IB Diploma Programme

IB World School

Archbishop Spalding High School is proud to be an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Diploma Programme (DP) to students in grades 11 and 12. Over the past decade, our IB graduates have grown as scholars, leaders, and global citizens, carrying the skills and values of the program into college and beyond. We remain honored to stand among more than 1,900 schools in the US and nearly 5,900 worldwide that are part of the IB community.

What is the IB Diploma Programme (DP)?

The IB DP is a rigorous and well-balanced academic program designed for students in grades 11 and 12. It prepares students not only for success in higher education but also for thoughtful participation in a rapidly evolving, global society.

The DP focuses on the intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and ethical growth of each student. Recognized and respected by leading universities around the world, the Diploma Programme encourages students to:

Gain breadth and depth of knowledge by studying six subject groups.
Develop skills and habits of mind that foster a lifelong love of learning.
Study multiple languages and deepen cultural awareness.
Make interdisciplinary connections through the unique Theory of Knowledge course.
Conduct independent research through the Extended Essay.
Grow personally and interpersonally through Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) experiences.

Learn more about the IB DP at ibo.org.

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

Q: How can I get involved in the IB DP?
Information sessions are held during course re-registration in January and February each year. 9th and 10th-grade students are encouraged to observe an IB course during their designated “IB Course Visit Day” (see the school calendar).
Students who wish to register as a Course Candidate or pursue the Full Diploma must submit either:
- a paper Early Interest Form in 9th grade, OR an online IB Interest Form in 10th grade.
Q: What are the requirements?

If a student wishes to pursue the Full Diploma, he/she must take 6 IB courses over the course of junior and senior year; additionally, the three core components must be completed. Course Candidate students may elect to take one or more IB-level courses and choose to complete any or all of the core requirements; they will be issued a certificate upon successful completion of their coursework. To receive the full benefits of the IB experience, students are strongly encouraged to pursue the Full Diploma.
Q: What courses do you offer?

Please see the Course Catalog for courses!
Q: Is there a GPA requirement to take an IB course?

Archbishop Spalding High School supports the participation of a wide range of students in the IB DP. We look at each student applicant individually to determine if IB is the best fit. There is no GPA requirement, yet it is important that students are successful their ccourses sophomore year, maintaining a "B" average in Honors-level courses and an "A" average in College-Prep courses.
Q: Are IB courses better than AP?

There is a great article published in USA News and World Report that provides a brief overview of the difference: USA News and World Report Article.

Both programs are highly regarded by selective colleges. However, the true value of either AP or IB depends on the fit between your child's learning style, motivation, and preparation for the challenges offered by AP and IB. Bottom line- let your child decide! Each student is different! Archbishop Spalding students are lucky to have two great programs pushing them to higher levels of learning!

IB STUDENT INTEREST FORM

Zach Alban '26

IB classes offered a discussion-based orientation that goes beyond traditional AP and Honors classes, involving me in meaningful classwork and collaborative conversations. Instead of memorizing content, I was encouraged to engage critically with ideas, share perspectives with peers, and challenge assumptions. IB classes deepened my understanding of the material and strengthened my ability to communicate and think independently, only opening more doors for my future.
Layla Greten '26

IB has changed my perspective on global issues and challenged me to dig deeper into topics of global significance. The rigor and coursework have improved my analytical and writing skills, especially through the support of the teachers. The connection of core topics to recent events of socioeconomic and cultural significance makes each class interesting, valuable, and applicable.
Katherine Parker '26

IB has encouraged me to grow in empathy and understanding of the world around me. I have particularly enjoyed the focus on global issues in my classes, and each one has helped me develop various strengths, both academic and outside of the classroom.