Since many IB Diploma Program courses extend over two years, students must begin those classes in their junior year in order to earn the full IB Diploma by graduation. All reasonably bright students with a good work ethic are encouraged to begin the DP and make adjustments at a later date if they so choose. In the highly competitive college application process, admissions officers sometimes question the choices of capable students who do not pursue the IB diploma when it is offered in their high school.

The choices are important, and students are strongly encouraged to discuss the following options with their parents, guidance counselors and teachers when they reach the end of the 10th grade:

• take individual courses for certification
• pursue the full IB diploma
• pursue a standard Regents diploma

Withdrawing from the Diploma Program

If for some reason a DP student wishes to withdraw from the program, they can do so at any time. However, they cannot decide to enter the full Diploma Program after their junior year begins because it takes two years to complete.

< Back to Diploma Program Page

< Back to International Baccalaureate Page

< Back to Educational Excellence Page