The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies leading to examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19 years. The Diploma Program’s grading system is criterion-referenced, which means that each student’s performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement. These are consistent from one examination session to the next and are applied equally to all schools. The two-year program was born of efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for students moving from one country to an-other. International educators were motivated by practical considerations but also by an idealistic vision. They believe that students should share an academic experience that would emphasize critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to a variety of points of view. The program offers unique components that enhance the traditional liberal arts curriculum.

The International Baccalaureate has a two-year program that contains six academic areas surrounding a core. Subjects are studied concurrently, and students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning: the humanities and the sciences. Diploma candidates are required to select one route from each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at Higher Level (HL), the others at Standard Level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours; SL courses cover 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Routes

Group 1: English AI (HL)

Group 2: French B (SL), French B (HL), Spanish B (SL), Spanish B (HL), German B (SL), German B (HL) 

Group 3: History of the Americas (HL), Psychology (SL), Psychology (HL)

Group 4: Physics (SL), Biology (SL), Biology (HL), Chemistry (SL)

Group 5: Mathematics (SL)

Group 6: Visual Arts (SL), Visual Arts (HL)

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary required course intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyze evidence that is expressed in rational argument. This course is taken during the second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is a key requirement of the diploma curriculum. It encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others. Students may, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves, concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people.

Extended Essay (EE) is a 4,000-word essay in which the student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The essay requirement acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities.