Skip to main content
George Washington High School
IB Diploma Programme (DP) » International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at GWHS

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at GWHS

 

The IB Diploma Programme at GWHS

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a rigorous, pre-university course of study designed for highly motivated students in the 11th and 12th grades. Our goal is to provide intellectual rigor and high academic standards, teaching young people to connect classroom experiences to the outside world. We aim to develop critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and informed participants in both their local communities and the global stage.
 

Is the Diploma Programme Right for You?

Success in the IB program requires more than just high grades; it requires a specific mindset. Students who thrive in this challenging environment generally:

  • Are academically ambitious and eager for intellectual inquiry.

  • Think "outside the box" with a high capacity for creative problem-solving.

  • Possess a genuine love for learning and a global perspective.

  • Are self-motivated to lead classroom discussions and meet deadlines.

  • Possess strong time management and organizational skills.

 

IB Diploma Programme Model

Admissions & Pathways

All GWHS students are encouraged to apply to the Diploma Programme during the winter of their sophomore year. Students may choose one of two distinct pathways:

 

Full Diploma Candidate

The most comprehensive path, offering students the opportunity to earn the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma alongside their Chicago Public Schools Diploma.

 

Key Requirements:

  • Six IB Courses: Students take one subject from each of the six groups.

  • The "IB Core": To earn the full diploma, students must also complete:

    • Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A seminar class exploring the nature of knowledge.

    • Extended Essay (EE): An independent, 4,000-word research paper.

    • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): 18 months of extracurricular engagement and reflection.

  • Assessment: Students must complete internal assessments and sit for external exams in all six subjects.

  • Commitment: Enrollment in any DP course is a two-year commitment (11th and 12th grade).
 

Diploma Course Candidate

Designed for students who wish to challenge themselves in specific subjects rather than the full curriculum. While these students do not earn the full IB Diploma, they gain valuable college-level experience and can still earn college credit.

 

Key Features:

  • Flexibility: Students can enroll in up to five DP courses.

  • Assessment: Like Diploma candidates, Course students must complete all internal and external assessments for their chosen subjects.

  • Commitment: Enrollment in any DP course is a two-year commitment (11th and 12th grade).

Important Note on College Credit

Whether you are a Full Diploma Candidate or a Course Certificate student, successful completion of IB coursework and high scores on external assessments may result in significant college credit at universities worldwide.