The International Baccalaureate program provides a course of study and tools for assessing students as well as programs for training teachers. The non-profit International Baccalaureate Foundation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, has consultative status with UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
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Students in the IB program are assessed by their own teachers as well as by international educators from around the world. Nearly 30,000 students are assessed each year by the IB Organization, and usually 80 per cent of students graduate with a diploma recognized by such esteemed universities as the Sorbonne, Yale and Oxford.
Ontario schools have a rigorous curriculum. But IB schools have an internationally recognized and sanctioned curriculum. They have a primary, middle years, and high school program.
The International Baccalaureate Program (IB), a blueprint for learning designed 30 years ago for the children of globetrotting diplomats, is now used in more than 800 schools from Singapore to Sweden, including 117 here in Canada.
Developed in Switzerland by blending elements from various national school systems, the new hybrid two-year pre-university program was intended as a sort of "curriculum without borders" that would translate into any language and equip students for university in a number of different countries.
The IB program has a tough liberal-arts curriculum. It also has intellectually challenging courses in areas that have since become popular - the theory of knowledge (or how people learn), community service, and learning through inquiry rather than rote tasks.
As a result of both high standards and a global focus, the International Baccalaureate has won fans far beyond the so-called international community. More than a dozen schools in Ontario, including Toronto's The York School, have adopted the IB as a sort of enriched honours program for all students - whether or not they ever leave town.
"We started the IB program five years ago because it incorporates so many good teaching practices that produce amazing outcomes," says principal Barbara Goodwin- Zeibots of The York School, a co-educational, non-denominational day school for grades 1 through 12 on Yonge Street, just south of St. Clair Avenue.
"We were drawn to the academic rigour of the International Baccalaureate, as well as the focus on responsible citizenship and the way it encourages critical, compassionate thinkers."
When an Ontario high school - whether public or private - adopts the pre-university IB diploma program, students must take these extra requirements above and beyond the province's curriculum in their last two years of high school.
A sort of enriched overlay, the IB curriculum makes sure each student studies at least one other language, at least one experimental science, a math course, an arts subject and a course in social science.
As well, IB students take a mandatory course on learning itself, which challenges them to think about how people learn, the nature of knowledge and how to mount a rational argument.
Beyond the classroom, the IB program required students to do community service long before Ontario launched its new community service requirement last year, in which provincial high school students must perform 40 hours of volunteer work over four years of high school. In contrast, in just two years, IB students must perform 50 hours of service to the school community, a further 50 hours of community service outside the school, plus 50 hours of leadership training.
"It's not academic elitism," says Goodwin-Zeibots, who is phasing in the IB program at York in the lower grades as well. "We already take the inquiry approach to learning in the primary grades, so the IB program would add another dimension. It excites us tremendously because it takes learning to different levels."
In Ontario, the International Baccalaureate has found a home in both public high schools such as Toronto's Vaughn Road Academy, Weston Collegiate and Victoria Park Secondary School, as well as such independent schools as Upper Canada College, The Toronto French School, and The York School.
In an age of growing demands for standardization and rich course content, the International Baccalaureate appears to be an idea whose time has come.
Go right to our very informative portal and listings of schools with the international Baccalaureate program!
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Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
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"Sunnybrook School offers the IB Primary Years Program for all students in JK - Grade 6. Our inquiry approach fosters and develops critical thinking, student agency and globally minded citizens.
—From the school
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"Since 1962, TFS offers an exceptional English and French education from age 2 to Grade 12, on two campuses. TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario within the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) framework. Co-ed.
—From the school
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"SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration and experiential learning. Through its IB curriculum, SJK provides exciting experiences and guides students to discover their talents and passions. Go beyond at SJK.
—From the school
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls in JK-Grade 12, developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age.
—From the school
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"The York School is a co-ed JK-Grade 12 IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose.
—From the school
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"La Citadelle fosters excellence through IB & AP, bilingualism, and a holistic approach, shaping confident global citizens with critical thinking, leadership, and a passion for learning.
—From the school
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"At Upper Canada College tradition, excellence and innovation meet. UCC inspires boys to lead lives of leadership, service and impact through transformative learning experiences that develop head, heart and humanity.
