The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is offered only at Hillsboro High School. IB is an internationally-recognized program which offers students an opportunity to experience a rigorous, interdisciplinary course of study in grades 11-12. This program is recognized as the finest college-preparatory program offered to students.
The common philosophy of IB World Schools is to deliver a rigorous educational experience that helps students develop the skills necessary to excel in an increasingly competitive, global society. The IB Programme places the student at the center of the educational experience and seeks to develop thoughtful students who strive to be:
- Inquirers
- Caring
- Thinkers
- Balanced
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Knowledgeable
- Risk-takers
- Communicators
- Reflective
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
All IB courses are open to all Hilhi students, whether or not students choose to pursue the IB Diploma. If a student chooses to pursue the IB Diploma or the Honors CCP, please see the IB Coordinator and appropriate counselor to ensure that the requirements are known and understood. Students may choose to complete the IB Diploma or individual courses. The IB courses offered at Hilhi are represented in the graphic on page 10.
- HL = higher level two-year course
- SL = standard level one-year course
- SL* = standard level two-year course
CURRICULUM: The IB Diploma requires students to complete advanced, college-level courses in six curriculum areas, including English language arts, language acquisition, social studies, mathematics, experimental science, and arts/electives. At least three, but not more than four, courses are taken at Higher Level (HL) and the others at Standard Level (SL). In addition, students complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. EXTENDED ESSAY: IB Diploma students write an approximately 4,000-word essay on a topic of interest. The completion of this essay is supported by the IB Coordinator and staff advisors.
CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY & SERVICE (CAS): IB Diploma and Honors CCP students complete service-learning experiences over the course of their junior and senior years, culminating in a four - six week CAS Project.
DIPLOMA PROGRAM: The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) is a rigor ous pre-university course of study meets the needs of highly motivated students. It is open to any interested student on campus. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum, the Diploma Program challenges students to develop strong reading, writing, and analytical skills across the curriculum that will serve them well at the university level. This program also prepares students for the world after high school by emphasizing curriculum that is taught globally. Students who complete IB courses may choose to take examinations which may lead to college credit.
Students at Hilhi can participate in IB by taking one or more IB courses, or by choosing one of the following options:
IB DIPLOMA: Students will take and test in six IB DP courses (three SL and three HL) across content areas, complete TOK 1 and 2, the Extended Essay, and CAS.
HONORS CCP (meets senior project requirement and earns honor cord at graduation): Students will take a minimum of three IB courses, complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK) 1 and 2, and fulfill CAS requirements.
