Program Overview
The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies has the vision of a caring community dedicated to scholar success. For this purpose, our mission is to establish a culture of empowerment and of support by an engaging staff that enhances student potential while empowering students To Dream, To Achieve, To Lead
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is an integral part of OIAIS. The purpose of the program is to provide scholars with an academically challenging high school education which meets worldwide standards and is sanctioned by the International Baccalaureate.
The Diploma Program is a challenging pre-university course of study that leads to external examinations and is suitable for motivated scholars in grades 11 and 12. It was established in the late 1960’s and was developed as a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth preferred in others, without bias towards any national system. The general objectives of the IB Diploma Program were to provide scholars with an international education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international understanding through a shared academic experience. This has not changed since the inception of the program and, if anything, the idealistic vision of the Diploma Program has received further impetus with the “flattening of the world” at the dawn of the 21st Century. At present there are now more than 2,000 schools worldwide authorized to deliver the Diploma Program. Ultimately, the broad goal of the Diploma Program is to provide scholars with the values and opportunities that will enable them to develop sound judgment, to make wise choices, and respect others in the global community.
About our Program
Our IB world program has been selected to enrich all of our scholars and bring to them the rigor as well as critical thinking and research needs that we believe will help them excel in the next steps of their lives, whether that be college/university or stepping into the career market. Our program consists of six groups of courses to choose from individually or a full program diploma that will include six individual courses as well as core classes in Theory of Knowledge, C.A.S., and a 4,000 word Extended Essay. Our school has consistently scored above the State, National, and World averages in our exit testing for college acceptance of our courses and Diploma candidate diploma recipients.
Video Tutorial:
Notes From Mrs. Smith
Academic Rigor
Advanced educational option that is two-years for (IBDP)
Teachers are specially trained in IB Curriculum
Unique common curriculum worldwide
You cannot self-study (unlike AP)
Must pass six exams in specific subject areas
Must write a lengthy essay on independent research
The independent research may be more enjoyable for students than prescribed assignments
Must take a Theory of Knowledge course covering critical thinking and epistemology (investigating what we believe and why)
Must participate in extracurricular activities (CAS)
College Preparedness
Students are required to work more independently
Research is a large part of all course work
Data supports that students who take the IB curriculum perform better when at college, have lower dropout rates, and higher percentages of students graduating in four years
College Acceptance
The Diploma Program is significant for college applications for reasons stated above
Colleges look at GPA and class rank, but also care about rigor
The singular curriculum allows colleges to compare applicants better
Competitive colleges value the independent research on topic of choosing - shows rigor but also a students unique character
The Diploma stands out because only a small pool of applicants have this (uniqueness factor)
If looking at schools outside of the U.S., the diploma may be useful
Potential for College Credit
Specific exams scores may earn a student credit for college level coursework
Some states such as Colorado and Texas have specific legislation regarding this
Some scholarships are awarded only to those who hold IB diploma
IB Courses from our Scholars (Class of 2023)
IB Psychology
IB Dance
For Course descriptions, program information for paths in the IB courses or Full Diploma Program, and our program handbook please see below. Also see the application documents.
Classes (See syllabi, course descriptions and course work)
Application Information
Exam Registraion Forms: