The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a comprehensive curriculum with an international focus that aims to prepare students for college success. The program first came to the United States in 1974. In 1995, Montgomery High School underwent an exhaustive authorization process and was the first school in Sonoma County to be approved by the International Baccalaureate Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.
Students in Montgomery High School’s International Baccalaureate Program are part of an international community of more than 500,000 students at 2100 schools in 125 countries. The IB curriculum emphasizes international perspectives of learning and teaching, while also insisting that students fully explore their home culture and language.
In addition to meeting state and national education standards, IB students are assessed according to international benchmarks. IB teachers participate in a wide variety of professional development activities to constantly update their knowledge and share their experiences with colleagues around the world. Universities in the U.S. and abroad, including the UC system, give recognition to IB students in the admission process and in the granting of credits for passing scores on IB exams. Students who earn the IB Diploma often enter college with 1-2 years of college credit. At UC campuses, successful diploma students enter with 30 quarter units.
The IB Diploma and MHS core curriculum consists of English, Foreign Language, History, Science and Math. Students also choose from a variety of electives: Film, Visual Arts, Music, Theater Arts, Social Anthropology, Latin, or a second Science or Foreign Language. The Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) requirement allows students to pursue athletic, artistic, community service or other extra- curricular interests. Students can achieve even more recognition with the option of the Bilingual IB Diploma (for example, in English and Spanish).
The IB curriculum in grades 11-12 consists of Higher Level (2 year) and Standard Level (1-2 year) courses. Pre-IB (Honors) courses in grades 9 and 10 prepare students to meet the IB standards. Montgomery students consistently score above the world average on their IB exams, with a 12-year success rate of 98% for diploma candidates. For the 2008-2009 school year, over 60 students in grades 11 and 12 are IB Diploma candidates; about 300 students are taking individual IB courses as certificate candidates. In the May 2008 exam session at Montgomery, 385 exams were given in 17 IB subjects and 8 AP subjects. The pass rate was 87%. Twenty-two seniors earned the IB diploma, and they now attend the following universities: Oberlin, Stanford, Princeton, USC, Bucknell, Duke, Whitman, George Washington, University of Washington, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara Cal Poly-SLO.
As a student, whether you choose the challenge of the IB Diploma or take individual IB courses, you will find that the IB Program promotes curiosity and inquiry skills in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of learning. It provides a solid foundation for future achievements.
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9th |
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English |
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Physical Science |
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Mathematics |
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Foreign Language |
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Fine Arts/Elective |
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Physical Education |
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10th |
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English |
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Biology or Chemistry |
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Mathematics |
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Foreign Language |
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World History |
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Physical Education |
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11th |
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IB English |
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IB Biology 1 or IB Chemistry |
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IB Mathematics |
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IB Foreign Language |
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IB History of the Americas |
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Physical Education |
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12th |
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IB English |
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IB Biology 2, IB Art 2 or IB Film 2 |
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IB Mathematics |
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Foreign Language or Elective |
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IB Global Studies |
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Physical Education/ IB (Art, Film, Theory of Knowledge Science or Social Science) |
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In addition, many IB students take zero period, SRJC or summer school courses to fulfill basic graduation requirements. This allows greater flexibility and the opportunity to take some outstanding elective classes at Montgomery High School.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IB and AP courses, and which is best for my student?
International Baccalaureate courses have a global focus with established international standards, as opposed to the American approach of AP courses. The IB Program is offered in 125 countries and it is recognized both in the United States and around the world. IB is set up as a comprehensive program which emphasizes inquiry skills, international awareness and community service. It culminates with the award of an IB Diploma at graduation. Much of the course work is interdisciplinary; for example, teachers in IB English, History and Spanish give connected assignments in Latin American history and literature. AP courses are established independently and do not have separate diploma recognition at graduation. Both programs require students to take a comprehensive test at the end of each course that allows students to receive college credit if they achieve an acceptable score.
Can I take a few IB courses and not be enrolled in this Specialized Program?
Yes, students can take individual IB courses in their area of interest, similar to AP courses. Students opting to take one or more IB courses will not be eligible for an IB diploma at graduation but they can earn individual IB certificates.
Do I have to be a high academic achiever to be accepted into the program?
Students are accepted into the program based on a combination of academic achievement, teacher recommendation, and commitment to the IB program. Participants take a series of Honors preparatory courses in their freshman and sophomore years, with the IB courses offered in the junior and senior years. Montgomery High School, in conjunction with Slater Middle School, is an applicant IB Middle Years Program with the goal of extending the IB curriculum to students in grades 7-10. IB is aimed towards motivated, diligent students who are intellectually curious. It is not designed to be a program only for straight "A" students.
Do I have to give up other activities and interests to be an IB Diploma student?
No. IB students are very involved in extra-curricular activities. IB students play varsity and club sports, serve in leadership roles in organizations and campus clubs, participate in music and drama and do community service. An important goal of IB is to assist students to balance their time so they can succeed academically and be involved in their community.
What are the requirements for an IB diploma?
IB Diplomas require Certificates in 3 Higher and 3 Standard Level courses, the Theory of Knowledge course, 150 hours of extra-curricular community service, and completion of a 3500 word extended essay. The community service requirement is one aspect of global awareness.
What are the advantages of the IB Program?
• A rigorous academic preparation in the humanities, mathematics, and sciences for serious students.
• A desirable factor in admissions to the most selective and prestigious colleges and universities worldwide.
• Advanced placement and course credit at many colleges.
• Special recognition at many colleges for successful diploma candidates (1-2 years of credit).
• An emphasis on global points of view to solve human problems.
• A philosophy of lifetime learning skills in addition to the acquisition of knowledge.
• A sense of accomplishment for both students and staff in meeting the challenge of an international standard of excellence.