Benefits of the IB Program

IB courses allow students to experience college-level classes at a slower pace and with support appropriate for high school students.
Studies reveal that participation in advanced classes, including IB courses, improves ACT/SAT scores and achievement in college.
Studies show that students who participate in the IB program have a higher rate of admission to elite universities and graduate at higher rates from college institutions.
The IB program is available in over 3000 high schools in the world and is widely recognized by universities and scholarship programs.
IB courses use multiple assessments to measure student mastery rather than rely on one test at the end. (The AP program uses only one test at the end of the course.)
IB courses promote critical and creative thinking—not just memorization.
IB courses promote not only critical thinking but inquiry and communication skills, global awareness, and teamwork—all key components for success in college and in a competitive job market.
The IB program is carefully structured to ensure depth of instruction, fair testing practices, and objectivity in assessment scoring.
The IB program is dynamic and diligent in its attempts to keep pace with a rapidly changing world; to make programs more accessible to students with varied interests and needs; and to improve curriculum, assessments, and services.
The IB diploma program promotes balance in its students. The diploma program rewards students for balance in their course selection and participation in extra-curricular activities and service projects.
The IB diploma program allows students to pursue their passions by allowing for some flexibility in course selection and rewarding them for their in-depth study of topics of interest and for time devoted to interests outside of the classroom.
The IB diploma program often leads to extensive free college credit since testing fees for diploma candidates are paid by the school district.
Students who don’t pursue the diploma, but enroll in IB courses, are also eligible for college credit at a cost that is lower than taking the course in most colleges.
In order to enroll in an IB course, a student does not have to be a straight-A student or exceptionally gifted; however, IB courses are typically filled with students who value education, which makes for a very rich learning environment.
At LSNHS, we honor IB students through invitations to special events, with recognition at graduation, and space on the Academic Wall of Fame for IB diploma recipients.
The IB program cultivates the ideal learner: a knowledgeable, well-balanced, open-minded, caring, principled, and reflective thinker, inquirer, communicator, and risk-taker.