Please CLICK HERE to be taken to the McCluer North IB Website! 

The website is located at: https://mccluernorthib.weebly.com/  

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program?

The International Baccalaureate program is an internationally recognized academic program of honors courses that leads to the awarding of the prestigious IB Diploma for successful students. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) began in Switzerland in 1968. At first, there was only a diploma program offered for high school age students, such as the one offered at McCluer North. Eventually, in 1994 the IBO began to offer a program for both middle school and primary school; they also began a career-related program. 

Currently, there are nearly 5000 IB schools worldwide. All IB programs share one mission based on the belief that we can create a better world through education. The IBO aims to promote a better understanding and respect for different cultures and to understand ourselves as integral parts of the global community.

This is captured in the IB mission statement: 

“The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” 

At McCluer North High School you have the opportunity to join the group of pre-IB students in honors classes in the 9th and 10th grade.  This prepares you to take individual IB courses in your junior and senior year, or enter the IB Diploma Program. The IB's programs are different from other curricula because they challenge students to think critically and creatively, develop multilingual abilities, global mindedness, and become reflective, lifelong learners. 

Why take IB courses or join the Diploma Program? 

IB is globally recognized as a top-notch preparation for college. Research shows that not only were IB Diploma graduates more likely to enroll in a university, but they were also more likely to enroll in selective universities, stay enrolled, and perform better during university study. Specifically,  IB graduates are 21.4 percent more likely to be admitted into 10 of the most prestigious universities in the US, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford. 

(Source: IBO)

How Can Students Participate in the IB Program?

9th and 10th graders should prepare for participation in IB!

At McCluer North High School you have the opportunity to take individual IB courses or join the IB Diploma Program during the junior and senior years. Either way, you may want to join the group of pre-IB students in honors classes in the 9th and 10th grades.  This prepares you to take IB courses that are offered over the junior and senior years.  

If freshman and sophomores are interested in joining the IB Diploma program, it is highly recommended that they meet with a guidance counselor as soon as possible, enroll in advanced study courses, begin or continue in a world language course, complete Algebra II before their Junior year, and consider mapping out a four-year plan in preparation for life beyond high school. 

Sophomores should decide how they will be involved in this outstanding program!  

Students are encouraged to pursue one of two IB options during his or her junior and senior years of high school:

• The IB Diploma Program    Students who commit to pursuing the IB Diploma leave high school more than prepared for college and beyond.  At first, the requirements for the IB Diploma seem daunting, but there are some flexibility and a lot of support in place to help students succeed.  Testing fees for all IB courses are paid by the school district.

• IB Diploma Program Course Award    Students may take IB courses without pursuing the IB Diploma.  Typically these courses involve a two-year commitment to a particular course, and as stated above testing fees are also paid for by the district.  Diploma courses are college-level courses, and for this reason, many universities offer college credit for them based on assessment results. However, you must check with your individual university to determine the credit they award if any.