Nauset Regional High School 

International Baccalaureate

 Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Interested?  Please contact  mcmillinm@nausetschools.org to schedule a virtual meeting.






Hear what current Nauset students and alumni have to say about their IB experience:

IB Master.mov

Nauset Regional High School was officially authorized to be an International Baccalaureate World School in February 2018.  In this achievement, we joined more than 1.3 million students in 6,812 IB Programmes offered in 5,175 schools in 157 countries worldwide that offer the International Baccalaureate (IB).  

This year, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme celebrates the 51st anniversary since its inception in 1968.  IB is based on the philosophy that curriculum and instruction should be student-centered and develop their attitudes, traits, and skills in order to grown into lifelong learners in a globalized society.  IB balances the academic, intellectual, social and emotional development of the whole student in order to best prepare students for success beyond high school while retaining a focus on enthusiasm for learning, empathy, reflection and choice. 

The addition of the IB Diploma Programme at Nauset Regional High School adds another dimension to an already renowned school.  The IB Diploma Programme is a 2 year option that students may choose to enroll in during the 11th and 12th grade.  As students begin to consider the full IB Diploma Programme, eighth and ninth graders who are interested should continue in their middle school world language through level III and take Algebra II by their junior year.  In addition, Class of 2021 students may also choose to select certain courses without committing to the full IB Diploma Programme and earn IB certificates.  Current 10th graders (Class of 2021) are now eligible to participate in this program of studies and should contact robertsa@nausetschools.org without delay.  

We’re proud of this great accomplishment and recognize the immense effort on behalf of all those involved!

To learn more about the IB Diploma Programme, please visit see http://www.ib-help.com/,   www.ibo.org or view IB Diploma Programme


Dear Parents and Students,                                                                                                        

Nauset Regional High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for 11th and 12th grade students.    The IB Diploma is a prestigious international secondary qualification which is recognized by colleges and universities around the world.  Established in Geneva in 1968, 6,812 IB programmes are offered across 5, 175 schools in 157 countries, growing over 40% since 2012.  The IB Diploma Programme offers opportunities for 11th and 12th grade students to challenge themselves through inquiry and collaboration, to learn how to learn, and develop a strong sense of self in their own identity and culture as well as the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.  

The full IB Diploma programme focuses on the whole development of the student.  Students take six subjects across the disciplines:  IB English Literature, IB Spanish or French (prerequisite – Level 3 or 3H in Sophomore year), IB History, IB Biology, IB Math (prerequisite Algebra II by Junior year) and IB Visual Art.  Three courses are offered at Higher Level (HL) and three courses are offered at Standard (SL) level.  These courses are 2 years long.    In addition, all students who choose the full diploma route will complete a 4,000 word extended essay on a topic of their choice, take a course in critical thinking (Theory of Knowledge) and complete a program of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) based on community service, creative expression and extracurricular activities.  

Students take external examinations during May of their senior year and must earn 24 out of 45 total possible points, based on earning a passing grade of 4 out of 7 on each exam and no less than a D on the Theory of Knowledge essay and the extended essay.  Approximately 80% of IB Diploma candidates who attempt the diploma earn it.  The award of the IB diploma is recognition that students have completed all parts of the program, marking a high level of achievement and distinction.  IB certificates are available for students who choose not to obtain the full IB diploma, but would like to mix their courses with other options from the Nauset Program of Studies.

The strength of the IB Diploma lies in the emphasis of balance, metacognition, reflection, research, critical analysis and intercultural awareness.  Personal growth is coupled with academic growth and mastery of skills.  Students are viewed as interpreters of knowledge rather than recipients.  The program is structured to allow students to major in their interests while the preserving the integrity of the area of study.  A deliberate combination of breadth and depth in both academic and personal areas equips students with the skills and attitudes required for higher education or employment while simultaneously stimulating an international understanding and responsible citizenship.  Universities and colleges highly respect the outcomes of the IB Diploma Programme.

When students decide to participate in IB at Nauset Regional High School, they remain fully integrated and active in the life of the school.  Academic classes are taught by IB-trained teachers and all sports, activities and classes are continuous within the wider school community.  The inclusion of an international education supports and enriches our Nauset mission.  Please contact mcmillinm@nausetschools.org  to discuss this option for your child.