The IB Diploma Programme

Private schools that offer the International Baccalaureate for students 16 to 19

The International Baccalaureate (IB) was first established in 1968 as a two-year advanced secondary school curriculum, the successful completion of which earned students the IB diploma. Then, as now, the curriculum requires that students complete a course of study in six core subject areas (language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts) write an essay of up to 4000 words, and sit standard, externally assessed exams. Students are also required to complete two formal projects and a minimum of 50 hours of community service. All requirements exceed those of high school diplomas offered by the provincial boards across Canada—in all ways, the IB diploma is a high school graduation diploma and then some. Read more

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List of schools with the IB diploma programme


Upper Canada College Toronto, Ontario — Located in the heart of Toronto, UCC provides transformational learning experiences with exceptional day and boarding programs. Our highly sought-after graduates are awarded International Baccalaureate and OSSD diplomas. View School Profile. High-achieving, all-round students Challenging but rewarding IB program First rate academics, athletics and arts 19 different sports and 80+ clubs Boutique urban boarding program Grades: SK to 12 (Boys) Type: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $36,750 to $71,875 Living: Boarding/Day Enrollment: 1200 Avg. Class: 20 to 25 View School Profile Our Kids Review User Reviews (3) School Videos (2)	Upper Canada College	36750	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Boys
The York School Toronto, Ontario — The York School is a JK-Grade 12 Gender Inclusive IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world. View School Profile. International Baccalaureate World School (JK - Grade 12) 100% university placement rate Gender Inclusive learning environment Progressive, contemporary approach International community Grades: JK to 12 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $35,000 Living: Day Enrollment: 742 Avg. Class: 15 to 20 View School Profile Our Kids Review User Reviews (3) School Videos (2) Open House: Oct 20	The York School	35000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Branksome Hall Toronto, Ontario — Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age. View School Profile. 13-acre downtown campus Athletics and Wellness Centre IB programs: JK to Grade 12 Leadership opportunities Boarding starting in Grade 7 Grades: JK to 12 (Girls) Type: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $37,130 to $75,020 Living: Boarding/Day Enrollment: 960 Avg. Class: 16 to 22 View School Profile Our Kids Review School Videos (1) Open House: Oct 20	Branksome Hall	37130	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls
St. John's-Kilmarnock School Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario — SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration and experiential learning. Through its IB curriculum, SJK provides exciting experiences and guides students to discover their talents and passions. Go beyond at SJK. View School Profile. Accredited IB World Continuum School Experienced, passionate, professional teachers Project-based, design-thinking experiential learning Extensive co-curricular programmes in athletics, arts, leadership and community service Outdoor experiential learning Grades: JK to 12 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $19,720 to $73,700 Living: Boarding/Day Enrollment: 470 Avg. Class: 10 to 17 View School Profile Our Kids Review School Videos (2)	St. John's-Kilmarnock School	19720	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Académie Ste-Cécile International School Windsor, Ontario — JK- 12/IB/AP , inter-faith/R.C.co-ed day, and boarding located in Windsor, ON Family of Schools includes Nursery, Elementary and Secondary Schools, athletic facilities, performing arts wing (music and dance studios). View School Profile. Small student teacher ratio Average class size of 12 students Offering courses from three different curricula (IB, AP and OSSD) Individual student care Family atmosphere Grades: JK to 12 (Coed) Type: Traditional, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $10,950 to $50,000 Living: Day/Boarding Enrollment: 250 Avg. Class: 10 to 16 View School Profile School Videos (2)	Académie Ste-Cécile International School	10950	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
featured Rothesay Netherwood School View Profile Rothesay, New Brunswick Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd 6 to 12 Coed $24,520 to $69,100 Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support. Day/Boarding Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate User Reviews (8)	Rothesay Netherwood School	24520	MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
featured Alexander von Humboldt German International School View Profile Baie-D'Urfé, Montreal, Quebec rue Victoria/rue Normandy PS to 12 Coed $9,950 to $12,350 The Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal is a multilingual (German, English and French), private, co-educational school serving students from preschool to grade 12. Day Traditional	Alexander von Humboldt German International School	9950	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Stratford Hall View Profile Vancouver, British Columbia K to 12 Coed $24,540 to $28,670 Stratford Hall takes learning beyond IB with its IDEA Lab, OEE and partner schools, where students strive to develop harmony between the urban and natural world through activities like camping, music, and orienteering. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	Stratford Hall	24540	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured TMS View Profile Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 PS to 12 Coed $19,100 to $32,700 TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation of Significance for life. Day Montessori International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	TMS	19100	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Glenlyon Norfolk School View Profile Victoria, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $9,345 to $73,145 GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that challenges and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life. Boarding/Day/Homestay Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Glenlyon Norfolk School	9345	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Homestay Coed
