International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a rigorous, two-year college preparatory course of study for academically talented students in grades 11 and 12. A Pre-Diploma program is available to eligible students in grades 9 and 10. Admission to the York High Pre-Diploma program and Diploma Programme is by application.

All IB courses are taught by instructors trained in IB instruction at workshops conducted by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The courses are designed to develop strong writing, time management, and critical/higher order thinking skills in students. In addition, through these courses, each student is exposed to the internationally minded, interdisciplinary nature of the IB curriculum.

IB courses are identified as Standard Level (SL), requiring a minimum of 150 instruction hours, or Higher Level (HL), requiring 240 instructional hours. All IB courses carry weighted credit.

Students in grades 11 and 12 who are not participating in the full IB Diploma Programme may enroll in an IB course (either SL or HL) provided there is space available, there is no equivalent AP course available, the student receives two teacher recommendations, and all course-specific prerequisites have been met. IB Diploma Programme course students are responsible for the costs associated with the IB examination as explained in the Student Handbook. Students with demonstrated financial need may request a waiver of the IB examination fees from the principal. Specific course information and IB requirements are provided within the Course Offerings section of the current Program of Studies.

Applications and information regarding the IB Diploma Programme, which is housed at York High School, may be obtained from the school counseling department at each middle school, on the IB Diploma Programme website, or from the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator.

Kevin Valliant
Program Coordinator
International Baccalaureate
757-890-5014