Earning an IB Diploma

IB DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

Enroll in 6 IB courses

• Enroll in 3 Higher Level (HL) courses, but no more than 4.
• Take at least one Standard Level (SL) course over two years.

HL courses are 2 years long. SL courses vary between 1 or 2 years. 

* Note: Full IB Diploma students may not count any IB course taken prior to their Jr. year.

Sit for 6 IB exams 

• No more than 2 SL exams may be taken Junior year; all HL exams may only be taken Senior year.
• The total cost for 6 exams will be about $750. 
  • Students on Free/Reduced may have fees waived.

In addition to completing 6 IB subjects, those students wishing to earn an IB Diploma must also engage in the following IB core requirements:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Theory of Knowledge is a one-year course taught in both the 11th and 12th grade. The TOK class provides coherence to the IB Diploma Program. Throughout TOK, students examine the philosophical framework of each academic discipline while learning to reflect critically and logically on ideas originating in their other IB courses. It teaches students analytical thinking skills and forces them to examine their ideas and values. It encourages contemplation of the strengths and limitations of different way of thinking and is appreciative of various cultural traditions.

Complete CAS (Creativity • Activity • Service)

Creativity, Activity, Service is known by its acronym CAS and is a fundamental part of the Diploma Program. The IB goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate and active citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their classes. Creativity is interpreted broadly to include a wide range of arts projects. Action can include not only participation in individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects. Service encompasses a host of community and social service activities, including helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals, and working with refugees, or homeless people. The activities may be rendered individually or in groups. 

CAS experiences will and should continue on a weekly basis for at least 18 months in addition to a CAS project of at least one month's duration that challenges the student to show initiative, demonstrate perseverance, and develop skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

Students reflect on CAS experiences at significant moments throughout CAS and maintain a CAS portfolio in Managebac, containing a variety of pieces of evidence as well as documented reflections. Using evidence from their CAS portfolio, students will demonstrate achievement of the seven CAS learning outcomes to the IB Coordinator's satisfaction. Three formal interviews with the IB Coordinator are also required. 

The Extended Essay

IB Diploma candidates are required to undertake original research and write an extended essay. The extended essay, approximately 4000 words or 10-12 pages, is defined as an in-depth study of a limited topic chosen from one of the six subject groups of the IB curriculum. The extended essay offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and to become acquainted with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at the university level.

Diploma candidates will be supervised by a faculty member who can provide academic guidance for the subject in which the extended essay is registered and will ensure that the essay is the candidate's own work. The faculty supervisor will also furnish help with time management, and the overall structure and presentation of the paper.

In the second semester of the junior year, each student will decide on a topic and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. Students will be expected to begin working on the essay during their junior year, as well as over the course of the summer between their junior and senior years. The extended essay will be submitted near the end of the first semester of the senior year.