Diploma Program
IB Diploma Program Overview
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a challenging two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors comprised of six core subject areas. Most courses are two years in duration whereby students are tested and the program culminates in a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. The Diploma Program prepares students for university and encourages them to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, create a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.
The Theory of Knowledge interdisciplinary course designed to explore the nature of knowledge across disciplines, develop cross-cultural perspectives, and enhance critical thinking skills. The Creativity, Action, Service program encourages students to be involved in artistic and creative pursuits, physical fitness and community service work, thus fostering appreciation of life outside the academic arena. The extended essay is independent paper of approximately 4,000 words on a specific topic related to a core subject which acquaints students with research and writing skills expected at the university.
The International Baccalaureate is an acclaimed academic philosophy and program whose worldwide recognition for rigorous and relevant teaching and learning practices are not overshadowed by the development of its students and teachers as global citizens. Each of the three programs aim to develop holistic learning practices that develop students with intercultural awareness and 21st century communication skills. Enjoy some of the published feedback from American institutions:
“Send us prepared students via IB...It is the ‘best’ high school prep curriculum an American school can offer.”-Marilee Jones, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, MIT“One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its structure and quality. It is a coordinated program, well established, well known, and well respected. We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific.” - Christoph Guttentag, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University.
First Class of Diploma Program Graduates at Sand Creek High School
In May 2013, Sand Creek High School honored its first IB Diploma Program graduating class. Sierra Butcher, Jasmine English, Kayleen Furrer, David Horne, Jayce Nelson and Rachel Stern. They worked diligently for two years to achieve this success. For their efforts, the students earned much prestige and college credit. The following chart displays how much credit was earned and what that equates to in dollar amounts:
- UCCS – 24 credits = $7,512.00
- Montana State University – 14 credits = $12,083.00
- Colorado State University – 14 credits = $4,642.80
- Colorado State University – 12 credits = $4,514.80
- UCCS – 6 credits = $1,878.00
- CU Boulder – 6 credits = $2,574.00
Second Class of Diploma Program Graduates at Sand Creek High School
In May 2014, Sand Creek High School honored its second IB Diploma Program graduating class. The ten graduates worked diligently for two years to achieve this success. For their efforts, the students earned much prestige and college credit. The following chart displays how much credit was earned:
—Score 33 – Hofstra University (NY) – 30
credits
—Score 27 – CU Denver – 28 credits
—Score 26 – Wyoming – 26 credits (she
reported to me it will be 36 after a seminar class)
—Score 25 – DU – 4 credits
—Score 24 – UCCS – 24 credits
—Score 23 – UCCS – 13 credits
—Score 21 – UCCS – 12 credits
—Score 20 – CU Boulder – 9 credits
—Score 17 – no college indicated; gap year
Score
15 – PPCC – 4 Credits for Prior Learning (CPL)