The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), a nonprofit educational foundation based in Switzerland, offers the Diploma Program for students in the final two years of high school. Students elect either to enroll in a full diploma program or to take individual IB courses. The organization's academic programs aim to awaken the intelligence of young people and teach them to relate the content of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments have established the IBO as a unique institution in the area of international education. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship. The desired profile of the IB student is that of a critical and compassionate thinker, an informed participant in local and world affairs who values the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life.
Founded in the 1960s, the International Baccalaureate Organization grew out of international school efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entry credentials for geographically mobile students. Beyond practical considerations, international educators were also motivated by an idealistic vision: they hoped that a shared academic experience emphasizing critical thinking and exposure to a variety of viewpoints would foster tolerance and intercultural understanding among young people.
A membership organization, the IBO provides curriculum and assessment development, teacher training and information seminars, electronic networking and other educational services to over 1000 participating schools in more than 90 countries around the world. |
Education for Life