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.

Notes From Mrs. Smith

Why International Baccalaureate (IB)?

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