The Graduation Ceremony at Notre-Dame International High School

June 27, 2011 - PRLog -- The Graduation Ceremony is a highly symbolic cultural tradition in Anglo-Saxon schools. Graduation is the culmination of several years of studies and is a rite of passage into the next stage of life. In the United States, the Graduation Ceremony is very important event and various rituals are performed at the ceremony. The term “graduation” is also used in schools below university level such as high school, middle school and even kindergarten and preschool.  The American Council on Education (ACE) has developed an Academic Ceremony Guide that is generally followed by most institutions of higher learning. The ceremony guide and the related Academic Costume Code provide the core of academic ceremony traditions in the US.  The ACE code addresses college and university dress; high school and other lower school gown colours vary from institution to institution.

Notre-Dame International High School (NDIHS) prepares students for study at American Colleges and Universities by integrating them into the American education system. American universities welcomed more than 671,616 foreign students for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Like most schools, NDIHS requires good academic standing for acceptance. Graduation requirements at Notre-Dame International High School correspond with the North Central Association (NCA) guidelines for college preparatory schools and meet or exceed the Minnesota state graduation standards. Students must submit complete, translated academic transcripts for each year of high school (four complete years) in order to be considered as a candidate for graduation. There are 48 semester credits required for graduation which students can complete during the four high school years, part in their home country, part at Notre-Dame International High School.

This year, NDIHS has three graduates from three different countries: Serbia, Mexico and the USA. They are the first graduates of Notre-Dame International High School which was established in September 2010. The Graduation Ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 30 at 6.30pm. The ceremony will parallel other American graduations with a so called “Processional” and “Pomp & Circumstance” music (which is played at graduations all over the USA). Different addresses and an Award Ceremony will follow; diplomas will then be presented, followed by a speech of the three graduates. Graduates will wear a cap and gown with a tassel-as most high school graduates do in the United States. Officials as well as parents and representatives of the US community in France are expected to attend.  

For foreign students, integration into a school such as Notre-Dame International High School is not an easy task. Since many students arrive at NDIHS as English and French language learners, lessons require a great deal more work and concentration.  This was the experience met by the graduate from Mexico.  However, he mentioned that most young people use their free time participating in several group activities which improves their language level quickly.

Like most young people after high school graduation this Mexican student will continue his studies at the university level, in Mexico. While adapting to a different school system is rather difficult, the experience is unique and rewarding.  Students are able to meet and make friends with students from all over the world. They gain special skills to understand and work within a multicultural environment.
Applications to NDIHS are still open for the school year 2011-2012.

More information and contact under  www.ndihs.com