School Counseling at AIA
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
As the School Counselor, I support students’ academic growth, personal well-being, and long-term planning through a holistic and student-centered approach. I provide guidance with course selection, help students create personalized study plans, and offer short-term supportive counseling for moments when challenges feel overwhelming and students need someone to talk to.
My social-emotional learning lessons focus on building resilience, strengthening communication skills, navigating stress, and developing healthy habits that support both academic and personal success. In college and career readiness, I guide students through exploring their strengths and interests, understanding different post-secondary pathways, preparing for future goals, and building confidence in the transition after high school.
I also introduce students to the college and university application process by helping them understand requirements, timelines, and major steps, while directing them to additional essay and application support available through our classes and consulting partners. My goal is to create a welcoming and encouraging space where every student feels supported, informed, and empowered as they move toward their next steps.
C&C Readiness Bitmoji Classroom
Graduation Requirements
Aquinas International Academy (AIA) offers a U.S. high school diploma requiring 24 credits and completion of all AIA residency, coursework, and assessment standards. To maintain academic integrity, all graduates must complete a substantial portion of their studies directly with AIA.
Diploma Options & Pathways
Beginning in 2025–2026, students may complete the Core/General Studies Pathway or choose from AIA’s new Content Area Pathways, designed to build a strong academic portfolio aligned with university goals.
All students—Pathway or Core—must complete a Capstone Research Project or Internship in a content area of their choice. Students are paired with a faculty mentor to assist in preparing and completing the project.
AIA Diploma Requirements
- Minimum 24 total credits
- 6 credits per year (up to 16 credits may be transferred)
- Completion of at least 8 AIA credits, including English 12, U.S. Government, and Economics, for students entering during their final year
- Enrollment as a full-time AIA student during the graduating year
- Completion of at least 33% of all credits through AIA (8 credits)
- Transfer credits may not exceed 67% of total requirements
- All transfer credits must come from accredited institutions, align with AIA course expectations, and be verified and adjudicated by transcript and course description
Course Credit Standards
AIA courses follow U.S. mastery-based requirements and require all students to pass classes with a grade of at least 70%. One AIA credit = ~75 hours of active learning and demonstrated mastery.
Concurrent Enrollment
Students may remain enrolled at their home-country school while taking AIA courses.
Key points:
- Each school issues its own diploma
- AIA credits apply only to the AIA diploma
- Home schools may or may not accept AIA courses toward their own graduation
- A minimum of 8 AIA credits is required to graduate from AIA
- All outside courses must be reviewed for transfer alignment
AIA does not issue dual diplomas or allow a single course to count toward two diplomas. Transferred courses appear on the transcript as earning credit, but the grades do not appear and the courses do not impact the AIA grade point average.
Graduation Review
Before awarding a diploma, AIA confirms:
- Completion of the 33% residency requirement
- Successful completion of all required courses and assessments
- Accurate, official transcripts for all transfer credits
Records are verified by the Counselor, Registrar, and Head of School.
Credit Distribution (Minimum)
- English – 4
- Math – 3
- Science – 3
- Social Studies – 3
- World Language – 2
- Electives – 8
- Capstone Project (Research or Internship) – 1
Total: 24 Credits
College Acceptances of AIA Alumni 2018- 2025
We encourage families of prospective students to contact us to discuss your son or daughter’s specific goals and needs so that we can advise on the best path forward.
Sarah Kulla: skulla@aquinasinternationalacademy.com
