The International Baccalaureate program provides a course of study and tools for assessing students as well as programs for training teachers. The non-profit International Baccalaureate Foundation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, has consultative status with UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Students in the IB program are assessed by their own teachers as well as by international educators from around the world. Nearly 30,000 students are assessed each year by the IB Organization, and usually 80 per cent of students graduate with a diploma recognized by such esteemed universities as the Sorbonne, Yale and Oxford.
Ontario schools have a rigorous curriculum. But IB schools have an internationally recognized and sanctioned curriculum. They have a primary, middle years, and high school program.
The International Baccalaureate Program (IB), a blueprint for learning designed 30 years ago for the children of globetrotting diplomats, is now used in more than 800 schools from Singapore to Sweden, including 117 here in Canada.
Developed in Switzerland by blending elements from various national school systems, the new hybrid two-year pre-university program was intended as a sort of "curriculum without borders" that would translate into any language and equip students for university in a number of different countries.
The IB program has a tough liberal-arts curriculum. It also has intellectually challenging courses in areas that have since become popular - the theory of knowledge (or how people learn), community service, and learning through inquiry rather than rote tasks.
As a result of both high standards and a global focus, the International Baccalaureate has won fans far beyond the so-called international community. More than a dozen schools in Ontario, including Toronto's The York School, have adopted the IB as a sort of enriched honours program for all students - whether or not they ever leave town.
"We started the IB program five years ago because it incorporates so many good teaching practices that produce amazing outcomes," says principal Barbara Goodwin- Zeibots of The York School, a co-educational, non-denominational day school for grades 1 through 12 on Yonge Street, just south of St. Clair Avenue.
"We were drawn to the academic rigour of the International Baccalaureate, as well as the focus on responsible citizenship and the way it encourages critical, compassionate thinkers."
When an Ontario high school - whether public or private - adopts the pre-university IB diploma program, students must take these extra requirements above and beyond the province's curriculum in their last two years of high school.
A sort of enriched overlay, the IB curriculum makes sure each student studies at least one other language, at least one experimental science, a math course, an arts subject and a course in social science.
As well, IB students take a mandatory course on learning itself, which challenges them to think about how people learn, the nature of knowledge and how to mount a rational argument.
Beyond the classroom, the IB program required students to do community service long before Ontario launched its new community service requirement last year, in which provincial high school students must perform 40 hours of volunteer work over four years of high school. In contrast, in just two years, IB students must perform 50 hours of service to the school community, a further 50 hours of community service outside the school, plus 50 hours of leadership training.
"It's not academic elitism," says Goodwin-Zeibots, who is phasing in the IB program at York in the lower grades as well. "We already take the inquiry approach to learning in the primary grades, so the IB program would add another dimension. It excites us tremendously because it takes learning to different levels."
In Ontario, the International Baccalaureate has found a home in both public high schools such as Toronto's Vaughn Road Academy, Weston Collegiate and Victoria Park Secondary School, as well as such independent schools as Upper Canada College, The Toronto French School, and The York School.
In an age of growing demands for standardization and rich course content, the International Baccalaureate appears to be an idea whose time has come.
Go right to our very informative portal and listings of schools with the international Baccalaureate program!
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
Grades:
JK to 6 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$31,500
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
140
Avg. Class:
16 to 20
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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.
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
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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.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$35,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
742
Avg. Class:
15 to 20
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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.
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
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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.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$16,950 to $21,550
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
600
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
|
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.
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
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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.
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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.
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GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Unisus empowers global-minded citizens. The PreK-12 school is rooted in the IB/Technology, Entrepreneurship/ Outdoor Education - Offering Day & Boarding.
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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.
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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.
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TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bodwell High School emphasizes a well-rounded education with strong student support. The school's motto, "Strength in Diversity," pays homage to the 40+ countries students come from. Bodwell offers AP and IB courses.
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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.
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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.
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An IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care; culturally inspiring students since 1964.
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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.
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Brockton School is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational, IB World School inspiring the growth of outstanding humans, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.
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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.
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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.
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The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
What the IB Programme is and what it offers (December 14, 2022)
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)
