International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate Organization, a non-governmental, non-profit foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland, has established a leading position in the design of educational programs for the K-12 age range, and is experiencing rapid growth in adoption by national and international baccalaureate schools in both public and private sectors.
In addition to the IB Diploma for Grades 11-12, the IBO now offers the PYP (Primary Years Programme*) for Grades pre-K through 5, and the MYP (Middle Years Programme*) for Grades 6 through 10. Schools must undergo a rigorous training and accreditation procedure before being authorized to offer any of the IB programs. Read more about our
International Baccalaureate middle years program and
International Baccalaureate primary years program.
(* British spelling is used in the official names of these programs.)
The programs of the IBO distinguish themselves from national programs in various ways. Chief among them are a focus on:
- Inquiry-based and skills-based education
- Holistic, all-round child development
- Promoting skills of critical thinking, communication, creativity and flexibility
- Promoting the capacity to be a life-long learner
- Interdisciplinary understanding, reflecting the real world
- International-mindedness, and intercultural awareness
- High ethical and moral principles with a spirit of service to others
Although a challenging academic program, when taught in a school such as ISI, the IB program has a transformational quality, and is accessible to and appropriate for a broad band of abilities. Students who complete the Diploma are well placed for direct entry to their major subject of studies in competitive universities around the world, and are equipped with a range of skills that distinguish them from their non-IB peers.