IB Program FAQS

An IB education begins with a global mindset stemming from the belief that the only way to appreciate someone else’s culture is to first be confident in your own. This approach to education and learning is directly connected to understanding the impact of local and global events while preparing ALL students for college, career, and life. 

Yes. The IB Diploma Program (DP) in particular provides a rigorous education to prepare students well for college and their careers. 

The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) courses in 9th and 10th grade are designed to help students develop the skills and understanding to be well-prepared for rigorous , college-level DP courses in 11th & 12th grade. 

At Foss, we believe ALL students are IB learners who will succeed socially, emotionally, and academically in our courses. While not all students choose to complete the requirements of an IB Diploma, each student will have the opportunity to engage in high levels of rigor with the appropriate supports and instruction. Course materials are presented through a variety of methods that provide access to students with varied abilities.  Students are also provided a variety of options and methods in the classroom to demonstrate their knowledge.  We have built in seminar time into our daily schedule, which allows students 85 minutes to connect with two classes to seek academic support or acceleration as needed.  We believe in a growth-mindset, where students may not “yet” achieve standard, and ensure that as a community we work together to ensure achievement and understanding. 

The IB program takes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to preparing well-rounded students. While AP scores are based on a single test, IB assessment combines testing with student projects to give students more than one way to show understanding of key course concepts. Foss offers both IB and AP courses, but our emphasis in on the IB curriculum and assessments especially in 11th and 12th grade. 

IB has a strong focus on critical thinking, making interdisciplinary connections, and learning to ask questions and find answers through student-driven inquiry. A focus on international-mindedness encourages students to understand cultures within the Americas and around the globe. 

Foss has periods of support and enrichment built into the weekly class schedule, called seminar. Students meet with their advisors and then continue to smaller group instructional meetings with their teachers. Students may use this time to access added instruction, collaborate with peers, focus on individual tasks, or connect with staff for individual/small group social emotional support and learning.  

There is afterschool support available from staff as well as tutoring from peers. 

• Acceptance Rates:  Graduates of the IB Diploma Program have a higher university and college acceptance rates than other applicants. 
• Increased Opportunities:  Graduates have increased chances of being awarded scholarship and grant opportunities. 
• Earned College Credits:  Students who earn an IB Diploma may be eligible for sophomore standing through the awarding of up to 30+ college credits toward their bachelor’s degree, cutting down on costs and making college more affordable and accessible. Check with the colleges you're interested in to learn how they may award credit for IB DP courses.