International Baccalaureate
IB Diploma VS. IB Course Candidate
IB Diploma VS. IB Course Candidate
The Millennium International Baccalaureate Program offers two distinct pathways: the IB Diploma and the IB Course Candidate. All students who are interested in the IB program can elect the IB Diploma or IB Course Candidate pathway during the course selection process in the fall of their sophomore year. Students who elect the full IB Diploma make a commitment enroll in six IB courses, complete the Extended Essay, participate in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), and enroll in the Theory of Knowledge course (TOK). The IB Course Candidate pathway allows students to take individual IB courses in areas of interest without committing to the full Diploma Program, giving them the flexibility to challenge themselves academically while maintaining balance in their schedule. All students who elect the IB Program should exhibit strong academic performance* (a solid GPA of 3.0 or higher in core academic subjects), consistent attendance, and responsible personal conduct. Below is a brief overview of the Millennium IB pathway options.
*Completion of prerequisite coursework: A minimum of Algebra II is required to enroll in IB Math; a minimum of Spanish 1 is required to enroll in any IB Language B courses(Spanish Ab Initio or Spanish B).
Take 6 IB Courses*: Students must complete six two-year IB courses. All of our courses (with the exception of Spanish Ab Initio) are taught at the Higher Level. Students will have the option senior year to select the HL or SL assessment for each of their courses.
Complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Course: A critical thinking course that explores how knowledge is acquired and evaluated across disciplines. The TOK course is built into the student's schedule and is taught during the RTI/ Advisory period .
Write the Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic of the student’s choice, aligned with one of their IB subjects. Students will be assigned a faculty advisor and will be offered support during the research, composition, and revision stages of this project.
Complete CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): Students must engage in a range of extracurricular, physical, and service activities over the two years of the program.
Sit for IB Exams: At the end of the two years, students take standardized IB exams for each of their subjects. Diploma students must take at least 3, but no more than four, assessments at the HL level. (May 2026 IB Exam Calendar)
Meet Internal Assessment (IA) Requirements: Each course includes internal assessments, such as projects, presentations, or essays, which are evaluated by teachers and moderated externally.
Complete External Assessments: In addition to exams, students complete externally graded components like essays, oral commentaries, or portfolios, depending on the subject. The assessments are supervised by the course instructor and graded externally.
Earn a Minimum of 24 Points: Based on exam scores and core components (TOK, EE, CAS), students must earn at least 24 out of 45 possible points to be awarded the full diploma.
*The state of Arizona requires completion of American and Arizona History (SOC830) and American/Arizona Government and Free Enterprise (SOC8050) to graduate. The 2-year IB History of the Americas course (SOC8110 & SOC8250) fulfills these two requirements.
Open to 11th and 12th Grade Students: Students can enroll in individual IB courses without pursuing the full diploma.
Choose One or More IB Courses: Students may take as few as one or as many as six IB courses, depending on their interests and schedule.
Complete Course Requirements: Students are expected to complete all assignments, internal assessments, and exams associated with each course.
Sit for IB Exams: At the end of the course, students take official IB exams to demonstrate mastery of the subject.
Earn an IB Credit: For each course completed, students receive an official IB transcript recognizing their achievement.
No Core Requirements: Unlike the full diploma, IB Course Candidates are not required to complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), or CAS.
College Preparation and Credit Opportunities: IB courses are rigorous, college-level classes that may earn students college credit or advanced placement, depending on exam scores and university policies.