—From the school
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Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Recognizing each student's potential in their pursuit of excellence, we encourage progress, we develop opportunities, and we advocate belonging as they create paths that take them into uncharted territories." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Derry/Millcreek "Lynn-Rose School is a premier private school for grades PK-12 that prepares students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners. We foster global citizenship, preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving world" —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 "Lauremont School is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation for life." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road "Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario QEW Highway/403 Highway "Walden International School is the only private school in Halton region that is authorized to deliver the IB PYP and MYP programmes. Walden is committed to Making Good People. And, from goodness arises greatness." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd "There’s a different energy at SJA. As a leading IB World School and university prep school, SJA creates an atmosphere of acceptance that allows us to challenge students to take ownership of their own success." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street "Ashwood Glen, an IB World School from JK to Gr, 1-8, fosters leadership, global citizenship, & a growth mindset. Our warm, inclusive community & personalized approach empower confident, future-ready students to thrive!" —From the school
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Rothesay, New Brunswick Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd "Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support." —From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia Harbourside Drive/ "Bodwell High School provides a competitive, well-rounded education with strong student support. The school's motto, "Strength in Diversity," pays homage to the 40+ countries students come from to live and learn together." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Richmond Rd./John Sutherland Dr. "We drive learners of all ages to ask questions, think critically, solve complex problems collaboratively, and act. Academic success is achieved via dynamic learning, differentiated teaching and meaningful assessments." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario "Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio-inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP and MYP Authorized School for children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Calgary French & International School's immersive language learning environment and enriched curriculum inspires a deep curiosity, respect and exploration of the world for children aged 19 months to 18 years." —From the school
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Vancouver, British Columbia "Stratford Hall takes learning beyond IB with its IDEA Lab, OEE and partner schools, where students strive to develop harmony between the urban and natural world through activities like camping, music, and orienteering." —From the school
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Amaranth, Ontario "The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue "Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an IB Continuum World School offering a Montessori Pre-School program, IB Elementary School, High School and optional IB Diploma Programme." —From the school
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St. Catharines, Ontario Edinburgh Dr/Scott Street "We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community." —From the school
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Sherbrooke, Quebec "Bishop's College School is an English boarding and day school for students in grades 7 through 12. Small in size and culturally diverse, BCS is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme and Canadian curricula." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Mariposa Avenue/Springfield "This traditional private school in Ottawa offers Grades 4-12 with 100 boarding and 600-day students. Tuition ranges from $38,970 to $84,700. Ashbury excels in academics, co-curriculars, and experiential learning." —From the school
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Regina, Saskatchewan "Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers who go on to create a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world. Luther College is the only IB World School in southern Saskatchewan." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "SMS has been leading the way in girls' education since 1908. Our 22-acre Victoria campus attracts leaders from around the world. We are the sole girl-centred school on Vancouver Island." —From the school
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Windsor, Nova Scotia College Rd/King St "Benefitting from its safe and beautiful Nova Scotia location, King's-Edgehill facilitates the opportunity for every student to Be More – in the classroom, on the sports fields, on stage, in the community and beyond." —From the school
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Delta, British Columbia 56th/19 Ave "Southpointe Academy is the only secular International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School south of the Fraser River authorized to deliver the entire range of IB programs from K-12." —From the school
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Foothills, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W "Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, continuum IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12, located just outside of Calgary, AB." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "GIST is Toronto’s only full-time German school, offering families in the GTA a gateway to a European education. In small, supportive classes, our CHARAKTER program nurtures every student’s individual potential." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec Av de Monkland/Boul Cavendish "Lower Canada College is a gender-inclusive, K-12 university preparatory school, committed to excellence in teaching and learning. It is the only English high school in Quebec offering both the IB MYP and DP." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Cawthra/Lakeshore "TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga. We are bilingual, coed, non-denominational and and IB World School." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Dundas/Erin Mills "USCA Academy is a leading Canadian international School and private schoo for local and international students The School offers Elementary School Program(Grade1-8), Ontario Secondary School Diploma Program(Grade 9-12)." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario McCowan Road/Denison Road "Markham, Ontario; IB School; OSSD; OSSD online credit course; NOIC ACADEMY’s annual university enrolment rate is 100% and we have 95.74% of graduates admitted by University of Toronto in 2024." —From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia "Brockton is a gender-inclusive IB World School where every student matters, every family matters, community matters, and learning for life matters." —From the school
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Summerland, British Columbia "Want your child to experience an education that goes beyond textbooks? UNISUS is a K-12 IB boarding school that strives to make education an enjoyable, memorable experience that fully prepares students for any future." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on Vancouver Island, BC, offering small class sizes, engaging teachers and a caring community to boarding and day students from grades 4 to 12." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Trafalgar Road/Cornwall Road "MacLachlan College’s Lower School offers world-class education tailored for JK to Grade 6. Our co-ed IB PYP fosters vibrant, international-minded learning in small classes, laying the foundation for academic success." —From the school
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Vancouver, British Columbia West Georgia Street/Robson Street "We aim to create the opportunity for students to achieve their learning goals. In collaborative learning spaces, students explore content, ideas and perspectives to better understand the world around them." —From the school
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Richmond, British Columbia "Chaoyin Bilingual School, an IB PYP candidate school, offers K-7 STEM-based education with a unique Mandarin language program. The school focuses on fostering independent, confident learners ready for global engagement." —From the school
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West Vancouver, British Columbia Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit "By inspiring excellence – the continuous pursuit of personal best - in education and life, Mulgrave strives to equip lifelong learners to thrive in a diverse and interdependent world." —From the school
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St. Catharines, Ontario Ridley Road/Henrietta Street "At Ridley College, an IB World School and one of the largest boarding schools in Canada, our mission is to teach students a foundation of skills and habits to pursue their dreams and build fulfilling careers." —From the school
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The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
What the IB Programme is and what it offers (December 14, 2022)
The IB Career-Related Programme
Private schools offering the International Baccalaureate for students 16 to 19 (August 26, 2019)
Getting a headstart
Advanced placement & International Baccalaureate programs (August 21, 2019)
Exploring the global village
The Round Square association gets students out of the classroom (May 23, 2019)
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