Diploma Program
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Welcome to the International Baccalaureate Program

at Southwest High School!

 
 
Southwest High School has been a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization, whose headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland, since the late 1980s.  The Diploma Program offers a rigorous course of study across all academic areas.
 
WHAT IS IB?  IB is a demanding academic program recognized worlwide as an outstanding educational experience.  The mission of 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."  As an authorized IB school, students benefit from teachers trained in the IB teaching style, which fosters academic excellence with global perspective.  
 
For information about 9th and 10th grades, see the Middle Years Program.
 
JUNIORS & SENIORS... Follow their Strengths
 
For 11th and 12th grade students who want to pursue accelerated studies, IB is the most challenging college prep curriculum worldwide.  IB courses prepare students to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of self and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with people from different countries and cultures.  
 
IB OPTIONS FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS
At the conclusion of their 11th and 12th grade years, students may take IB exams.  In addition to graduating with their high school degree, students may choose to earn:
 
     + IB DIPLOMA  -- take exams in six IB subject areas, and meet other requirements (Theory of Knowledge Course, Extended Essay and CAS (creative, active and service) activities.
 
+ Southwest IB Medallion -- take exams in at least three IB subjects and complete the CAS program.  (The IB Medallion is not awarded by the IBO.  It is a Southwest honor)
 
+IB Certificate -- take an exam in at lest on IB subject.
 
Students scoring well earn college credit or advanced standing at most colleges and universities worldwide.
 
CONTACT:
Richard Schwartz, IB Diploma Program Coordinator
612.668.3060     richard.schwartz@mpls.k12.mn.us
Mr. Schwartz teaches 1st  hour and is in Room 127, the IB Office, after that.
 
Mary Costello, IB Diploma Program Assistant
612.668.3059     mary.costello@mpls.k12.mn.us
Ms. Costello is in the IB Office 24 hours a week, Monday through Thursday.
 
If you are a parent of an IB student, and are not receiving occasional update e-mails from the IB Program, e-mail mary.costello@mpls.k12.mn.us to be added to the list. Include your name, and your student"s name and year of graduation.