The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

Private schools offering IB programmes

Looking for an IB private school? Consider The York School, a coed JK to grade 12 school in Toronto offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

We've got a high level of academics, a high level of arts, a good level of athletics, and our debating is off the charts, but we've got a wide range of programs [so all types of learners] are able to find their place, and that's something we continue to embrace."
—Struan Robertson, Head of School, York School

The International Baccalaureate (IB) was first established 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.

In the decades since it began, the IB Programme has been expanded to include the primary and middle school grades, as well as a career program for students in the senior grades. All are intended to provide a unique, international take on core studies, while also providing a foundation for secondary and post-secondary instruction. As such, the curriculum is managed and administered to provide a well-rounded, high quality, advanced course of study that delivers the core material while challenging students to apply their knowledge and skills through collaboration, discussion, and communication. Read more

List of schools with the IB Programme


Elmwood School Ottawa, Ontario — 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. View School Profile. Recognized for academic excellence Welcoming, inclusive and diverse community International Baccalaureate World School (PYP, MYP, DP) Round Square and Apple Distinguished school Merit- and need-based scholarships available Grades: PS to 12 (Girls) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $15,540 to $29,700 Living: Day Enrollment: 370 Avg. Class: 15 to 17 View School Profile Our Kids Review School Videos (1)	Elmwood School	15540	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
Delano Academy Maple, Ontario — Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum. View School Profile. International Baccalaureate PYP/MYP Co-Educational & Non-Denominational STE[A]M Gifted High performance school Before & After school care Grades: PS to 12 (Coed) Type: Traditional, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $15,500 to $19,500 Living: Day Enrollment: 200 Avg. Class: 12 to 18 View School Profile User Reviews (4) School Videos (1)	Delano Academy	15500	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Coed
St. John's-Kilmarnock School Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario — St. John's-Kilmarnock School offers enriched educational programming for students from Junior Kindergarten – Grade 12 through its accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Discover the possibilities. View School Profile. Accredited IB World Continuum School Beautiful 36-acre natural campus Extensive co-curricular opportunities Tech-free dining builds community in Founders' Hall Outdoor experiential learning from Junior Kindergarten onwards Grades: JK to 12 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $18,980 to $71,620 Living: Day/Boarding Enrollment: 425 Avg. Class: 10 to 18 View School Profile Our Kids Review School Videos (2)	St. John's-Kilmarnock School	18980	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Sunnybrook School Toronto, Ontario — Sunnybrook School offers the IB Primary Years Program for all students in JK - Grade 6. We have a fully integrated co-ed and 1:1 iPad program for all the grades. Our inquiry approach leads to global citizens. View School Profile. 69 years IB PYP World School JK to Gr 6, coed 1:1 iPads, JK - Gr 6 Singapore Math Grades: JK to 6 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $29,750 Living: Day Enrollment: 140 Avg. Class: 16 to 20 View School Profile Our Kids Review User Reviews (3) School Videos (2)	Sunnybrook School	29750	Kindergarten Elementary 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: $35,700 to $72,500 Living: Boarding/Day Enrollment: 954 Avg. Class: 12 to 22 View School Profile Our Kids Review School Videos (1)	Branksome Hall	35700	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls
Upper Canada College Toronto, Ontario — Located in the heart of Toronto, Upper Canada College is the oldest independent boys' school in Ontario. Our IB graduates are highly regarded by top universities and post-secondary institutions worldwide. View School Profile. High-achieving, all-round boys Challenging but rewarding IB program First rate academics, athletics and arts 19 different sports and 65+ clubs Boutique urban boarding program Grades: SK to 12 (Boys) Type: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $35,000 to $68,450 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	35000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Boys
The York School Toronto, Ontario — The York School is a JK to Grade 12 International Baccalaureate 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 Co-educational learning environment Progressive, contemporary approach International community Grades: JK to 12 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $33,750 Living: Day Enrollment: 730 Avg. Class: 15 to 20 View School Profile Our Kids Review User Reviews (3) School Videos (2)	The York School	33750	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Lynn-Rose Schools View Profile Mississauga, Ontario PS to 12 Coed $16,950 to $21,550 Lynn-Rose's philosophy is to create an environment that is challenging and rewarding; focusing on social, intellectual and emotional aspects of the students development through the International Baccalaureate program. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review User Reviews (4)	Lynn-Rose Schools	16950	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured St. Jude's Academy View Profile Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd JK to 12 Coed $10,095 to $14,395 St. Jude's Academy is an IB World School that offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Mississauga. A university preparatory school with a focus on student life, average class size is 16 to 18 students. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate User Reviews (8)	St. Jude's Academy	10095	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured TFS - Canada's International School View Profile Toronto, Ontario Bayview/Lawrence NS to 12 Coed $20,170 to $36,620 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	20170	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured The Maples Academy View Profile Amaranth, Ontario PS to 8 Coed $9,590 to $11,445 The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). Daily French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus. Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	The Maples Academy	9590	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
featured Meadowridge School View Profile Maple Ridge, British Columbia 240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road JK to 12 Coed $24,500 to $34,500 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	24500	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) View Profile Mississauga, Ontario Cawthra/Lakeshore PS to 7 Coed $11,770 to $29,300 TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus)	11770	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Richland Academy View Profile Richmond Hill, Ontario JK to 8 Coed $22,000 Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for children from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Voted #1 Private School in Richmond Hill for 6 years! Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Richland Academy	22000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School View Profile Okotoks, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W K to 12 Coed $17,003 to $24,484 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	17003	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Century Private School View Profile Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. PS to 12 Coed $16,550 to $27,000 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	16550	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Académie de la Capitale View Profile Ottawa, Ontario Highway 417/Greenbank JK to 12 Coed $18,633 to $20,225 Acadecap International School (Académie de la Capitale), an IB World School, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from JK to Grade 12. Students thrive in a growth mindset environment and a culture of excellence. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	Académie de la Capitale	18633	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Unisus School View Profile Summerland, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $11,275 to $53,500 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. Boarding/Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Unisus School	11275	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding 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. Brockton hosts an Early Learning Years program, a Junior School, and a Senior School, with students from Junior Kindergarten to grade 12. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Brockton School	22600	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Balmoral Hall School View Profile Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. PS to 12 Girls $15,450 to $49,440 STEAM and experiential learning are at the heart of our program, making learning at BH both dynamic and meaningful. With a focus on post-secondary guidance and internship, BH girls graduate with purpose. Day/Boarding Progressive International Baccalaureate	Balmoral Hall School	15450	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls
Ridley College View Profile St. Catharines, Ontario Ridley Road/Henrietta Street JK to 12 Coed $20,910 to $76,755 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. Day/Boarding Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Ridley College	20910	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools 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
Aspengrove School View Profile Lantzville, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $13,475 to $39,240 Aspengrove School is the only independent, non-denominational, co-educational school in Nanaimo, BC. Our school teaches the International Baccalaureate Curriculum through a team of passionate faculty to JK - Grade 12. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Aspengrove School	13475	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Town Centre Private Schools View Profile Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue NS to 12 Coed $5,550 to $17,250 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	5550	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
MacLachlan College View Profile Oakville, Ontario Trafalgar Road/Cornwall Road PS to 12 Coed $21,220 to $31,725 MacLachlan is a world-class school offering the benefits of small class sizes, highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	MacLachlan College	21220	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Ashwood Glen View Profile Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street PS to 8 Coed $14,000 to $20,000 Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies the IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Ashwood Glen	14000	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Walden International School View Profile Oakville, Ontario QEW Highway/403 Highway PS to 8 Coed $9,850 to $19,680 Walden International School, Oakville, offers enriched, child-centred, academic programs from Pre-K through Grade 8. Class sizes up to 18 students depending on grade level. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Walden International School	9850	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Glenlyon Norfolk School View Profile Victoria, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $19,475 to $69,995 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. Day/Boarding/Homestay Progressive International Baccalaureate	Glenlyon Norfolk School	19475	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Homestay Coed
Mulgrave School View Profile West Vancouver, British Columbia Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit PS to 12 Coed $20,000 to $25,000 Mulgrave School offers programmes from Preschool to Grade 12 in West Vancouver to all genders. Its average class size is 20 students with teacher to student ratios of 1:8. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Mulgrave School	20000	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
King Heights Academy View Profile Thornhill, Ontario Weston Road/Rutherford Road NS to 12 Coed $15,598 to $23,998 King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade 12 which includes the IB Program. Preschool, Pre- Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary Programs offered. Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	King Heights Academy	15598	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Find schools offering the IB diploma programme

