The International Baccalaureate: An Introduction
April 15, 2022
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a highly respected, established, and academically rigorous program for students in preschool through grade 12. As of February 2022, more than 5,400 schools in 159 countries offer an IB program. Students and families select the IB because it is recognized worldwide as one of the most challenging academic programs available.
How is the IB structured?
There are four IB programs: the Primary Years Program (ages 3–12), the Middle Years Program (ages 11–16), the Diploma Program (ages 16–19) and Career-related Program (ages 16–19). Each program is tailored to its specific age group. Individually and together, they take a global approach, looking at big ideas across disciplines and enabling students to dig deep into their coursework. The IB program, and the faculty who are trained and experienced in its pedagogy and mission, encourages and supports students to think critically, creatively, ethically, and globally. The IB fosters lifelong learners.
Recognized worldwide as the “gold standard” in pre-university preparation, the IB focuses on skill development while preparing students to engage with a comprehensive and deeply engaging curriculum.
What is the IB Diploma Program?
The IB Diploma Program is a two-year program for juniors and seniors that provides a strong academic framework for educating internationally-minded problem-solvers — culturally agile and often multilingual. It requires students to take six classes concurrently with the Core curriculum. The Core comprises the Theory of Knowledge Course, which explores the nature and dimension of knowledge, and the Extended Essay, where students write an academic research essay based on a research project on a topic of their own choosing. The Core also includes the CAS projects, which seek to develop the student through projects promoting creativity, activity, and service. An IB diploma asks students to become citizens of the world and positions students for success in today’s global marketplace.
Dwight School of New York, the flagship school of the Dwight Schools worldwide network, has been a pioneer in the Americas to offer all four IB programs. Dwight’s IB program provides an education that crosses disciplinary, cultural, national and geographical boundaries, and champions critical engagement, stimulating ideas, and meaningful relationships.
Is the IB offered online?
In 2021, Dwight was honored to be the first school in the world to launch the IB Diploma program online.
With Dwight’s IB Diploma Program, students can personalize their course selections and have flexibility to take classes at a standard level or a higher level. In addition, students get to curate their course selections with a variety of class options as well as opportunities to conduct scholarly research in areas of personal interest.
To obtain the IB Diploma, students must take at least three higher level classes. The full complement of IB course offerings online is detailed in Dwight Global’s Curriculum Guide.
In addition to the International Baccalaureate, Dwight Global Online School offers a range of challenging Advanced Placement courses. Because Dwight Global students are able to choose across standards, they receive a truly personalized education to set them up for success. Students deciding between the Advanced Placement and IB paths have a detailed meeting with their Dean and College Counselor, who together with their families help them choose the program that best aligns with their goals, interests, and passions.
For more information about personalized learning and the IB program at Dwight Global, visit this link.