featured TFS - Canada's International School View Profile Toronto, Ontario Bayview/Lawrence NS to 12 Coed $22,180 to $37,630 TFS - Canada's International School offers an exceptional bilingual education from age 2 to Grade 12. Average class size is 12 to 22 students. Entrance Scholarship to Grade 7 is available. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	TFS - Canada's International School	22180	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Southpointe Academy View Profile Delta, British Columbia K to 12 Coed $20,000 to $39,650 Southpointe Academy is one of the few schools in Canada delivering the full IB Continuum Programme from Kindergarten to Grade 12, Moving from AP to the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11-12 in 2023. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Southpointe Academy	20000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Elmwood School View Profile Ottawa, Ontario Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road PS to 12 Girls $16,160 to $30,900 Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Elmwood School	16160	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
featured St. Jude's Academy View Profile Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd JK to 12 Coed $10,095 to $14,395 We are different! As a leading IB World School and university preparatory school with a focus on student life, SJA students are inspired to confidently make their mark in the world. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (8)	St. Jude's Academy	10095	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Century Private School View Profile Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. PS to 12 Coed $17,700 to $27,500 Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students. Day Montessori International Baccalaureate	Century Private School	17700	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Brookes Westshore View Profile Victoria, British Columbia 4 to 12 Coed $9,500 to $52,000 Brookes Westshore, an IB World School on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, offers grades 4 to 12 and both day and boarding programmes, with an average class size of 15 students. Boarding/Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	Brookes Westshore	9500	MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Ashbury College View Profile Ottawa, Ontario Mariposa Avenue/Springfield 4 to 12 Coed $32,110 to $74,230 This traditional private school in Ottawa, Ontario offers Grades 4 to 12 with 100 boarding and 600 day school students. Tuition is from $30,585 to $71,720. Day/Homestay/Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate	Ashbury College	32110	MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Boarding Coed
Aspengrove School View Profile Lantzville, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $10,000 to $24,000 With a 40-acre campus, Aspengrove School teaches the International Baccalaureate curriculum through a team of passionate faculty committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for their students. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Aspengrove School	10000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Mulgrave School View Profile West Vancouver, British Columbia Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit PS to 12 Coed $25,000 to $28,000 By inspiring excellence – the continuous pursuit of personal best - in education and life, Mulgrave strives to equip lifelong learners to thrive in a diverse and interdependent world. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Mulgrave School	25000	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) View Profile Mississauga, Ontario Cawthra/Lakeshore PS to 7 Coed $20,780 to $30,180 TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus)	20780	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
St. Stephen's School, Rome View Profile Rome, --------------- Ponte Sublicio/Lungotevere Aventino 9 to 12 Coed EUR €25,650 to EUR €39,600 Since 1964, SSS Rome has provided International Boarding and Day Students with a culturally inspiring and rigorous academic IB education in the heart of Ancient Rome. Day/Boarding Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	St. Stephen's School, Rome	25650	HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Luther College High School View Profile Regina, Saskatchewan 9 to 12 Coed $9,530 to $45,180 Luther College High School values excellence in teaching and cares for our students as individuals in our tight-knit community. Our focus in on the whole student - social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual. Day/Boarding Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate User Reviews (2)	Luther College High School	9530	HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Lower Canada College View Profile Montreal, Quebec Av de Monkland/Boul Cavendish K to 12 Coed $19,425 to $25,970 Lower Canada College is a gender-inclusive, K-12 university preparatory school, committed to excellence in teaching and learning. It is the only high school in Quebec offering both the IB MYP and DP. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	Lower Canada College	19425	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Bronte College View Profile Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Bronte College Ct 9 to 12 Coed $16,500 to $40,000 Bronte College is a private International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering Grades 9 to 12 for day and boarding students. Our academic programming has attracted students from over 30 countries. Boarding/Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Bronte College	16500	HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
