The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) is a rigorous pre-university course of study designed for students aged 16-19. It is offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and is recognized by universities around the world. The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education and to develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Students take six subjects, including English, a second language, social science, natural science, mathematics, and one elective subject. In addition to these subjects, students also complete a Theory of Knowledge course, an Extended Essay (a 4000-word research paper), and participate in Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) activities. Beyond intellectual rigor, strong emphasis is placed on international understanding, responsible citizenship, and service. Successful completion of the program leads to the award of the IB Diploma, which is highly valued by universities and employers.

The IB Diploma Programme prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they:

• develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically

• acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, studying courses from six subject groups

• develop the skills and a positive attitude toward learning that will prepare them for higher education

• study at least two languages and increase their understanding of cultures, including their own

• make connections across traditional academic disciplines and explore the nature of knowledge through the program’s unique theory of knowledge course

• undertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more academic disciplines in the extended essay

• enhance their personal and interpersonal development through creativity, action, and service

10 Reasons Why

DP students in the United States (US) surpass students nationally on postsecondary outcomes

A new study by researchers from the National Student Clearinghouse examined the postsecondary outcomes of DP students (both DP candidates and DP course students) who graduated from US high schools in 2016 (n = 51,609). Findings showed that DP graduates had higher immediate college enrollment rates than the national average and favored four-year institutions over two-year institutions. DP graduates also tended to enroll in “More selective” postsecondary institutions and persisted to their second year of study at much high rates than the national average. Importantly, DP students had notably higher four- and six-year graduation rates compared to US students nationally.

DHS DP Course Offerings

Earning the IB Diploma

Requirements:

• You need at least 24 of 45 total points with 

  1. at least 12 of 21 total points in 3 HL subjects and 

  2. at least 9 of 21 total points in 3 SL subjects

• You must complete CAS and pass TOK and the EE (extended essay) - earning at least a D

• You cannot have any 1s, no more than two 2s, and no more than three 3s or below on examinations

Points Available:

• 6 courses x 7 = 42 points possible from subjects

• 0 to 3 TOK/EE points (it’s OK to earn 0 TOK/EE points!)

2025-2026 EOC/AP/IB Calendar

May 2026 IB Exams

DHS Junior & Senior Programs Webinar 2024

IB Diploma Program Junior Information Webinar 2023

IB Diploma Program Freshmen/Sophomore Information Webinar 2023

If you have questions after viewing the webinars, please submit them through this form:

IB Diploma & Career Program FAQs