Select Page
Reading Time: 2 minutes

International Baccalaureate is an option for those who seek academic challenges and prefer hands-on learning. Read on to learn more about this global curriculum and why it may be right for you. 

 

What is International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an academic curriculum founded in Switzerland during the late 1960s. This education is available as four separate programs for students in elementary, middle, and high school. Schools may offer a few IB classes, or an entire school-wide curriculum. 

 

The IB Diploma Program (DP) and the IB Career-Related Program (CP) are the options offered to high school students. Those interested in IB must submit an application to enter into the program. The goal of these programs is to develop students into leaders with the skills fit for a changing world. 

 

Benefits of International Baccalaureate

IB offers af unique education to its students, highlighting ambition, independent thinking, and cultural awareness. Though IB is time consuming, students come out of the program prepared for college workloads. Graduates connect to a large alumni network and gain impeccable time management and research skills.  

 

How does this differ from AP classes? 

AP classes are typically only offered to high school students. Whereas, students can apply to an IB program in elementary, middle, or high school. AP classes are also only offered as individual classes (not school-wide programs). They serve the purpose of raising grades through weighted GPA and gaining college credit through AP testing.

 

Teachers instruct IB classes differently. They emphasize the importance of research, writing, and applying knowledge to new situations. In contrast, AP classes focus less on applied knowledge and hands-on evaluation, and more on memorization and standardized testing. To learn more about AP classes, read this article! 

Hopefully, you now have a better picture of International Baccalaureate and all that it has to offer. If you would like to learn more about applications and scholarships, we recommend visiting the International Baccalaureate website or making an appointment with your school counselor.