International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

A Curriculum for Global Citizenship

Kent-Meridian High School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The International Baccalaureate Organization is recognized worldwide for providing students in grades 11-12 with a challenging, college prep curriculum.

Graduates from IB programs are highly valued by colleges and universities as the program is known for its rigor, authentic assessment design, and international focus.

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. 

Beth Shoemaker headshot

IB Coordinator

Beth Shoemaker

Beth.Shoemaker@kent.k12.wa.us

(253) 373-4103

Earn College Credit

IB Diploma

Students who earn the IB diploma may receive a significant amount of university credit. It is not unusual for a diploma graduate to receive 20 or more quarter credits from their college.

Check with the chosen college to learn more about awarding credit for an IB diploma.

IB Certificates

Students who take individual IB classes may take assessments to earn certificates. Certificate students may receive college credit much like Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.

Check with the chosen college to learn more about awarding credit for IB certificates.

Eligibility

The IB Diploma Programme is available to all eleventh and twelfth-grade students in Kent School District. Students may register for as many or as few IB courses as they like.

  • The student must possess solid academic skills.

  • The student must be willing to work independently.

  • The student must be motivated.

Student success is dependent on a significant commitment to academic work during grades 11-12.

Prerequisites

  • The student must have at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).

  • The student must be in his or her third year of a world language. American Sign Language (ASL) is unfortunately not considered a world language.

  • The student must demonstrate a strong work ethic and provide teacher recommendations.

Prepare in Grades 9-10

Students who are interested in the IB Diploma Programme can begin preparing as soon as they start high school.

  • Begin world language study in ninth grade.

  • Complete geometry by the end of tenth grade.

  • Take an introductory course in studio art or theater if interested in those areas.