The IB Diploma Program at Central is an option for students in 11th and 12th grades who:

• seek breadth and depth of knowledge across multiple disciplines

• flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically

• desire to study a World Language

• excel in and enjoy traditional academic subjects 

Our IB students spend their junior (11th grade) and senior (12th grade) years taking IB courses in 7 subject areas:

• Group 1: Literature in English (HL Lit is mandatory for all DP candidates)

• Group 2: Language Acquisition (French or Spanish) 

• Group 3: Individuals and Societies (History, Psychology, Global Politics, Business Management, or Environmental Systems & Societies)

• Group 4: Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Environmental Systems & Societies)

• Group 5: Mathematics (Applications & Interpretations or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches)

• Groups 6: The Arts or Other Elective (Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Film, or any other course from Groups 1-5)

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - see below

Two additional components complete the IB Diploma: CAS and the Extended Essay. 

(see below)

 To obtain the IB diploma, students must:

• Complete IB courses in the 6 subject areas listed above, plus TOK.

• Take 3 of those courses at Higher Level and 3 courses at Standard Level. One of the SL courses must be two years long if the student is only taking 3 HL courses. 

  •    Alternatively, students may take 4 HL courses and 2 SL courses

  •    TOK is a two-year, mandatory course, but it does not count toward the HL/SL requirement.

• Complete and reflect on CAS experiences

• Earn a minimum of 24 points on IB exams, TOK, and the EE (Each exam is scored on a 1-7 scale; TOK/EE can earn the student 3 bonus points). Particulars:

  • The maximum points that can be awarded is 45 = ((6x7) + 3).

  • CAS requirements have been met.

  • There is no "N" awarded for TOK, the EE, or for a contributing subject.

  • There is no grade E awarded for TOK and/or the EE.

  • There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.

  • There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL).

  • There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).

  • The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects (for candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count).

  • The candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects (candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL).

  • The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.