What is the International Baccalaureate?

Answer 1

The International Baccalaureate is a high school degree that is accepted in many countries.

The International Baccalaureate, or IB, is different from an American high school diploma for many reasons. Firstly, it requires all students to take a well-rounded course load. Each student MUST study a foreign language, a science, a math, a social science, and a literature class and one other class. They also have to select 3 classes to take at a standard level and 3 classes to take at a higher level. Secondly, each class is two years long and required that students turn in assessments during these years. Each class has a final test, but also has other requirements, such as oral commentaries, student designed labs, or compositions. Thirdly, there are requirements beyond these classes. Each student writes a 10 page research paper outside of school, takes a class called "Theory of Knowledge," and completes 50 hours each of Creative activities, Physical Activity, and Community Service.

The IB was started by the League of Nations so that diplomat's children, who lived outside of their native country, could receive a standardized education that would allow them to return to their native country for college.