Prospective Students

What is the IB Diploma Program?

Skyline is an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma School. The IB Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university interdisciplinary academic program that challenges students to improve in all areas of academics and personal growth. The program’s components emphasize learning about and respecting different cultures and sharing a common global community. Upon meeting the requirements,  students receive an internationally recognized high school diploma. Many colleges and universities award college credit for IB courses.

When does the IB Program Begin?

The actual IB Diploma program formally begins during a student’s junior year of high school. Interested freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to enroll in Skyline’s Pre-IB Program.  The Pre-IB years are important for students to begin to understand the mission and concepts of the IB program and to accurately enroll in the appropriate course sequencing so they will be prepared to begin formal IB courses as juniors. 

What is required to eventually receive the IB Diploma?

Students will complete the following criteria in the final two years of their high school career:

• Take courses and exams and earn a passing mark in 6 subject areas; 

  • English

  • Second Language (Spanish, French and Mandarin)

  • Individuals and Societies (European History, Psychology, Economics) 

  • Experimental Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science)

  • Mathematics (Includes Calculus, Statistics, and Math Applications paths)

  • Art (music, dance, theatre, art history) OR a second class in one of the previous categories 

• Complete a 4,000 word essay called the Extended Essay (summer/fall senior year) · 

• Participate in a goal-oriented program called CAS (Creativity, Action, Service)

• Complete a philosophy-based course called the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) during junior and senior year 

How do middle school students prepare to participate in the IB program in high School?

1. Take honors classes in English, math and science (suggested GPA of 3.0 or higher)

2. Start a second language in 7th or 8th grade if possible (though IB options exist for students who don't begin their foreign language study until high school). 

3. Students are able to earn a full IB Diploma when taking Secondary Math 1H in 9th grade.  Strong math students may consider completing Secondary Math 1 by the end of 8th grade. 

Is this similar to the AP program?

Skyline High School has a very strong Advanced Placement program. Students who choose an AP path can take as few or as many AP courses as they like in subjects of their choice, offering more scheduling flexibility for students who may have many time-consuming extracurrilars. International Baccalaureate Diploma students take an average of 6-7 AP exams as they work towards their IB Diploma. The IB Diploma Program is a two-year program that stresses academic diversity and interdisciplinary learning, so students will participate in classes and exams in which they excel and in which they may not be as strong (exams are taken in 6 subject groups). This better prepares the students for the academic diversity which they will encounter in the university setting. Assessment criteria is also very different in that your teacher plays a role in a significant portion of your final scores based on Internal Assessments (these can be labs, written work and/or oral exams), which are completed in the classroom setting. In contrast, final AP scores are based solely on comprehensive AP exams. 

What are the Benefits of the IB Diploma?

The Curriculum: IB curriculum for the 11th and 12th grade years focuses on the development of higher-level critical thinking and problem solving skills and encourages students to think broadly and collaborate as they approach tasks. 

College Credit: On average, students who complete the Diploma program get through college faster, earn better college grades, get into better colleges, receive more college scholarships, and accrue more college credit while in high school than the average Advanced Placement (AP) students. Students should check with colleges and universities individually about credit earned for the IB Diploma as this varies (this is also true for AP credit). 

Acceptance Rates: Graduates of International Baccalaureate Diploma Program have higher university and college acceptance rates than other applicants. This is because colleges understand the rigor involved in earning an IB Diploma.

Self-Assurance: Graduates pride themselves with being confident in their respective abilities as learners, and do not shy away from taking on challenges where necessary and applying what they learn to their everyday life.

What fees are associated with the IB Program?

Yes. Currently IB fees include the following:

Annual IB Club Fee: $50 freshman-senior year for IB Diploma-track students (helps finance lunch meetings and required IB teacher training)

IB Course Fee: $25/IB course (almost exclusively junior and senior year)

IB Exam Fee: $119 per IB Exam (ONLY during junior and senior year; stand-alone IB exams may be taken to earn a subject-area Certificate; six exams are required across disciplines to earn a full IB Diploma)

Most students' IB fees total just over $1200 over four years. Financial aid is available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

How can I learn more?