“Highly selective colleges and universities are looking for students who take the most challenging courses available to them. The IB program is notable not just for the rigor of its individual classes, but for the thoughtful integration of the entire program. Students who complete the IB diploma are the kind of smart, intellectually curious, and creative students who excel at the top universities.”
-Brandon Clarke, Former Admissions Director, Stanford University Duke University
The road to an IB Diploma begins with admission into the Pre IB program in 9th and 10th grade. Admission is highly competitive, drawing from the entire Clay County School District.
Ridgeview offers an extensive IB Curriculum, including advanced (AP) classes, with IB students taking a number of AP classes both as a part of the IB program and as electives.
IB students are involved in almost every sport, performing arts program, career academy, club, and honor organization at Ridgeview.
Service is a distinct part of an IB student’s calendar.
The IB Diploma Program emphasizes trans-disciplinary learning and requires students to study courses across six disciplines.
Group 1: Language & Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals & Societies
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: Arts or Elective
There are 3 Unique Core Elements:
The Extended Essay: A 4,000- word essay, supported by original research, on a subject of the student’s choice.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): An interdisciplinary course that challenges students to question the basis of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyze evidence that is expressed in rational argument. It challenges students to question the bases of knowledge and to reflect critically on how they know what they believe to be the facts or the truth.
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS): The CAS component encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others through experiential learning. It raises students’ awareness of community needs and builds confidence in their ability to bring about change.
Internal and External Assessment
• Student work is assessed by both outside examiners as well as the students’ own teachers. All assessment undergoes careful moderation to ensure that a common, international standard is applied to the work of students around the world.
• Students who succeed in earning the IB diploma will at the same time meet the local high school’s graduation requirements and also receive the local high school diploma.
• The IB diploma is recognized by colleges and universities around the world as a university entry credential. Among North American colleges and universities, the IB diploma is recognized as a superior education, preparing students to succeed at post-secondary institutions.