Westlake High named IB World School

Westlake High School has been approved as an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, adopting the Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum through the International Baccalaureate Organization.

WHS joins schools worldwide that share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education with a focus on rigor and inquiry. The Diploma Programme is for juniors and seniors and will offer students the opportunity to graduate with an IB Diploma Certificate.  

In addition to the IB Diploma Certificate, juniors and seniors will also have the opportunity to enroll in IB courses that support their interests. Students from Westlake, Avon Lake, Berea, and Rocky River high schools will participate in the IBDP through a partnership.  

“The mission of IB is to develop knowledgeable, caring young people who will be ready to negotiate their futures successfully and make contributions to the world,” said Superintendent Geoff Palmer. “Authorization as an IB World School is a reflection of the commitment of our staff, students and families to undertake a program that will result in graduates who will enhance social, cultural and economic environments locally, nationally and even internationally.”

WHS Principal Tim Freeman said he is proud of the work the school administration, faculty, students and parents put into the process.

“The authorization of Westlake High School as an IB World School strengthens our mission to Educate for Excellence,” Freeman said. “We provide an outstanding educational experience at Westlake High School, and I believe that the addition of the IB Diploma Programme provides our students with an exciting opportunity to achieve their goals.”

WHS joins the district’s four elementary schools, which are awaiting authorization as IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) World Schools. The IB PYP supports learning in all academic areas. The district chose to pursue IB PYP certification following an appreciative inquiry process through its Continuous Improvement Plan. Through that process the community called the district to action to grow internationally competent, competitive and engaged learners.

Through the IB program, students participate in activities that put an emphasis on the whole child. The process encourages students to choose, reflect and act not only in their academics, but in the school, community and beyond.

IB works with 3,641 schools in 146 countries and offers programming to more than 1 million students. In the United States there are 1,448 world schools. There are 35 IB World Schools in Ohio.
 

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Volume 7, Issue 2, Posted 9:51 AM, 01.20.2015