What is the Dual Diploma?

Dual Baccalaureate

The American High School Diploma in Barcelona, Sant Just Desvern

16-18 years: Preparation for Top Universities

The Dual Diploma Programme is widely implemented worldwide and firmly established in Europe, enabling students to earn 2 official qualifications simultaneously: studying either the National Baccalaureate or IBDP alongside the US High School Diploma.

Designed for pupils completing their Secondary education or equivalent qualifications, the programme offers a direct pathway to pursue the 'American Dream' – providing access to the most elite universities in the United States as well as other leading institutions worldwide, and opening doors to high-profile international careers.

It is the ideal programme for ambitious and visionary students seeking to learn from global leaders in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and research – areas in which the United States sets the international standard.

What are the advantages of an American high school diploma
 

Benefits of Choosing the Dual Baccalaureate Programme

The Dual Diploma provides students with a competitive edge for admission to elite American institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale, as well as leading universities across Europe. It opens doors to high-impact fields where the United States leads globally – including data science, cybersecurity, renewable energy and clean tech, biomedical sciences, finance, and innovation-driven industries.

By combining the National Diploma Programme or IBDP with the American High School Diploma, students gain hands-on experience and exposure to 2 advanced educational systems – preparing them for in-demand, highly rewarding careers. Graduates develop advanced language and digital mastery, are ready to enter competitive job markets, secure top internships, and position themselves for leadership roles in industries where skills are most prized globally.

This programme also provides European students with a strategic advantage to live, study, and work in the United States; it's a valuable way to gain international experience, access the most innovative industries, and follow pathways to some of the fastest-growing careers in the world.

How the Dual Diploma supports university readiness

Why Choose Our Dual Diploma Programme in Barcelona?

Students at our school benefit from personalised counselling and expert university guidance, giving them the tools to achieve top academic performance – a clear advantage when applying to the world’s most competitive universities.

Our state-of-the-art facilities, equipped with advanced technology, support both multilingual and digital mastery, while award-winning coaches identify and nurture talent in competitive sports and the arts, helping students become accomplished athletes and musicians. Pupils also enjoy unique opportunities to participate in competitions, exhibitions, and leadership programs, building a standout portfolio for university and career success.

As one of Spain’s most prestigious and innovative institutions, with nearly 60 years of helping students achieve their goals, we combine proven results with forward-thinking education to ensure every student stands out. Choosing our Dual Diploma provides a complete, future-ready education, equipping students for success at university and in high-impact global careers.

What is the Dual Diploma curriculum like

Dual Diploma Curriculum and Program Structure

When a student chooses to complete the Dual Baccalaureate, they opt to study either the Spanish National Baccalaureate or the IBDP alongside the American High School Diploma; the American Diploma is accessed as a fully online course. 

While the structure and delivery of the Dual Diploma is the same across all schools, at La Miranda students receive further value through the way we support them through the programme:

- Students benefit from optional weekly meetings, where a member of staff is on hand to guide them and help with time management. This ongoing, in-person support fosters accountability and wellbeing; particularly for learners who are adjusting to independent and online learning.

- We invite students to join peer mentoring sessions, where they can connect with Dual Diploma classmates from upper year groups. This allows for student-led guidance, and helps to build a sense of community and shared purpose.

In addition, the Dual Diploma provides students with multiple opportunities for university and career guidance – wherever in the world they set their sights.

What are the Dual Diploma pathways

Flexible and Convenient Study Pathways

This programme can be started in MYP3, MYP4, MYP5, or 1° Bachillerato, creating flexibility in the programme that adapts to suit each student’s maturity, interests, and schedule. Starting the Dual Diploma earlier means taking fewer subjects per year; those who opt for shorter pathways may benefit from joining our Summer School to reduce their workload in the final year.

By merging 2 complementary systems, the Dual Baccalaureate awards students 2 qualifications in one – along with the skills, discipline and perspective needed for success at universities worldwide.

What courses does the American High School Diploma offer

Subjects Offered in the Dual Baccalaureate Programme

For the American High School Diploma section of the programme, students study 4 core subjects: English, U.S. History, U.S. Government and Economics. 

