IB Diploma Programme

Convent & Stuart Hall offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), an academically challenging and balanced education program respected by leading universities in the U.S. and abroad. The IBDP's rigorous and comprehensive course of study is compatible with the school’s vision of creating purposeful, globally-engaged citizens.

"The IB Diploma Programme’s emphasis on critical thinking, articulation of ideas in oral and written form, and in-depth study of academic disciplines affords the students the strongest foundation for university study and most closely reflects the tradition of Sacred Heart education."

Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ
Provincial of the Society of the Sacred Heart United States – Canada Province

Watch the video above to discover how the IB Diploma Programme empowers Convent & Stuart Hall students to explore their passions, embrace global perspectives and thrive in college and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a pre-university two-year elective course of study for junior and senior students at Convent & Stuart Hall. Students who participate in the IBDP will graduate with a Convent or Stuart Hall Diploma, and sit for exams in May of their senior year to qualify for the globally recognized IB Diploma. All freshman and sophomore courses at Convent & Stuart Hall prepare students to elect into the IBDP.

"Because IB is such a cohesive program, my classmates and I were always discovering connections among material in different classes; we would learn about certain theories in English and be able to apply them to discussions about entirely different topics in classes like history and T.O.K. That type of experience felt more like something I could expect later in college seminars and beyond, in the real world." - Leet Miller ‘19‘15

The IBDP's mission is 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 organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right."

"I chose the IB path because of its emphasis on reflection. I wanted to sharpen my writing skills in order to dig deeper and analyze my answers and the conclusions I came to. Because I want to pursue STEM In college, I wanted my writing to be strong." - Laura Mogannam ‘19

How do you earn the IB Diploma?

To earn the IB Diploma, students must successfully complete six courses from the groups listed in the IB Course Catalog (one course from each group), as well as the IB Core (ToK, CAS, and Extended Essay). Three courses must be taken at a higher level, and three courses at a standard level

During May of senior year, students must also complete all IB assessments (on 1-7 scale) earning at least 24 points across the six subject areas.

Standard level courses are instructed over 150 hours during the junior and senior years, and higher level courses are instructed over 240 hours during the junior and senior years. Higher level courses are not ‘harder’ than standard level courses, but they do operate at a more demanding pace and cover additional topics. Students are encouraged to pursue higher level courses in the academic areas for which they feel most passion. The choice of higher level and standard level courses is made with the IB Coordinator and the IB Counselors, and depends on the academic resume a student has built in the ninth and tenth grade. We are committed to students having access to and being appropriately placed and challenged in their IB Diploma courses.

What should I do in freshman or sophomore year to prepare for entry into the IB Diploma Programme?

Convent & Stuart Hall holds informational meetings for all sophomore families and students in the fall semester of sophomore year. Interested students will then meet with the IB Coordinator, their IB Counselor, and their parents to address specific questions before students register for junior year IB classes. Freshman students receive an overview of the IBDP, and students and families are invited to speak with the IB Coordinator.

How does the IB Diploma Programme intersect with AP’s and other course offerings?

Students who are enrolled as candidates in the IBDP take all IBDP courses. Convent & Stuart Hall also offers the IBDP as an elective program; students who are not in the program may also take teacher-curated college preparatory courses in conjunction with AP course offerings. We encourage students to find the best program for their individual academic strengths and interests.

Convent & Stuart Hall is committed to providing IBDP students with a rich community experience. Students in the IBDP participate in theology and college counseling courses with their peers, as well as in sports, clubs, assemblies and Chapels. Extracurricular components are reflected in the IBDP requirements for “Creativity Activity and Service.”