Our program coordinators, Caroline Clarke and Sarah Larkin, are happy to assist you. If you have any questions about the program, please email us at ibpchs@lbpearson.ca. You can expect a response within two business days.
To be eligible for the IB program at PCHS, students must first complete the IB entrance exam, which is administered to all applicants across the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) at the same time.
You can register your child for the exam through the LBPSB website. Once the exams are marked, school administrators and IB coordinators review the results and applications. Acceptance letters are typically sent out by the end of January.
At PCHS, we typically welcome two to three IB groups per grade level. Each class generally includes 25 to 28 students, depending on enrollment and available space.
All IB-accredited schools follow the same core guidelines set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and undergo a full evaluation every five years to ensure those standards are maintained.
That said, each school offers a unique environment. We encourage families to visit PCHS and our sister schools to find the best fit—not just academically, but in terms of community, values, and student life.
At PCHS, we believe in developing well-rounded students. In addition to academic excellence, our students are encouraged to explore diversity, culture, and inclusion, and to take part in the wider school community. They’re also invited to get involved in our wide range of extracurricular activities (ECAs) and sports teams, which help them build leadership, teamwork, and school spirit.
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) stands out from other enrichment programs because of its international framework, focus on critical thinking, and emphasis on global citizenship.
Students who complete the IBMYP receive a certificate that is recognized by universities and employers around the world. The program prepares students not only for academic success, but also for leadership, intercultural understanding, and real-world problem-solving.
Yes. At PCHS, IB students are enrolled in Français enrichi, Histoire/Géographie, and Culture et citoyenneté québécoise, which means that about half of their classes in Secondary I and II (Grades 7 and 8) are taught in French. This strong foundation carries forward through Secondary III to V (Grades 9 to 11), where French remains an important part of their learning.
While students don’t need to be perfectly bilingual, they should feel comfortable learning in French and be willing to improve their language skills as part of the program.
No. Since final IB evaluations are completed after CEGEP application deadlines, the certificate itself does not influence CEGEP admission decisions.
However, students can indicate in their University application that they are part of the IB program, and they can indicate that they received their IBMYP certificate. This demonstrates their commitment to a rigorous academic curriculum. IB experience can also strengthen university applications later on.
According to the IBO, “Each year, 4,500 universities in more than 110 countries/territories receive IB students’ admission applications and transcripts.”
If your child is not accepted into the IB program, PCHS will gladly place them in either the Immersion or English Core program, based on their language background and preferences.
If your child shows strong potential during the school year, transferring into the IB program is possible—usually as long as the transfer happens by Grade 9. Students who transfer in time can still earn all the necessary credits to receive the IB diploma.