What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
     It is a demanding, pre-university course of study that leads to examinations, scores and IB Diploma.

Who is the program designed for?
     It is designed for highly motivated students who seek the challenge of a well-rounded, liberal arts, international curriculum.

How many years does it take to earn the IB Diploma?
   The program is a comprehensive two-year international curriculum started at NDP in eleventh grade. 

What is the IB curriculum's focus?
    Humanities and sciences. Diploma candidates must select one subject from each of the six IB groups: Language A1, Second Language, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts and Electives. At least three but nor more than four are taken at the Higher Level (HL), while the others are standard level (SL). 

Why are some courses taken at the higher level and others at the standard level?
    This allows students to explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly. 

What are the benefits of earning and IB diploma?
   The Diploma Program equips students with the skills and attitudes necessary for success in higher education and employment. The IB Organization's goal is to provide students with the values and opportunities that will enable them to develop sound judgment, make wise choices, and respect others in the global community. Just like Advanced Placement, each university sets its own criteria for awarding college credit and/or scholarships. Students and parents can view each university's IB policy for awarding credit by calling up the IBO web page, www.ibo.org.

How is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program SIMILAR to the College Board Advanced Placement Program?
    Both are excellent preparations for higher education. Both offer rigorous curricula. Success in either program is an excellent indicator for success in college. Both give students the opportunity to place out of college courses. Both are taught by specially trained teachers. 

How is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program DIFFERENT from the College Board Advanced Placement Program?
 AP students can choose one or more AP exams/ courses to take. IB students must take one course (which leads to an external exam) from each of the six IB subject groups. IB students must also writer an extended essay of some 4,000 words, take a Theory of Knowledge course during their senior year, and complete 150 Create, Action, and Service (CAS) hours during the 11th and 12th grade years. AP assesses students in May. IB also assesses students with exams in May, but IB also requires that students be assessed internally through the form of written papers, one-on-one oral examinations, portfolios, dossiers, projects, etc.

Can a student who is in the IB Program also take AP courses and exams?Yes and many do.

Does the IB Diploma Program fulfill the NDP graduation requirements?Yes. All curricular requirements are met. 

How much does it cost to be in the IB Diploma Program?
Over the course of two years, students will be charged a total of $800. In August of the Junior year, students will pay $200 as a non-refundable deposit to be part of the Diploma Program. In January of the Junior, students will be charged $200. In August of the Senior year, students will be charged $400. These funds are used for IBO registration, per capita fees and external examinations. 

What percentage of students earn the IB diploma?
   Nationally, 80% of students completing the full Diploma Program earn the IB Diploma. Since NDP is already an academically rich program (in the freshmen and sophomore years), we are planning on meeting and most likely exceeding that percentage. 

Who will guide the student through the IB course selection process?
    All IB Diploma Program students will meet with the IB Coordinator for course advising and selection.

Is is possible to pursue extracurricular activities as a member of the IB Diploma Program?
   Yes. And it's not only possible, it's a necessary component. The focus of the Diploma Program is to create a well-rounded students- a student who is successful in and out of the classroom. 

What is CAS and when do I start?  CAS stands for Creativity, Action, and Service. All IB students are required to perform at least 50 creativity, 50 action, and 50 service hours during their 11th grade and 12th grade years. This time frame includes the summer between junior and senior years. The IB CAS supervisor, John Smith, will present each student with the CAS guidelines in the spring of the Sophomore year. Many CAS activities are done as a group, but students will also be responsible for completing some of their CAS hours on their own.

What is the Extended Essay, and when do I start it, and when is it due?  All IB students are required to submit a research paper of some 4000 words.. The IB coordinator and English teachers will introduce this to students in January of February of the Junior Year. The essays are due in December of the Senior year. A timeline for paper components including the various drafts will be distributed to students during the initial introduction in Jan/Feb of the Junior year.

What is the procedure for dropping the Diploma Program?
    The student must meet with the IB Coordinator expressing a desire to withdraw from the Diploma Program. Refunds and any other monetary allowances will be determined by the IB Diploma Program Coordinator and NDP administration on a case by case basis. 

What are Internal Assessments?
 In addition to exams at the end of the course, IB students are assessed internally before the May exams. Assessments vary from subject to subject. The following are examples of internal assessment: World Literature papers, language orals, portfolios, projects, and dossiers. The assessment is written by the IB Organization, administered and graded by the classroom teacher, and sent off around the world for moderation. Further details about internal assessment will be explained by the classroom teacher.