King's-Edgehill School View Profile Windsor, Nova Scotia College Rd/King St 6 to 12 Coed $19,950 to $63,550 Benefitting from its safe and beautiful Nova Scotia location, King's-Edgehill facilitates the opportunity for every student to Be More – in the classroom, on the sports fields, on stage, in the community and beyond. Day/Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate	King's-Edgehill School	19950	MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Ridley College View Profile St. Catharines, Ontario Ridley Road/Henrietta Street JK to 12 Coed $22,950 to $79,815 Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational IB boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society. Boarding/Day Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Ridley College	22950	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Town Centre Private Schools View Profile Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue NS to 12 Coed $7,700 to $17,750 Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® World School and offers a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme. Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	Town Centre Private Schools	7700	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Unisus School View Profile Summerland, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $12,945 to $56,500 UNISUS was founded by the leaders of the top Private Schools in BC. Based on IB Education/Innovation/Technology, Entrepreneurship/ Outdoor Education. Boarding, Athletics and Global Partnerships/Opportunities. Day/Boarding Progressive International Baccalaureate	Unisus School	12945	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
London International Academy View Profile London, Ontario Richmond Street/King Street 9 to 12 Coed/Girls $25,600 to $32,000 A Canadian Private Secondary Boarding school, located in the heart of London, Ontario. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate	London International Academy	25600	HighSchools Boarding Boarding Coed Girls
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School View Profile Okotoks, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W K to 12 Coed $18,020 to $25,220 Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, full IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12 close to Calgary, AB. Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School	18020	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Brockton School View Profile North Vancouver, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $22,600 to $25,100 Brockton School is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational, IB World School inspiring the growth of outstanding humans, from JK to Grade 12. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Brockton School	22600	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Bishop's College School View Profile Sherbrooke, Quebec 7 to 12 Coed $30,000 to $75,710 Bishop's College School is an English boarding and day school for students in grades 7 through 12. Small in size and culturally diverse, BCS is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme and Canadian curricula. Day/Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate	Bishop's College School	30000	MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Alexander Academy View Profile Vancouver, British Columbia West Hastings St./Granville St. 9 to 12 Coed $16,500 to $22,800 Alexander Academy is a private high school offering the BC Dogwood High School Diploma and a unique University Transfer Program in a culturally rich and academically challenging environment. Day/Homestay Progressive	Alexander Academy	16500	HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
NOIC Academy View Profile Markham, Ontario 9 to 12 Coed $5,000 to $18,000 /semester Markham, Ontario; IB School; OSSD; OSSD online credit course; NOIC ACADEMY’s annual university enrolment rate is 100% and more than 85% of graduates are admitted by University of Toronto. Day/Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate	NOIC Academy	5000	HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
White Rock Christian Academy View Profile Surrey, British Columbia 152nd Street/24th Avenue JK to 12 Coed $7,500 to $10,500 WRCA exists to inspire and cultivate citizens of Godly character who transform their world for Christ. We do this through integrated faith based teaching and the International Baccalaureate programme for JK - grade 12. Homestay/Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	White Rock Christian Academy	7500	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Meadowridge School View Profile Maple Ridge, British Columbia 240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road JK to 12 Coed $25,925 to $35,925 Meadowridge is an IB Continuum World School that supports the development of the whole child in a safe, supportive and challenging environment. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Meadowridge School	25925	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

