International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

Mountainside High School is an authorized IB World School for Diploma Programme (DP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.

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.
   

Students can be involved with IB DP courses in three ways:

• choosing DP courses to support academic and career interests;
• becoming an IB Diploma course candidate (taking courses and tests); or
• pursuing an IB Diploma.

Students can work toward a full IB Diploma or simply enroll in single IB DP classes. Both IB SL (Standard Level) and HL (Higher Level) classes are great options for students who might not have time in their schedules for the full IB Diploma Program. Students who complete International Baccalaureate (IB) exams and with strong scores may be granted college credit at many universities. Many Oregon Public Universities grant credit for scores of 4 or above on HL or SL exams.

The Middle Years Program (MYP) is a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers.  The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world.  It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement - essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders.

In addition to taking MYP courses at the 9th and 10th grade, Mountainside students will participate in the Personal Project, an opportunity for them to learn something that interests them.  Whether they want to play guitar, speak German, or design and create a piece of clothing, the Personal Project requires them to ask questions and better understand their own learning process.  Advisory courses will support students in successful completion of the Personal Project, which is introduced at the end of the 9th grade and completed in 10th grade. 

By participating in an MYP education in 9th and 10th grade, Mountainside students will develop the foundational, real-world skills that will prepare them for success in their career pathways and the IB Diploma Program.

Frequently Asked Questions About IB

Q: Can students take IB courses and exams without being a diploma candidate?

A: Yes. Students are encouraged to take the IB courses in all subjects. If students, in addition to taking the class, register and take the IB exams, they are referred to as “Course Candidates.”

Q: What is the relationship between the IB Diploma Program and the Career Pathways?

A: The IB Diploma Program is considered a Career Pathway itself.  Also, many of our Career Pathways have a capstone class that is in the Group 6 category of IB Courses.

Q: Do colleges and universities give credit for IB exams?

A: Typically, a score of 5, 6, or 7 on an IB (HL) exam will receive credit at most colleges. In Oregon, college credit will be awarded for IB scores of 5 and above for either SL or HL exams at most Oregon Public Universities. Consult college websites for the most current IB credit policy. For more information, see our IB Coordinator or the IB website, www.ibo.org.

Q: What science should I take my freshman year?

A: The Beaverton school district has adopted a three year science curriculum consisting of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.  If a student is planning on taking HL Biology, they should take Physics their 9th grade year, and Chemistry in 10th grade.  If a student is planning on taking HL Physics their Junior and Senior years, they should take Chemistry their 9th grade year and Biology in 10th grade.  

Q: I’m an 8th or 9th grader.  Is there anything I should know now if I want to pursue the full IB Diploma?

A:  Students doing the full diploma are expected to take 4 years of World Language and should be at level 4 or above by the time they are a senior.
Students pursuing IB Music should plan to take Music Theory prior to their junior year in order to meet all of the music theory requirements of the IB Music Assessment.
Since the three core science are all required for BSD graduation, plan your science courses with IB in mind to ensure you have taken Physics, Chemistry, and Biology before graduation.

Q:  Can a student be in the IB program and be in sports, music, leadership, and other extracurricular activities?

A:  Many of our IB students are involved in either sports or other extracurricular activities such as band, leadership, clubs, outside music, dance lessons, etc. Some of our most successful students are our busiest. Success in the IB program depends upon students' ability to manage their time, set priorities, and follow through with commitments.

Q:  How will students benefit from being a part of the IB program?

A:  Students will be better prepared for university studies. As the IB curriculum is based on the inquiry model encouraging students to become independent thinkers, students will also have attained a higher level of critical thinking which will help them be responsible contributors to society. Being prepared for the rigorous academics of college is the single most important benefit of participation in the IB program.  Many universities report that IB prepares students well for college work. Most colleges also offer credit for success in IB courses, and some offer up to sophomore standing for the completion of the full IB Diploma.