Preparing for the IB Diploma Program
To prepare for the IB Program during the Middle School years, students should complete at least
one year of World Language and Algebra I and/or Geometry. Pre-Baccalaureate courses are
available in the 9th and 10th grade years in English, History, Science and Math to prepare students
for the actual IB Program which begins in 11th grade. These classes are student-centered,
discussion-oriented and begin developing the critical thinking skills and oral and written
communication skills necessary for success in the IB program. As you enter the 9th and 10th
grades, please let your Counselor know of your interest in the IB program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When does the IB Program start?
A. The IB Diploma Program starts in 11th grade. Preparatory English, History, Science and Math classes
are available for students in 9th and 10th grade in preparation for the IB coursework.
Q. Who may take IB courses?
A. Any motivated student who wants to be academically challenged.
Q. When should students start a World Language for IB?
A. Ideally, students should complete at least 2 years of World Language before entering 9th grade.
However, students may still participate in the IB Diploma Program if they start their language in 8th grade.
Q. Why should a student enroll in the IB Program?
A. Rewarding challenges; develop written and oral communication skills; stimulate individual thinking.
Students are in classes with dedicated teachers and students who share the same goals and motivation.
Q. Are IB teachers specially trained?
A. Yes. IB teachers attend training seminars offered through the IB Organization.
They periodically receive updates and notifications as the curriculum changes. Teachers also receive
support through a local network of IB schools and through IB’s On-line Curriculum Center.
Q. Do IB courses earn college credit?
A. Yes, but it varies at each institution. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire at the college(s) of their
choice regarding college credits. Earning college credit is contingent upon student performance on the
IB exams.
Q. What is CAS?
A. Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) is a requirement of the Diploma Program. This facet of the
program encourages students to be involved in artistic/creative pursuits, athletics/recreational
opportunities, and community service activities. The goal is to encourage development of the “whole
person”.
Q. Can students register for individual IB classes without enrolling in the IB program?
A. Yes. Some students take IB courses in their “strong area subjects”, but do not enroll in the program’s
required CAS, Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge aspects.
Q. Are IB students able to be involved in extracurricular activities?
A. The IB program requires student involvement in extracurricular activities in the form of the Creativity,
Action, Service (CAS) requirement. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside
the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to academic demands. IB promotes
educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate citizenry by challenging students to
reach beyond themselves and their books.