IB Diploma Programme
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, created in 1968, is a very rigorous academic program for juniors and seniors at Desert Mountain High School, which has been an authorized school by the International Baccalaureate Organization since 1999. The rigorous nature of the program is widely recognized by many selective and highly selective colleges and universities. IB encourages students to: ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.
While each component of the Diploma Programme has specific aims and assessment objectives, the distinctive aims of the program as a whole are to: provide an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, promote international understanding, educate the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth and develop inquiry and thinking skills, and the capacity to reflect upon and to evaluate actions critically.
To be accredited by the IBO, schools go through an intensive application process and are reviewed every five years to make sure they are applying the IB standards. IB currently has authorized about 1300 schools in 100 different countries.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) program aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.
During the junior and senior years, students are required to take 3 Higher Level (HL) classes and 3 Standard Level (SL) classes. The HL classes require two years of study during the student’s junior and senior years. The SL classes require one year of study at either the junior or senior year. During the junior year, most students take the first year of 3 HL classes and complete 2 SL classes, and in their senior year, they complete the second year of 3 HL classes and complete 1 SL class.
IB Information
Three Core Components of IB
IB Testing Results
- Average Points/Grade Obtained by Candidates Who Passed the Diploma
- IB Diplomas Earned
- National Merit Semi-Finalist
- Where do DMHS IB Graduates Attend Post-Secondary Education? (2004-2017)