What are the differences between the IB Diploma Programme and IB Certificate Programme?

To earn their diploma, students must:

  • Complete 3 HL courses, 3 SL courses, and all Internal Assessments (IAs) required by each subject area

  • Test in all 6 subject groups - English, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Science, Math, and Arts/Electives at the end of the course

  • Write an Extended Essay (EE) over a topic of the student's choosing

  • Take Theory of Knowledge (TOK), which will be completed during the 2nd semester of the student's 11th grade year and 1st semester of the 12th grade year.

  • Earn a total of 24 points from IB's grading of the 6 exams, IAs, EE, and TOK

To earn IB certificate, students must:

  • Select the course(s) they wish to pursue from any of the subject groups

  • Complete all IAs for that subject area and test at the end of the course

  • That's it!

How much does it cost?

  • Just like AP, students pay for each test they register for.

  • Each exam is $119 bringing the total cost for all 6 exams (Diploma candidates ) to $714.

Can I get college credit?

  • Yes! The state of Texas has guaranteed students who graduate with the IB Diploma 24 credit hours (about 8 classes) at any public university in the state.

  • To earn college credit, a student's Internal Assessments (IAs) plus their IB exams are submitted to IB and produce a score that your college will receive.

I don't want to go to college outside of the US, so what's the point in IB?

  • IB is not designed for students who want to study internationally. Even though the program is internationally based, the instruction provided is intended to prepare students for the rigorous coursework they will encounter in any college or career they choose!

Can I be involved in extra-curricular activities?

  • Yes! Our IB students are some of the most involved students at Oak! We have students currently involved in:

    • DECA

    • National Honor Society

    • Student Council

    • UIL

    • The Fine Arts - Theatre, Oak Break Crew, Choir, Orchestra, and Marching Band

    • Athletics - Football, Volleyball, Swim, Soccer, Basketball, Track/Cross-Country, and Color Guard

    • Destination Imagination (DI)

    • Numerous Clubs and Organizations - some even started by our past IB students!

I hear it's a lot of work...

  • Yes, any advanced program is academically challenging, but remember that what is challenging for one individual might come easily for another. We invite you to try an IB course and decide for yourself what academic pathway fits you best.

I made all As in junior high and now I'm worried I might not make an A. Am I not cut out for IB?

  • Absolutely not! This question is question that many of our students ask themselves in grades 9 or 10. What we have found is that often times, students might face their first true academic challenge during these years and "fight or flight" kicks in. For some, the immediate impulse is to get out of the situation, but we recommend that students visit with our counselor and consider changing up their study habits. In fighting through these brief challenges, our students can realize a new level of academic achievement.

I am zoned to another high school in Klein ISD, can I still join IB?

  • Yes, Klein Oak is the only campus in Klein ISD that currently offers the IB programme. Students accepted into IB will attend high school at Klein Oak and bus transportation is available to help support students from across the district.

Do I have to go back to my zoned high school if I choose to exit the IB Programme?

  • Yes, you will. Upon your exit, you will be withdrawn from Oak and will have to enroll at your zoned high school. Our IB Counselor will assist you and your family with this process.

How many college credits will I get for each of my IB courses?

  • Each university determines the individual awarding of credit for both IB and AP. Typically, we see that students are awarded similar credit for both IB Standard Level (SL) coursework/exams and Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores. IB Higher Level (HL) coursework/exam often have more credits awarded than SL or AP.