2/11/13 – Warren, MI— De La Salle is pleased to announce the initiation of the application process to become certified as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The rigorous, two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors, is planned as an option for the Class of 2017. Only two other private institutions in the Detroit area have IB programs, and only two public school districts in Macomb County offer the IB program on the high school level.

Students successfully completing the program will receive the globally recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma based upon their test performances. DLS Principal Patrick Adams notes that the College Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced Placement curriculum will remain as core academic options at De La Salle.

He said, “The IB program expands these already excellent choices for students.”

Although the rigorous nature of IB will most directly affect high-achieving students, all students will benefit from enhancing De La Salle’s excellent reputation with colleges and universities.

DLS President Br. Thomas Lackey said, “IB simply becomes a very important part of our mission to challenge every Pilot to be his best.”

Established in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, the IB program was originally developed for the children of diplomats in order to provide a portable, rigorous education as these children lived in various places. The curriculum is taught in an inter-disciplinary manner, and is project based. The student is responsible for demonstrating mastery at the end of each course, similar to a dissertation defense. Students earn certificates for each course, and earn the IB diploma by accumulating a certain amount of points.

More information about the IB program is online at www.ibo.org