IB 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 programme 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 programmes is known as an IB World School. Any school that is engaged in the process of accreditation is known as an IB Candidate School.

Find boarding schools offering the IB diploma programme

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.

Development of the International Baccalaureate programmes

The International Baccalaureate was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1968, where it remains headquartered today, with additional offices in the UK and the Netherlands. The intention was 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 Programme was created for students 16-19. 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.

Since, the IB curriculum has been expanded with the creation the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The PYP was created for students between the ages of 3 and 12, and the MYP for students 11 to 16. The Career-Related Programme (CP) was added in 2012, and uses the framework and values of the IB diploma programme to address the needs of students ages 16-19 in a career-related course of study. To complete the CP students take a minimum of two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses, a core program consisting of four components, including a career-related study, and sit standardized exams.

Schools that offer IB programmes for all age groups, beginning with the primary years and culminating in the secondary diploma, refer to themselves as IB Continuum Schools. Schools typically develop the IB continuum over time, adding programs as the school grows, and in response to the needs of the student population.

Find IB continuum schools

At all levels, the curriculum is organized around six interdisciplinary themes, all developing students' understanding of who they are, their place and time, and how their life intersects with the lives of others, both locally and beyond. The core curriculum—language, math, science, physical education, arts, and social studies—is taught through the lens of those cross-curricular themes.

Find schools offering the IB Primary Years Programme

Find schools offering the IB Middle Years Programme

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

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 Programme (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 curriculum that offers a broader range and depth of knowledge

University recognition of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (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.

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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