• GRHS IB Coordinator:
    Dani Asplund 218-327-5760, ext. 41451
    dasplund@isd318.org  

    IB at GRHS

    International Baccalaureate (IB) at Grand Rapids High School is a demanding two-year, pre-university and internationally-based program for motivated juniors and seniors. An IB Diploma is the most comprehensive and thorough preparation available for higher education. Students can participate in the IB program by taking individual courses that interest them or by seeking the IB Diploma. 

    The IB Mission Statement:

    The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

    To this end, the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

    These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

    IB Diploma candidates are required to:

    • Study six courses - one in each of the six IB subject areas.
    • Take “Theory of Knowledge” - a unique capstone course of the IB program that centers on critical thinking.
    • Write an Extended Essay - a college-level research paper, completed in a subject of the student's choice, done under the direct supervision of one of our GRHS staff.
    • Participate in CAS - a two-year program that includes creativity, activity, and service.
    • Take the IB Exams.

    IB Subject Areas:

    • Group 1: Language A (IB English 11 & 12)
    • Group 2: Language B (IB Spanish III & IV)
    • Group 3: Individuals and Societies (IB History 11 & 12)
    • Group 4: Experimental Sciences (IB Chemistry I & II)
    • Group 5: Mathematics (IB Pre-Calculus and IB Calculus)
    • Group 6: Arts and Electives (IB Biology, IB Geography, IB Business Management, IB Physics, IB Language & Literature or IB Film Studies)

    More information is available on the International Baccalaureate website at www.ibo.org.

  • IB for College Credit

    Most colleges and universities award credit for IB courses taken in high school. Most require a score of 4 or higher on the IB exam before college credit will be awarded. For students who earn the IB Diploma and score high on their IB exams, many universities allow incoming students a "sophomore" status upon entry.

    Every college and university is different with regard to this policy. Check the links below for information on specific schools.
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