The IB program is a comprehensive program of study that focuses on critical thinking and international mindedness. The program seeks to develop the whole child — intellectually, personally, socially and emotionally — through teaching of cultural understanding, language development and volunteerism. Designed to reinforce a positive attitude, the program teaches students to ask challenging questions, reflect critically, develop research skills and become active learners. The continuum of education spans the years from Kindergarten to grade 12.
IB schools maintain high standards by actively training and supporting teachers in the IB curriculum. IB schools are also evaluated and authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization in order to receive the designation of an IB World School (www.ibo.org).
Special Features
- Study of world languages starting in Kindergarten
- Emphasis on advanced study skills, including time management, goal setting, research skills, test-taking, note-taking and independent study
- Required community service (in grades 6 through 12)
- Instructional techniques and strategies to extend depth of knowledge in content areas
Programs
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP): For grades preK-5, PYP introduces specific vocabulary and concepts, including inquiry-based learning, Approaches to Learning, and the Learner Profile. School staff members develop units of inquiry that connect subject areas, so students can view their studies holistically. The PYP emphasizes academic development, international understanding and service to society. The curriculum framework focuses on transdisciplinary themes, inquiry-based learning, and student agency.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP): For grades 6-10, MYP emphasizes the Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning, with a focus on an intensive study of core subjects integrating concept-based learning through global contexts and key concepts. Students study a variety of disciplines and how these relate. MYP students complete Community & Service hours, and a Community Project concludes the middle school portion of MYP, with the Personal Project as the culminating assessment for the high school portion of the program.
IB Diploma Programme (DP): For grades 11-12, DP is a two-year curriculum and among the most academically rigorous programs offered in high school. The program emphasizes intellectual and international understanding, as well as responsible citizenship and community service. Students are encouraged to sit for international exams with the opportunity to earn the IB Diploma, a highly esteemed qualification widely recognized by institutions of higher learning. Students in the DP are also required to complete Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) hours, the Theory of Knowledge course, and an Extended Essay.
IB Schools
Level | Blue | Green | Violet |
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Elementary School (PYP) | |||
Middle School (MYP) |
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High School (MYP, DP, CP) |
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Requirements and Continuation
Middle School – Middle Years Programme
- Entrance: Lottery or LI/TD school continuation or PYP continuation;
- Continuation: Pass world language; complete community service activities
High School – Middle Years Programme; IB-Diploma Programme
- Entry at 9th grade: Lottery or MYP continuation
- Entry at 10th grade: pass English I and Math I or II with minimum C
- 9th & 10th grade continuation: Pass three MYP courses; complete 10th grade project
- Entry at 11th grade: transcript review
- 11th grade continuation: students may opt to complete IB content certificates if they are not on track to complete the IB Diploma at the end of 11th grade
Magnet Expectations Agreements
- IB CP Expectations Agreement (revised 6/19/23): English Version
- IB DP Expectations Agreement (revised 6/19/23): English Version
- IB MYP Expectations Agreement (revised 6/19/23): English Version
- IB PYP Expectations Agreement (revised 6/19/23): English Version
Late entry into IB
Students entering IB beginning in grade 11 must follow the following procedures:
- In spring of grade 10, the family should contact the IB school and provide the coordinator with a copy of the student’s high school transcript.
- The coordinator will complete a transcript review, looking for satisfactory completion of the following courses:
- English I and English II
- Three levels of the same world language
- Economics & Personal Finance and Civics & Economics
- Biology and/or Earth Science
- Chemistry and/or Physics
- Math I, Math II, and Math III
- If the transcript indicates satisfactory completion of these courses, the coordinator will provide the family with a letter confirming this.
- The family should then complete a Request for Transfer on the Student Placement website.
- Reassignment reason is “Extreme Hardship.”
- The family must explain the reasoning in the request application.
- The family must attach the confirmation letter to the request.
- Once Student Placement has processed the request, a letter will be mailed to the family with the response to the request.