The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

What the IB Programme is and what it offers

Find a list of schools

St. Jude's Academy

Considering an IB school? St. Jude's Academy is a leading private university preparatory and IB world school in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area.

The teachers at this school are wonderful, committed, and truly love what they do. They take time out of their busy schedules to conference with their students, ensuring proper understanding of the concepts being taught."

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. Read more


List of schools with the IB Programme

 
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Mississauga, Ontario — 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. View School Profile.

  • French/English
  • Drama/Virtual Theatre Production/ Virtual Instrumental Music
  • Field Trips & Clubs
  • Events: Book Fairs, Winter/Spring Concerts, Music & Art Gallery, French Cafe
  • Transportation Available upon request
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$17,700 to $22,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
600
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
Lynn-Rose School 17700 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
 
 

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
The York School 35000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
 
 

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.

  • 70 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:
$31,500
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
140
Avg. Class:
16 to 20
Sunnybrook School 31500 Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
 
 

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:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
470
Avg. Class:
10 to 17
St. John's-Kilmarnock School 19720 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
 
 

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:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
960
Avg. Class:
16 to 22
Branksome Hall 37130 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls
 
 

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:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$16,700 to $20,700
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
200
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
Delano Academy & Delano High 16700 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Coed
 
 

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
Académie Ste-Cécile International School 10950 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
 
 

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
Upper Canada College 36750 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Boys
  • Rothesay, New Brunswick
    Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd
  • 6 to 12 Coed
  • $25,130 to $70,830

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
Rothesay Netherwood School 25130 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Leslie/York Mills
  • NS to 12 Coed
  • $12,500 to $26,800

La Citadelle's Excellence in Bilingual Education and academically advanced curriculum develop successful global citizens through IB & AP programs and a holistic approach where students achieve their highest potential.

  • Day
  • Liberal Arts
  • International Baccalaureate
La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science 12500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
St. Jude's Academy 10095 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $20,840 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
Glenlyon Norfolk School 20840 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Homestay Coed
  • 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
Elmwood School 16160 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls

TMS  

  • 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
TMS 19100 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • 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
Brookes Westshore 9500 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
  • 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
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • JK to 8 Coed
  • $22,000

Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio-inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP Authorized and MYP Candidate School for children from JK to Grade 8.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Richland Academy 22000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $7,490 to $14,310

As western Canada's leader in French immersion education, Calgary French & International School students are active leaders and global citizens, graduating with a foundation for life long success.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Calgary French & International School 7490 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Ottawa, Ontario
    Highway 417/Greenbank
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $20,075 to $24,158

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
Académie de la Capitale 20075 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • 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
  • 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
  • Amaranth, Ontario
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $9,895 to $11,745

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
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
The Maples Academy 9895 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Oakville, Ontario
    QEW Highway/403 Highway
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $9,850 to $20,180

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
  • 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/Boarding/Homestay
  • Traditional
  • International Baccalaureate
Ashbury College 32110 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Homestay Coed
  • London, Ontario
    Richmond Street/King Street
  • 9 to 12 Coed/Girls
  • $28,000

A Canadian Private Secondary Boarding school, located in the heart of London, Ontario. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

  • Boarding
  • Traditional
  • International Baccalaureate
London International Academy 28000 HighSchools Boarding Boarding Coed Girls
  • Lantzville, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $11,000 to $33,300

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 11000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • St. Catharines, Ontario
    Edinburgh Dr/Scott Street
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $7,075 to $14,775

We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community.

  • Day
  • Montessori
  • International Baccalaureate
Wheatley School 7075 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • 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
  • St. Catharines, Ontario
    Ridley Road/Henrietta Street
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $25,875 to $82,500

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
Ridley College 25875 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
  • Winnipeg, Manitoba
    Langside St./Westminster Ave.
  • PS to 12 Girls
  • $16,500 to $69,400

We offer a supportive environment for girls’ learning with a strong sense of community. We encourage the love of learning in a place of belonging that nurtures resilience, inspires creativity, and celebrates diversity.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Balmoral Hall School 16500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls
  • 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.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Traditional
  • International Baccalaureate
NOIC Academy 5000 HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
  • Thornhill, Ontario
    Weston Road/Rutherford Road
  • NS to 12 Coed
  • $18,598 to $24,998

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 18598 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Summerland, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $14,800 to $59,480

Unisus empowers global minded citizens and was founded by leaders at the top Independent Schools in BC. The school is rooted in the IB/Innovation/Technology, Entrepreneurship/ Outdoor Education - Offering Day & Boarding.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Unisus School 14800 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
  • Oakville, Ontario
    Trafalgar Road/Cornwall Road
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $23,043 to $29,395

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
MacLachlan College 23043 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Bowen Island, British Columbia
  • 6 to 9 Coed
  • $20,925 to $26,507

Our four year program is developed to equip and inspire students to cultivate their humanity. We are distinctly different: a small IB middle school that fosters intellectual engagement, citizenship and leadership.

  • Day
  • Liberal Arts
  • International Baccalaureate
Island Pacific School 20925 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Maple Ridge, British Columbia
    240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $28,400 to $38,400

Our practices in teaching and learning are exemplified by our outstanding academic results and are achieved through the active engagement of the head, heart, and hands.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Meadowridge School 28400 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
    Cawthra/Lakeshore
  • PS to 7 Coed
  • $12,130 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) 12130 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • West Vancouver, British Columbia
    Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $26,850 to $30,290

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 26850 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • 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
  • Richmond, British Columbia
    Lansdowne Road/Kwantlen Street
  • 10 to 12 Coed
  • $22,000 to $37,950

MLWS-KPU offers a truly unique high school experience. Students receive the support and community of small high school classes along with the academic opportunities of learning within world-class university facilities.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Traditional
  • International Baccalaureate
Maple Leaf World Schools - Canada 22000 Boarding Day Day Coed
  • 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.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Liberal Arts
  • International Baccalaureate
Luther College High School 9530 HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
  • 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
  • North Vancouver, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $25,900 to $29,100

Brockton School is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational, IB World School inspiring the growth of outstanding humans, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Brockton School 25900 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • 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.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Traditional
  • International Baccalaureate
King's-Edgehill School 19950 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
  • 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

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.

On this page, find a list of the best IB schools in Canada (this includes IB boarding schools and IBDP private schools).

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. 

Benefits of the IB Programme

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

 

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.

Questions to ask IB Schools

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 focussocial tendencies,  and activity level.

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

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