Learners then select 2 elective subjects from a rich selection, including Digital Photography, Criminology and Psychology. These options expose students to content not usually covered in the European curriculum, broadening their vocabulary and knowledge through interest-based topics.

This broad curriculum gives students a well-rounded education that meets global university admission standards.
      
Delivery Method:
 
The American diploma is delivered online, allowing students to study at their own pace alongside their Spanish coursework. Flexible entry points – from MYP3 (2ºESO) through 1º Bachillerato – help students to balance their studies, and accelerate or reduce their academic load via summer school options.

What are the facilities like in an American High School program

Facilities Supporting Dual Baccalaureate Students 

Our campus in Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, features state-of-the-art facilities:

  • Fully equipped science laboratories
  • Modern classrooms, optimised for bilingual teaching
  • Digital resources and technology suites
  • Photography and video production equipment
  • A professional-grade auditorium for performances
  • Sports and recreation facilities: gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, and football pitch

These resources are designed to support the rigorous demands of the Dual Baccalaureate programme, while also encouraging students' overall growth, balancing intellectual development with physical wellbeing.    
 

Experienced and Dedicated Dual Diploma Teaching Staff

Our Dual Diploma is taught online by highly qualified American educators with extensive international teaching experience. They provide immersive English instruction, use innovative teaching methods, and offer personalised mentoring and university guidance.

With their expertise, students develop the confidence, skills, and preparation needed to succeed in challenging academic environments around the world.

Additional Services for Our Dual Diploma Students

Healthy On-Site Dining
Healthy eating is a cornerstone of our wellbeing approach. Meals are freshly prepared on-site, overseen by a dedicated nutritionist, with options for vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, and stage-specific diets. With a sugar-free policy and locally sourced ingredients, Dual Diploma students are encouraged to develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

Bus Routes
We offer a secure, flexible school bus service across Barcelona, providing safe, age-appropriate transport for students. Flexible pick-up and drop-off times make the service convenient for families.

Learn More About the Dual Baccalaureate

 

The American High School Diploma confirms that students have completed secondary education according to U.S. academic standards. It is widely recognised around the world and allows graduates to apply directly to universities in the United States, Europe, the UK, Canada, and beyond.

When paired with the National Baccalaureate or IBDP, students earn a dual qualification. The American system focuses on credit accumulation, personalised learning pathways, and developing skills in research, communication, and critical thinking. This approach complements the Catalan curriculum, giving students a clear advantage in international admissions.

To join the programme, students need to have completed compulsory Secondary education and show proficiency in both Spanish and English. We review academic records and language assessments to make sure each student is ready for this bilingual, bicultural experience.

To support student success, at La Miranda we offer orientation sessions, language reinforcement, and personalised academic guidance. These measures ensure that students are fully prepared to meet the demands of the programme, while managing the requirements of both the National Baccalaureate or IBDP and the American High School Diploma.

Students’ progress is monitored continuously throughout the programme. Assessment includes quizzes, projects, oral presentations, and formal written exams.
The Dual Diploma Programme follows the U.S. grading scale for the American High School Diploma:

  • A = 4.00
  • B = 3.00
  • C = 2.00
  • D = 1.00
  • F = 0.00

To graduate, students need to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 – this is equivalent to an average score of 70%.

Evaluation methods: students are assessed continuously through a combination of class participation, projects, assignments, and periodic testing. This approach ensures they develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills while staying engaged throughout the programme.

Academic oversight: learners at risk of falling below the GPA requirement receive personalised support, including mentoring, targeted interventions, and monitoring to help them meet the necessary standards.

Integration of local and international curricula: the Dual Baccalaureate is designed to seamlessly blend local and international education. At La Miranda, students complete their Spanish Bachillerato or IBDP in person, while the American High School Diploma is delivered online. This dual approach allows learners to graduate with both national and American qualifications without disrupting their academic path.

While both are internationally recognised, they have different structures and academic emphasis:

The American High School Diploma is credit-based, with flexible subject selection and transferable skill development.

The IB Diploma requires students to complete 3 set projects – TOK, Extended Essay, and CAS. These are designed to promote interdisciplinary learning and reflection.

The Dual Baccalaureate uniquely combines these 2 pathways – offering the academic depth of the Spanish system alongside the global flexibility of the American model, giving students a competitive advantage in university admissions worldwide.

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