An outstanding 83 percent of Leander High School’s Class of 2018 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Candidates received their IB Diploma.
In order to earn the IB Diploma, students must take six IB courses (at least three of them over two years), score a total of at least 24 points on cumulative exams, complete a 4,000-word extended essay, pass a theory of knowledge class and demonstrate a two-year commitment to creativity, activity and service.
For students who meet these rigorous criteria, there are many perks associated with earning the IB Diploma. Benefits include a higher admission rate at top colleges, higher probability of graduation from college in four years and actual college credit. For example, the state of Texas awards at least 24 college credit hours for the IB Diploma, according to Texas Education Code [TEC] §51.968, 2005.
Leander ISD continues to seek opportunities to expand its IB programs. The district currently has Primary Years Programmes (PYPs) at Mason Elementary School and Grandview Hills Elementary School, as well as the Diploma Programme (DP) at Leander HS, an IB World School since 1999. Additionally, Vandegrift High School is now an authorized IB school and is offering the IB Diploma Programme. Vandegrift will graduate its first IB Diploma class in 2020.
