We believe passionately in learning, and our innovative approach to education continues to help our students shine. Great teachers, committed students and a community spirit that emphasizes the rewards from hard work and engagement consistently deliver strong results at every level of our Middle and High School.
In the 2015-16 school year, our Seniors once again achieved strong IB and ACT exam scores, and also gained acceptances to top universities. Meanwhile, Sophomores scored at the top achievement level on IGCSE exams and Middle School students shined with fantastic results in Math and English.
At BISC South Loop, we pride ourselves on being a community school and educating a wide spectrum of students. Our key admission requirement is that students demonstrate a keen interest to learn and a mindset that links commitment with outstanding outcomes.
Our success is built on the front edge of educational practice—a personalized approach to learning matched with inspirational teaching and a realization that carefully directed dedication always brings clearly visible academic success.
Well done to our Middle and High School students! Read on for details about their academic results in the 2015-16 school year.
Middle School students follow the English National Curriculum and study a balanced program of subjects: English, Math, Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), History, Geography, Music, Drama, Art, Design & Technology, Information & Communications Technology, Physical Education and World Languages (French, Spanish, German and Mandarin).
In the 2015-16 school year, students were graded in each subject on an eight-point scale from 1 (lowest achievement) to 8 (top achievement).
Students in Year 10 and 11 follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), engaging with a variety of subjects and making connections among them. Students study Math, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World Languages, American History, Music, Drama, Physical Education, and three electives.
At the end of this two-year program, Year 11 students are assessed through standardized exams marked by examining boards in the United Kingdom. The IGCSE is graded on an eight-point scale from A* (top achievement) to G (lowest achievement).
Result |
Our School |
UK Average |
Percentage of A/A* Grades
|
43% |
21% |
Percentage of A* - C Grades
|
88% |
69% |
Percentage of 5 A* - C Grades
|
93% |
81% |
Our International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program for students in Year 12 and 13 leads to a qualification widely recognized by the world’s top universities. With approximately 40 available course options, our school offers one of the most individualized and flexible IB programs in Chicago.
The two-year program concludes with internally and externally assessed IB exams. Successful completion results in the IB Diploma and IB Certificates.
Students pursuing the IB Diploma study three IB subjects at Higher Level, three IB subjects at Standard Level, and three core IB subjects (Theory of Knowledge, a research paper, and the Creativity, Activity and Service program). To earn the diploma, students must meet subject requirements and score a minimum of 24 out of 45 points on their subject and core exams.
Students pursuing IB Certificates study a combination of up to six IB subjects at Higher Level or Standard Level, as well as the three IB core subjects. Following IB exams, students receive certificates indicating results obtained in individual and core subjects. Students may receive college credits for their scores.
Of the universities listed on the U.S. News and World Report Global Universities Rankings, the 27 students in the Class of 2016 earned 47 admission offers to top-100 universities, 36 offers to top-50 universities, and three offers to top-10 universities. Click here to view our college acceptances from 2013 to 2016. Students were also offered $1.2 million in merit-based college scholarships.