The International Baccalaureate was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, where it remains headquartered today, with additional offices in the UK and the Netherlands. The intention is to "provide an internationally acceptable university admissions qualification suitable for the growing mobile population of young people whose parents were part of the world of diplomacy, international and multinational organizations."

“ … an internationally acceptable university admissions qualification … ”

At the outset, the IB Diploma Program was created for students aged 16 to 19. It was first envisaged as a diploma that would be recognized at universities around the world, and would be recognized as academically rigorous. The curriculum was written with that goal in mind.

“ … suitable for the growing mobile population of young people … ”

In some ways, the IB reflects the historical moment in which it was formed. Marshall McLuhan coined the term “global village” in 1962 in his book The Gutenberg Galaxy. The term gained traction because of the growth in multinational corporations and organizations, and also because it reflected the spirit of the time, given the exponential growth in air traffic (and, later, the internet). There was a growing awareness that students would increasingly live in a multinational, multicultural world, with professional and personal lives that crossed borders and cultural boundaries. Likewise, it was surmised that communities of interest would develop independent of the local communities that students lived within—the community of physicists, for example, would be a global one, rather than associated with specific local communities.

It was out of that conception that International Baccalaureate was founded in the late 1960s. It would offer a diploma that was as mobile as the students who would earn it, and would be recognized readily by universities around the world. And, indeed, that's exactly what the IB has become.

“ … part of the world of diplomacy, international and multinational organizations.”

While rigor was important—students with the IB could be counted on to have a strong basis in language, math, and science—so was the kind of learner that the IB could develop. In addition to the core curriculum, students would be required to gain a meaningful sense of global issues, economy, geography, and culture. They would be required to learn the fundamentals of communication, creative problem solving, ethical leadership, and international politics. As such, the IB was in a sense at the leading edge of the development of what we now think of under the umbrella of 21st century literacies.

Today there are more than 3000 schools in roughly 150 countries that offer the IB Diploma Program (DP). In Canada, schools typically offer the DP in addition to provincial diplomas, with students free to choose which they’d like to work toward. Schools are not required to offer all four aspects of the current IB program—primary, middle, diploma, career—and instead offer only those that are appropriate to the needs of their enrolment.

The reasons that families and students choose the IBDP are varied, and include:

International recognition
A curriculum delivered through an international lens
Strong core academics
A bilingual requirement
Strong values-based approach
A broader range of and depth of instruction

Accreditation

Accreditation is granted through the International Baccalaureate in Geneva, Switzerland. The term "International Baccalaureate" is used generically, and can refer to the organization, the degree, or the degree programs. Prior to 2007 the main accrediting body was known formally as the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), though since then is known as, simply, the International Baccalaureate.

Schools intending to offer an IB program undertake a 3-4 year authorization/accreditation process, with timelines depending on when a school begins its formal academic year. Every school accredited to offer any of the four core IB programs is known as an IB World School. Any school that is engaged in the process of accreditation is known as an IB Candidate School.

All accredited schools take part in an ongoing process of review and development. In some cases, that process is supported and/or facilitated by sub-regional organizations, one example being the International Baccalaureate Schools of Ontario (IBSO). However, accreditation is only available through the central accrediting body.

University recognition of the IBDP

Each of Canada's universities is free to set its own admissions standards and to assess each candidate based on their own internal criteria. There is no national university entrance exam or governing body overseeing university admissions. As a result, admission criteria can vary widely, even between universities within Canada. Students are required to contact colleges or universities directly to find a list of admission requirements and deadlines, and to submit transcripts in support of their application.

While the specific details of recognition can vary between universities—or, in some cases, even between faculty within a university—the IB diploma is nevertheless very widely accepted as an admission credential if the scores earned meet certain targets. In some instances, IB courses and exams are recognized for transfer credit within an institution, used in fulfillment of university degree requirements and/or fulfilling course prerequisite requirements. University admissions departments can provide details on their admission and course prerequisite requirements as they pertain to the IB diploma.

On this page, find a list of schools offering an IB diploma (through the IBDP program).

Child-specific advice on choosing an IB school
Read our child-specific insights on choosing the right school, including IB schools. We explore how choosing the right type of school crucially depends on kids' unique traits, such as their mental and academic focus, social tendencies, and activity level.

To get school-choice advice customized to your child's unique traits, create a child profile through an Our Kids user account.

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Advanced Placement (AP) vs. International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs: what's the difference?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

Advanced Study Programs: AP, IB and Round Square

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A step ahead with IB & AP

Exploring the global village

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Latest Articles

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
Private schools offering IB programmes (August 26, 2019)

The IB Career-Related Programme
Private schools offering the International Baccalaureate for students 16 to 19 (August 26, 2019)

Getting a headstart
Advanced placement & International Baccalaureate programs (August 21, 2019)

Exploring the global village
The Round Square association gets students out of the classroom (May 23, 2019)

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