International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) Overview

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is an internationally recognized honors program for 11th and 12th graders. The IB program focuses on rigorous content knowledge and student development of college-level learning and study habits. Students get to experience an in-depth learning environment with the hands-on support of their high school teachers and the IB Programme Coordinator. An IB education is student-centered and acknowledges the importance of connecting ideas and subjects while also linking student learning to local and global contexts.

IB courses are offered in English, World Language, Social Science, Science, Math, and The Arts. A full list of current IB course offerings can be found on the IB Courses webpage.

IB Courses are designated as Standard Level (SL) one-year courses or Higher Level (HL) two-year courses. While all IB Courses are meant to be rigorous preparation for university-level work, HL courses go more in-depth and are generally considered to be more challenging.

• Course Candidate: Students take individual IB courses for a rich, in-depth level of study in one or two IB subjects. Students will learn and practice the skills and methods of a professional in a field in which they are deeply interested. All IB courses fulfill CUHSD graduation or elective requirements and may earn college credit.
• IB Merit Scholar Certificate: Designed for students who want a more involved IB program experience. Students complete coursework and exams in at least three IB courses, at least one at HL. Students will be able to blend other program course sequences with IB courses during their Junior and Senior years. Students will be recognized for their participation at the Senior Awards Ceremony.
• IB Diploma: A two-year, holistic curriculum for juniors and seniors. Students complete coursework in all six IB subject areas, a combination of three to four HL and two to three SL courses. In addition, students will delve into Theory of Knowledge (TOK), write an Extended Essay (EE), and complete a service learning program (CAS). Candidates receive a distinguished IB Diploma Cord and tassel for graduation.

We believe in the credo of “IB for All” and that every student has the potential to be an IB student. All Del Mar High School Junior and Senior students are eligible and encouraged to enroll in IB courses. There is no application required, although a student must receive a C- or better in the subject the previous year.

For more details on the Add/Drop Policy and qualification, please reference our IB Handbook (opens in new tab).

Some IB courses will receive a GPA boost and university credit. For honors designations by the UCs, visit: UC Articulation Portal. For example, the UC system awards students who complete the IB Diploma with a score of 30 or above with 30 quarter units toward their UC degree.

* Please visit individual university websites for their IB credit/advanced course placement policy.

The IB Programme is different from other curricula because it:

• Encourages students to think critically and challenge assumptions.
• Incorporates quality practice from research and the IBO's global community of schools.
• Encourages students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts.
• Develops multilingual students.
• Prioritizes deeper learning through individualized, portfolio-based Internal Assessments.

Students embody the attributes of the IB Learner Profile (opens in new tab).