Skip To Main Content

Header Holder

Search Canvas Container

Close Search Canvas BTN - Container

Horizontal Nav

Breadcrumb

IB Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous international curriculum for high school juniors and seniors. It is overseen by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), a not-for-profit educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The IBO serves nearly 2 million students across 5,700 schools in 159 countries. IBO’s mission is to develop inquisitive, knowledgeable, and compassionate individuals who strive to make the world a better place through intercultural understanding, respect, and lifelong learning. Students may elect to take IB courses or pursue the IB diploma. The IB Diploma is recognized and respected by universities around the world.

IB Diploma Programme

IB diploma recipients are widely recognized as well-rounded critical thinkers who possess strong research, writing, and oral communication skills. IB courses are inquiry-based so students question, analyze, and think deeply about the content to explore connections across subject areas. Students develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes necessary to respect and evaluate a range of points of view.

During their junior and senior years, IB Diploma candidates are required to take at least one course in all six areas of study: English, world language, social science, science, math, and the fine arts (or an additional IB science or social science course). Of these six courses, three will be Higher Level (HL) courses that span two years and offer a more in-depth study. The remaining three courses will be one-year, Standard Level (SL) courses. Many universities offer college credit for IB coursework.

Three Core Components

The IB Diploma Programme fosters the development of personal, social, and emotional skills as well as intellectual growth. In order to nurture students as whole individuals, the program consists of three core components:

  1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): TOK is a two year course that encourages students to think critically about the nature of knowledge. It explores how knowledge is acquired, evaluated, and applied in different areas of study and in everyday life.
  2. Extended Essay (EE): The EE is an independent writing project in which students delve deeply into a subject of their choice. With the support of a faculty supervisor, the EE serves as a valuable introduction to sustained, academic research.
  3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): CAS provides experiential learning in the areas of creativity, physical activity, and service within students’ local and global communities. It promotes personal growth, social responsibility, and a holistic approach to education.

The IB Diploma Programme is ideal for students who are academically motivated, interested in a global perspective, and seeking a challenging yet holistic educational experience.

 To learn more contact IB Diploma Programme Coordinator Libby Day at 708-335-5689 or lday@hf233.org