA requirements checked for athletes.
Get set up
Pick Asynchronous, Flex or Synchronous, meet the teachers, receive the study schedule, and log in.
Start learning
Lessons, continuous assessment, teacher feedback and credit tracking from day one, on every package.
Common questions from parents
Everything you need to know about the US K-12 curriculum at CambriLearn.
What is the American High School Diploma?
The American High School Diploma represents completion of a full four-year high school programme, Grades 9 to 12, requiring credits across core subjects and electives. It is a globally recognised qualification accepted by universities in the US and internationally.
Which grades are available?
The full K-12 range: Elementary School from Kindergarten to Grade 5, Middle School from Grade 6 to 8, and High School from Grade 9 to 12. Students can enrol at any grade, and a consultant maps existing school records to the right entry point.
What is Cognia accreditation and why does it matter?
Cognia, formerly AdvancED, is the world's largest accrediting body for schools, reviewing more than 36,000 institutions across 85 countries. A Cognia-accredited diploma is recognised by US universities, the NCAA and international institutions.
How does the credit system work?
Students accumulate credits across subject areas through high school. Core requirements typically include four years of English, three to four years of Mathematics, three years of Science and three years of Social Studies, with the remaining credits from electives. One credit represents roughly 150 hours of study, and the coursework builds a GPA over time.
Is there a final exam like matric or A Levels?
No. The American system has no single high-stakes examination. The GPA is built through ongoing teacher-graded coursework, assignments and assessments, which reduces exam pressure and rewards consistent effort. Students applying to competitive universities can add SAT or ACT scores.
How does NCAA eligibility work?
Student-athletes pursuing Division I and II collegiate sport must complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses, maintain a minimum GPA and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, ideally before Grade 9. CambriLearn's courses meet NCAA requirements, and a consultant can walk through the process.
Can my child get into a South African university with this diploma?
Yes, with the right add-ons. The American High School Diploma is recognised by Universities South Africa (USAf) for exemption purposes: students need qualifying SAT scores or at least two AP subjects passed at grade 3 or higher, then apply for a certificate of exemption through USAf's Matriculation Board.
How are lessons taught?
It depends on the package. Asynchronous students work through the full curriculum on demand with teacher-graded coursework. Flex adds weekly live group lessons with recordings, and Synchronous runs live classes in groups of four students or fewer. Every package is taught and assessed by qualified teachers.
Is this the same as the GED?
No. The American High School Diploma represents completion of a full four-year programme requiring credits, while the GED is an equivalency test for adults who did not finish high school. The diploma carries more weight with universities.
What are the fees?
Pricing is per course and varies by grade and package: Asynchronous, Flex or Synchronous. Additional costs can include registration fees, SAT registration, AP examination fees and the USAf exemption application fee. Full details are on our pricing page.
Should my child take the US K-12 or the International British Curriculum?
It depends on the destination and how your child works. The US route builds a GPA through coursework and breadth, while the International British Curriculum leads to International GCSEs and A Levels through final examinations. Our comparison guide covers the differences, and CambriLearn teaches both.
See where the US K-12 curriculum could take your child
Book a free consultation and leave with a clear recommendation on grade, package and credits.
Students completing the programme earn an American High School Diploma. For South African university admission, graduates must obtain a USAf certificate of exemption, which requires qualifying SAT scores or at least two AP subjects passed at grade 3 or higher. NCAA eligibility requires separate registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center.