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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.
We believe the IB Programmes are a vital catalyst for achieving the mission and vision of Central High School.
Central High School Mission & Vison Statements
Central High School Mission & Vison Statements
“Excellence in Teaching and Learning for All!”
We strive for excellence in teaching and learning for all by inspiring students to
become independent thinkers and lifelong learners who are prepared to be active
participants in a global society.
“Excellence in Academics – Global Citizenship – Diversity”
The vision of Central High School is to be a Premier Educational Center providing a quality education for a diverse student population.
We are committed to developing a community of learners devoted to academic excellence, good citizenship, and the celebration of diversity. By sharing experiences in the classroom setting and beyond, students can develop their awareness of, and sensitivity to, the experiences of others beyond the local or national community. We believe in providing opportunities for all students to develop lifelong skills in these areas: Academic Excellence, Global Citizenship, and Diversity.
International Baccalaureate Mission
International Baccalaureate Mission
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.
IB Programs at Central High School
IB Programs at Central High School
The Middle Years Program (MYP) is a framework for teaching and learning that encourages all 9th and 10th grade students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. Transferable skills including thinking, research, social, communication, and self-management are incorporated in each of the 8 MYP subject groups (language & literature, language acquisition, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics, design, the arts, health and physical education).
The Diploma Program (DP) is a rigorous pre-university course of study, leading to comprehensive, written examinations that meet the needs of the highly motivated secondary school student. The DP is a comprehensive curriculum that is recognized and respected by the world's leading universities. Evidence suggests that higher rates of DP students go on to university and higher education that non-IB students.
The Career-Related Program (CP) is a framework of international education that incorporates the values of the IB into a unique program addressing the needs of students engaged in career-related education. CP students take a minimum of two IB Diploma Program courses. The program leads to further/higher education, apprenticeships or employment.
Full Diploma Program (Diploma Candidates)
9th-10th grade: Highly recommended schedule of honors courses designed to meet prerequisites of six DP courses
11th-12th grade: Six DP courses and the DP core
Full Career-Related Program (Career-Related Candidates)
9th-10th grade: Well-rounded schedule of the 8 MYP subject groups including honors courses based on ability and interest
11th-12th grade: Two or more DP courses, career-related courses, and the CP core
Individual Diploma Program Courses (Individual Course Candidates)
9th-10th grade: Well-rounded schedule of the 8 MYP subject groups including honors courses based on ability and interest
11th-12th grade: One or more DP courses of the student’s choice.
Watch our promotional video created by our CP Media students!
IB Students at Central Will...
IB Students at Central Will...
Be encouraged to think independently and drive their own learning.
Take part in programs of education that can lead them to some of the highest ranking universities around the world.
Become more culturally aware, through the development of a second language.
Be able to engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world.
Develop strong academic, social and emotional characteristics.
Molly Gray
IB Diploma & Career-related Programs Coordinator:
mgray@spsmail.org
417-523 -9605
Sarah Keeth
IB Middle Years Program Coordinator:
sskeeth@spsmail.org
417-523 -9605
IB Application Information
IB Application Information
The Central High School International Baccalaureate Programs are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. SPS students should apply for admission via the Transitional Transfer request (found here) by December 5th, 2026, of their 8th grade year. Non-SPS students must complete the online application linked below and must enroll with SPS and apply for a transfer as well (if applicable).
All students accepted into Central High School specifically for IB Programs will be notified in late December. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis. If a transfer is approved, the student may attend Central High School regardless of IB Program acceptance.
Informational Meetings
Informational Meetings
IB 8th Grade Parent Night
IB 8th Grade Parent Night
Prospective Central freshmen and families, join us October 27, 2026, for an informational meeting at 6:00 pm in the CHS Auditorium followed by Q&A and building tours.
IB Sophomore Information Night
IB Sophomore Information Night
10th grade students and families, join us January 12th, 2027, for our IB Sophomore Information night at 6:00 pm in the CHS Commons.
We will cover program and course information regarding the Diploma, Career-Related, and Individual Program options for 11th-12th grades.
Please visit our Sophomore Program Information Site!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: We do not reside within the boundaries of Central High School. Can my student be accepted into the IB Programs as a transfer student?
A: Yes, parents must complete a Transitional Transfer request (open November 5-December 5) or an Immediate Transfer request.
Q: My student is not currently enrolled with Springfield Public Schools. Can my student be accepted into the IB Program?
A. Non-SPS students complete the Google form application. Once accepted by the IB coordinators, families must complete enrollment with their attendance zone school, followed by a transfer request form approved by Central's Principal.
Q: How long has CHS had an IB program?
A: The Diploma Program began in 1998, with the addition of the Middle Year's Program in 2004, followed by the Career-Related Program in 2015.
Q: Do students have to apply for acceptance into the IB Program?
A: The district transfer request doubles as the application into Central's IB Programs. Students' attendance, grades, and disciplinary background are considered before transfers are approved.
Q: Can students in 9th and 10th grades take IB Diploma courses?
A: No, students must be enrolled in at least 11th grade to take an IB Diploma course.
Q: My son or daughter is enrolled in a foreign language other than French or Spanish. Can he or she complete an IB Diploma?
A: The only IB languages we offer at CHS French and Spanish, however there are opportunities to pursue a different language of interest with the IB Career-Related Program.
Q: What grade weight is given to IB courses?
A: IB Diploma courses receive a weighted grade and count towards a student's weighted multiplier on a 5.0 scale.
Q: My student is not planning to attend college outside of the United States. Is there any reason for him/her to take IB courses?
A: Yes, IB coursework is recognized by the majority of U.S. colleges, often more generously than AP. Missouri law (RSMo § 173.1352) actually requires it: every Missouri public college or university must grant undergraduate course credit to entering freshmen for any IB Diploma Programme exam on which they score a 4 or higher, matched to an equivalent course offered by the institution. Credit is a bonus: the real value of IB is preparing your student for college-level rigor, so check each target school's specific IB policy rather than choosing courses for credit alone.
Q: How many students are enrolled in the IB Program at CHS?
A: Central is an IB for All school which means all 9th and 10th graders are a part of the MYP and will encounter the IB framework for teaching and learning. Each year, the Diploma Program has approximately 50-60 students per grade cohort, and the Career-Related Program has between 50-90. 83% of Central seniors are enrolled in at least one IB Diploma course. We are one of the biggest IB Programs in the area, and one of the only schools in the region to offer all three programs!
Q: Is IB only for gifted students?
A: No, while some IB students come from our middle school Scholars program, most don't. What makes a successful IB student isn't giftedness; it's drive, focus, and a strong work ethic.
Q: My child is in middle school/ 9th grade/ 10th grade. What should they do now to prepare for entrance into a full IB Program?
A: We encourage potential IB students to prepare themselves for the rigorous coursework in grades 11 and 12 by taking as many honors courses in grades 9 and 10 as possible. This helps to prepare for the transition to a full load of IB courses by the time they enter either the DP or CP. Students wishing to pursue the IB Diploma should also be enrolled in Spanish or French in grades 9 and 10 in order to be prepared for the DP language course requirement. To pursue the IB math courses, students must complete at least Algebra II by/before 11th grade.
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