Academics

IB Diploma Programme

IB World School

Archbishop Spalding High School is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School. We are currently offering the Diploma Programme to juniors and seniors. Our authorization is a considerable accomplishment that involved all stakeholders of the school. It is an honor to join the ranks of more than 1,500 schools in the United States and almost 3,700 worldwide that are IB World Schools. For more detailed information about the IB DP please visit www.ibo.org.

What is the IB Diploma Programme (DP)?

The IB DP is a balanced and academically challenging programme of education with rigorous assessment designed for junior and senior students. The DP prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and ethical well-being of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. The Diploma Programme prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they:

acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, studying courses from six subject groups.
develop the skills and a positive attitude towards learning that will prepare them for higher education.
study at least two languages and increase understanding of cultures, including their own.
make connections across traditional academic disciplines and explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique theory of knowledge course.
undertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more academic disciplines in the extended essay.
enhance their personal and interpersonal development through creativity, action and service.

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

Q: How can I get involved in the IB DP?

Information sessions are held during course re-registration in January and February each year. 9th and 10th grade students may also choose to observe an IB course during their respective “IB Course Visit Day” marked on the school calendar. Students who want to register as a Course Candidate or pursue the Full Diploma must fill out an “Early Action Application” in 9th grade or a “Regular Decision Application” in 10th grade.
Q: What are the requirements?

If a student wishes to pursue the Full Diploma, he/she must take 6 IB courses over the course of junior and senior year; additionally, the three core components must be completed. Course Candidate students may elect to take one or more IB-level courses and choose to complete any or all of the core requirements; they will be issued a certificate upon successful completion of their coursework. To receive the full benefits of the IB experience, students are strongly encouraged to pursue the Full Diploma.
Q: What courses do you offer?

All IB courses are infused with critical thinking and independent projects with an international focus. Archbishop Spalding High School’s current IB course offerings are as follows:

1. English Literature (HL)
2. Spanish B (SL)
3. French B (SL)
4. Latin (SL)
5. History (HL)
6. Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
7. Mathematics: applications and interpretations (HL)
8. World Religions (SL)
9. Theory of Knowledge

For more information, please see the Course Catalog.
Q: Is there a GPA requirement to take an IB course?

Archbishop Spalding High School supports the participation of a wide range of students in the IB DP. We look at each student applicant individually to determine if IB is the best fit. There is no GPA requirement, yet it is important that students are successful their ccourses sophomore year, maintaining a "B" average in Honors-level courses and an "A" average in College-Prep courses.
Q: Are IB courses better than AP?

There is a great article published in USA News and World Report that provides a brief overview of the difference: USA News and World Report Article.

Both programs are highly regarded by selective colleges. However, the true value of either AP or IB depends on the fit between your child's learning style, motivation, and preparation for the challenges offered by AP and IB. Bottom line- let your child decide! Each student is different! Archbishop Spalding students are lucky to have two great programs pushing them to higher levels of learning!

IB Student Application Information

Madeleine O'Connell '18

IB changed my life because it allowed me to discover myself. By heavily examining different global perspectives through the coursework, I gained an extensive knowledge about my own beliefs and ideas. I learned to engage in meaningful relationships with my peers and recognize the extent of my impact on others. But, more importantly, I learned that there is no “me” without “you”; every human perspective holds value and is necessary to fully understand that diversity only strengthens humanity. Even if I never cure cancer or write a bestseller, I now know that a deep care for others is all it takes to change the world.
Jack Libby '18

IB changed my life because it has taught me a new and better way of learning. This method of learning does not end after high school, or college, or retirement; it lasts a lifetime. I have learned that topics and knowledge do not exist on their own, unattached to all other topics. Rather, each topic that can be learned...are all completely connected in one large web of understanding. This has helped me understand the importance of every type of knowledge I can acquire...My knowledge...can only help me be a better member of the global community.
Jameson Aben '22

In IB we cover topics that actually matter. It allows me to form my own ideas about topics and develop them into applications in the real world. IB also pushes me to improve in all aspects and not just academically. I feel like people think that IB is for super-smart nerds who just care about getting into a good college. Instead, I feel like IB is for people who want to become an all-around balanced human being and to contribute towards a meaningful life.
Lara Batrouni '22

The thing I like most about my IB classes is that they are not taught in the traditional manner and are much more interactive and engaging while still being demanding.
Bryce Purnell '22

I chose IB courses because I wanted to experience a different type of learning for the first time in my life. The course Theory of Knowledge and the global lens we learn through attracted me; I just wanted a challenging and engaging course load. I have not regretted my decision in the slightest and feel like I have received exactly what I wished for.
Isabelle Terres '23

What I like most about my IB classes is that the courses all encourage the exploration of personal interests throughout each writing assignment and project; I love how my classes focus on global issues.