ISNS is accredited by the Province of New Brunswick. Students who meet the provincial requirements earn the New Brunswick High School Diploma, a credential recognized by universities and colleges in Canada and around the world.

What Students Need to Graduate

To earn the diploma, students must:

• Complete the required Grade 9 program

• Accumulate a minimum of 100 credit hours in Grades 10–12

• Meet all compulsory subject-area requirements

• Develop a career-life plan

• Achieve the required standard on the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA)

Students must also achieve a minimum grade of 60% (or a Pass, where applicable) in high school courses. For courses that are aligned/blended with MYP IB/DP, this is a score of 2 or higher to receive credit.

Understanding Credit Hours

New Brunswick uses a credit-hour system to track student progress.

• Most high school courses are worth 4 credit hours

• Students must earn:

•    80 credit hours from required subject areas

•    20 additional credit hours from electives and other approved options

This structure allows students flexibility while ensuring a strong academic foundation.

Required Subject Areas

Students must complete credit hours across the following areas:

• Language Arts and Languages – 24 credit hours

• Mathematics – 12 credit hours

• Sciences – 8 credit hours

• Humanities – 8 credit hours

• Creative Arts – 4 credit hours

• Wellness and Physical Education – 4 credit hours

• Career-Connected Learning – 4 credit hours

• Additional Core Credits – 8 credit hours from any subject area above

  
  

Additional Notes

• Elective courses allow students to explore interests and support future pathways

• Some flexible options (such as Challenge for Credit or Personal Interest courses) may count toward graduation requirements

• Students with a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) may follow modified requirements in alignment with provincial policy

How Students Meet These Requirements at ISNS

At ISNS, students are carefully guided to ensure they meet all New Brunswick graduation requirements while building a pathway that fits their goals. 

Structured, supported planning

• Students select courses each year with guidance from academic coordinators and university counsellors

• Course choices are reviewed to ensure all requirements are met

Balanced academic program

• Students take a mix of required subjects and electives

• Electives allow exploration of interests such as the arts, sciences, or business

Progress tracked each year

• Credit hours are monitored to ensure students stay on track toward 100

• Families receive regular updates through report cards and counselling meetings

Built-in flexibility

• The credit-hour system allows students to personalize their learning

• Options such as alternative credits or personalized pathways may be available when appropriate

Clear pathway to graduation

• By Grade 12, students have completed all required credit hours, literacy requirements, and career planning components

• Our Student Support Team ensures no student is navigating this process alone