International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Founded by educators in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1968, International Baccalaureate was created to provide a consistent, high-quality educational program for international families. Over the years, its applicability and value for students of all backgrounds have led to adoption by schools all over the world. Only schools that have been thoroughly vetted by the International Baccalaureate Organization can earn official designation as International Baccalaureate World Schools. Currently, there are 2,600 International Baccalaureate World Schools in 134 countries. There are 20 International Baccalaureate World Schools in the state of Ohio, and only three in Northeast Ohio.

At its core, the IB creates a better world through education. This aligns perfectly with our Ursuline mission and charism of being lifelong learners. As a Catholic school rooted in the Ursuline tradition, we too seek to create a more peaceful world and believe that education focuses on building the skills and talents one has been blessed with to change the world.

They differ from course to course, but are always highly regarded, typically providing study in much greater depth, and expecting assimilation of information and, especially, an ability to apply that information. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme requires students to develop proficiency in six areas: native language, a second language, social studies, the sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Diploma Candidates engage in the creativity, action, service component requires students to learn actively through the experience of performing real-world tasks.

Students who choose the IB Diploma Programme complete 6 courses focused on Language and Literature (English), Language Acquisition (foreign language), Mathematics, Experimental Sciences, Individuals and Societies (social studies), and the Arts. Students must also complete an extended essay, an in-depth research project relating to one of the six courses they take; Theory of Knowledge, a seventh academic course that ties together the other academic disciplines and serves as a capstone class; and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) hours, which require involvement in athletics, clubs and volunteerism.

The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word piece of original research conducted by each IB Diploma candidate. It is completed between the second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year. The student researches and writes on a topic of his/her choosing, and has an Extended Essay Advisor, as well as a Faculty Coach to help with the essay.

Theory of Knowledge, or TOK, is a seminar-type course that explores the linkages between subject areas (courses). It is part existential, philosophical, psychological and metaphysical. It, also, is taken between second semester junior year and first semester senior year. Students submit a presentation-exhibition and reflective paper, in order to successfully complete the course.

CAS stands for Creativity-Action-Service. In order to successfully complete the IB Diploma Program, each student must have documented 150 hours of after-school activities (during junior & senior year) that are evenly split among creative, action, and service oriented endeavors. Every student has a CAS Advisor, and reflects on learnings from the endeavors.

From one to four hours per night: your study style is your own, but it is advisable to exercise good time-management skills.

A student will take six IB exams, including one literature course, one foreign language, one social science, one experimental science, one math, and one arts course. The arts course can be replaced by a second social science, a second experimental science, or a third language. Of the six exams, three are taken at the standard level, and three taken at the higher level. IB students are expected to take their examinations at the conclusion of the 2 year Diploma Program. However, the IBO permits students to take one or two standard level examinations at the end of junior year, upon the recommendation of the school's IB Coordinator. Higher level exams can only be taken at the end of the senior year.

Students can expect to receive their PIN numbers in late November. PIN numbers are used to access all IB results. Here are the steps and timeline for results.

Read the information provided on the website regarding courses and curriculum, consider your strengths and weaknesses, confer with your teachers and counselor, IB upperclassmen, parents, your diploma coordinator, and consider your college & career options.

100% of the Beaumont School IB Candidates earned the IB Diploma in 2023. Approximately 15% of Beaumont seniors are enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme.

Students with IB Diplomas, who now attend universities, report that their involvement with IB has given them the tools needed to succeed at university and to make the most of their post-secondary education. In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness, their self-confidence, their research skills, their ability to manage their time, and their willingness to be actively engaged in their own learning. Even more importantly, they have developed a sense of the world around them, their responsibility to it, and the skills with which to embrace the complexities of life. The IBO often employs a variety of phrases to describe these traits and abilities: "learning how to learn," "life-long learners," "critical and compassionate thinkers," and, "informed participants in local and world affairs.

Yes. Students may enroll in certain IB courses without being in the IB Diploma Programme. At Beaumont, every student has the opportunity and is encouraged to take at least one IB course.

No. Part of the student's final grade comes from work done in the classroom also known as internal assessments or IAs.

Although there is no additional cost in tuition for your daughter to be an IB student, registration and tests fees will be incurred by the family at the IB exams. Typically, registration and test fees are charged at the beginning of the senior year. The fee structure is as follows: The IB Diploma Program (DP) fee is split into two payments assessed with the student’s junior and senior year enrollment agreements. The IB DP fee covers the student’s exam costs. If your student is enrolled in one or more IB classes and is not in the Diploma Program, individual class test fees will be assessed around November 15 of the examination year. Any changes between November 15 and January 15 in the year of the examination will incur 50% of the cost of the exam fee from IB. After January 15 of the examination year, fees are non-refundable and any changes after January 15 of the year of the examination will incur a $150 change fee from IB

We welcome any student who wishes to challenge herself with a rigorous academic program that will prepare her for lifelong learning. IB Diploma students must complete a math course requirement to be eligible.