International Baccalaureate
Life in an interconnected, globalized world requires critical-thinking skills and a sense of international-mindedness, something that IB students learn to know and understand.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university curriculum for junior and seniors recognized worldwide.
According to IBO, "Diploma holders are ready to debate real-world issues from an international perspective, and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community. Students demonstrate a capacity for in-depth study while maintaining a broad perspective of the different subject areas."
MPS offers Language A1 (English), Second Language (French, German, Spanish), Experimental Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), Individuals and Societies (history, business and psychology), mathematics, and the arts (music and visual arts).
Midland Public Schools IB Information Brochure
Have a question or comment?
Please contact our high schools for more information about IB.
Sarah Pancost
H. H. Dow High IB Coordinator
PancostSG@mps.k12.mi.us
(989) 923-5408
Carol Neff
Midland High IB Coordinator
NeffCL@mps.k12.mi.us
(989) 923-5202
Participation options include...
1. Diploma Programme
Students will fulfill the academic requirements include all the assessments, both internal and external, indicated in the hexagon. They will also complete the additional requirements listed in the center of the hexagon in order to earn their IB Diploma.
2. Certificate
Students may select individual courses within the curriculum groups and complete all the internal and external assessments to earn an IB certificate in that area.
3. Course enrollment only
Students may enroll in any IB course for the academic experience and choose not to pursue certificate requirements.
“[IB] has put me into a variety of classes that have tested my limits and have taught me so much. You develop such a close bond with the other participants, it's remarkable.”
Michael Pierfelice
MHS Class of 2009
What does the curriculum require?
In addition to completing the core of the hexagon (below), Diploma Programme students take classes in each of the six subject areas for either one or two years over the course of their junior and senior years. They complete internal assessments and exams in three of these classes at the standard level (SL - 150 hours minimum), and the other three at the higher level (HL - 240 hours minimum).
Second language
- French
- German
- Spanish
English A1
Individuals and societies
- Business and management
- History
- Psychology
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
• Extended Essay (EE)
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• Creativity/Action/Service (CAS)
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Experimental sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
The arts
- Music
- Visual arts
Mathematics and computer science
- Standard level
- Higher level
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
An interdisciplinary, two semester course that explores the different concepts of knowledge found in the subject areas.
Extended Essay (EE)
An individual research project over two years, culminating in a paper of not more than 4,000 words. Students select a topic in one of the curricular areas of study.
Creativity/Action/Service (CAS)
150 hours of volunteering and community/school involvement, including music/dramatic performances and sports participation.