Description of Programs

International Baccalaureate

The Mission Statement of the IB

“The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”

The Middle Years Program

Designed for students in grades 6-10, Palmer High School delivers the final two years (9th and 10th grades) of the MYP. (Our partner school, North Middle School, offers the MYP for grades 6, 7, and 8.) Eight subjects are required: They are Language A (English); Language B (Foreign Language — Spanish, French, or German), Math, Science, Humanities (Social Studies), Arts, Technology, and Physical Education. Students must complete a community service requirement during each year of the MYP, and they must also design and submit a Personal Project. More information on the philosophy and curricular structure of the MYP, visit IBO’s web page on the Middle Years program.

The Diploma Program

A rigorous, pre-university course of study for highly motivated students, the IB Diploma program serves high school juniors and seniors. Students select Higher and Standard Level courses in English, Foreign Language, Math, Science, History, and a sixth subject (arts, an additional science, language or social studies course). Students must document and complete 150 hours in Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) throughout the two years. In addition, students complete a 4000-word research paper called the Extended Essay during their senior year and enroll in a Theory of Knowledge course. At the conclusion of their IB courses, students take exams which can give them college credit. More information on the philosophy and curricular structure of the Diploma, visit IBO’s web page on the Diploma program.