RHS is an IB WORLD SCHOOL

Our CIS and IB Programs have saved RHS Families $1,636,800 since 2020. 

Rockford High School is an officially authorized as an IB World School.  We offer courses under three unique IB programs which prepare students for success in the workforce and the rigor of higher education, challenge students to demonstrate new knowledge through critical thinking and collaboration, and help create international-minded citizens who think locally and act globally. Recognized in institutions of higher education across the world, IB courses offer the potential for students to earn college credit across several subject areas.

One of the most attractive features of the IB program is how flexible it is for each learner. All students will encounter IB principles and approaches to teaching and learning; our students have a say in which path they take in order to fulfill their college or career goals. In this way we are able to offer every student at Rockford High School the experience in grades 9-12 they deserve.

Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes:  the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP).

Middle Years Programme

9th-10th grade

The MYP is a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.

The MYP is a five-year programme, which is implemented here in a two-year format. Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP).

The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents.

The MYP requires at least 50 hours of teaching time for each subject group, in each year of the programme. In the final two years of the programme, carefully-defined subject group flexibility allows students to meet local requirements and personal learning goals.

Diploma Programme

11th-12th grade

The International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (DP) is an assessed programme for students aged 16 to 19. It is respected by leading universities across the globe.

Through the DP Curriculum, RHS is able to develop students who:

Career Programme

11th-12th grade

The CP is a framework of international education that incorporates the values of the IB into a unique programme addressing the needs of students engaged in career-related education.

The programme leads to further/higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

CP students undertake a minimum of two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses, a core consisting of four components and a career-related study.

For CP students, DP courses provide the theoretical underpinning and academic rigour of the programme; the career-related study further supports the programme’s academic strength and provides practical, real-world approaches to learning; and the CP core helps them to develop skills and competencies required for lifelong learning.

IB Teacher Profile: Ms. Young

What does IB Programming look like in your Classroom?

In my DP classroom, you'll see students engaging in their learning. You'll see students working together in discussion to grow in their understanding. You'll see me acting as a guide and expert learner to curate resources that support knowledge growth. You'll see the hard work of learning. The IB MYP Programme emphasizes the learner profile traits. In this classroom, what students have learned about inquiry, communication, thinking, and reflection will be especially relevant in students' 11th and 12th grade coursework, as well as the interdisciplinary work that students have completed. As a part of the IB DP Programme, the skills for inquiry, communication, and self-management are directly related to the rigorous coursework in my classroom. Students work to tie their learning to other disciplines, to their community, and to global issues. 

RHS Mission Statement: The mission of Rockford High School is to foster the development of a caring environment by prioritizing personal relationships and creating a collaborative culture that prepares all students to become inquisitive lifelong learners who act as compassionate global citizens. 

IB Mission Statement: 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.

*Cost savings calculated at the end of each semester, last updated Dec 2024