College Preparatory School in the San Francisco Bay Area

Cambrian International Academy, Silicon Valley:
Located in San Jose in Silicon Valley in Santa Clara County, CA, Cambrian International Academy is a college preparatory school (middle and high school) that prepares students to enter top-tier universities. We cater for boys and girls in grades 8-12. We offer college preparatory elective courses, SAT, AP and TOEFL preparation, academic camps and a specialty golf program. Cambrian International Academy education helps students to use the skills learned at school in all life's endeavors.

Middle School:

Because students learn at different speeds, Cambrian Academy provides a special program for middle school high achievers.Students who are receiving high grades in middle school, and who have a track record of 90th percentile scores on standardized tests, may qualify for special admission. These students may complete the basic middle school requirements at an accelerated pace--and begin high school courses as soon as they are ready.

English:
It's highly probable that there are some significant gaps in your child's English skills. American schools have been failing students in this area for a long time. Communication is the cornerstone not only of good education, but also a major factor in success as an adult.

Our students will read and write like they have never done it before. They will learn to both comprehend and communicate both concrete and abstract concepts. They will be expected to develop a vocabulary significantly greater than the average native English speaker. They will be prepared to study more sophisticated subjects with confidence.

History:
Our history teachers are intimately familiar with the ultimate outcome we want our students to achieve. Students come to middle school with a basic introduction to US History (4th grade) and Geography and World History (2nd-5th grades). Our US and World History survey classes are designed to prepare the students to take AP Geography, AP World History, and AP US History.

Science:
Our integrated science curriculum covers introductions to biology, physics, and Earth science. In these courses, middle school students are quite capable of exploring high school level topics. This, combined with the appropriate level of math mastery, will prepare students for AP science courses.

Math:
A good student can memorize his or her way through elementary school math. Our teachers will find out if your child truly understands the concepts behind the math. Most of the basic concepts are simply recycled at higher and higher levels and should be solid before stepping into abstract math.
A 21st Century student, who wishes to work toward a career in the sciences, should be ready for Algebra 2 or higher by freshman year.

High School:

Cambrian Academy's strong reputation among top universities is built by our graduating students who are more than ready to handle a rigorous, academic course of study. Our students will not only get into top universities, they will leave their mark on those universities. Therefore, in addition to the a-g requirements, we require students to take an additional 2 courses in their proposed area of specialty. These courses can be chosen from the ones below which are indicated as recommended. Their academic counselor will assist with course selection.

History / Social Science:
Two years required, including one year of World History and one year of U.S. History.

English:
Four years required. Four years of college preparatory English - composition and literature.

Mathematics:
Three years required, four years recommended. Three years of college preparatory mathematics which include Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Pre-Calculus is highly recommended, as is Calculus.

Laboratory Science:
Two years required, three years recommended. Biology and Chemistry are required; Physics is highly recommended.

Languages - Spanish and French:
Two years required, three years recommended, four, five and six years available and encouraged. Two years of the same language, other than English, which has a body of literature. We routinely offer Spanish and French.

Visual and Performing Arts: 
One yearlong course required. One yearlong course in any of the following areas: drama, theater, music or visual art.

College Preparatory Elective Courses:
Two years required, chosen from the following areas: Visual and Performing Arts, History, Social Science, English, Advanced Mathematics, Laboratory Science and Languages other than English.

Cambrian Academy classes also strive to awaken the intellect and social conscience. Independent thought, integrity, self-worth, respect for others and concern for our social and physical environment are the values Cambrian Academy encourages and includes in all courses from Drama to AP Calculus.

College Planning:
A college-going culture builds the expectation of postsecondary education for all students--not just the best students. It inspires the best in every student, and it supports students in achieving their goals. As you can imagine, the key ingredient in creating a college-going culture is a dedicated team of educators.

We also offer:
SAT Test Preparation  and Advanced Placement Courses
TOEFL Test Preparation
Academic Winter Camp and Summer Camp
Specialty Golf Program