Authorized as an IB World School May 2006

Our goal is to provide students with the choice of a superior education with the opportunity for Academic Excellence; To reach higher academic standards recognized nationally and internationally; By preparing students beyond the levels of achievement needed for TOPS; And building the academic stamina needed for success in college and the critical skills to meet the challenges of our changing world.

The IB Program is an advanced honors program which provides preparation for competitive universities. The curriculum is offered in the eleventh and twelveth grades. Students are required to sit for world examinations and complete specific projects and research during the course of study. Students begin their preparation for these courses in freshmen and sophomore honors courses. Enrollment in specific pre-IB courses is a prerequisite for some IB courses to assure adequate preparation.

Visit the IBO website at www.ibo.org.

What is the International Baccalaureate Organization?

IBO is a global organization of educators and schools dedicated to providing the opportunity for an excellent education to the motivated student. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program was founded in Geneva in 1968 and began as a pre-university program created to provide a standard, multinational program to meet the needs of geographically mobile students and to prepare these students with academic, creative and humanitarian skills that would be accepted by universities around the world. Today, the IB Program is authorized in approximately 1,400 schools in 130 countries.

Why choose a comprehensive high school with an internationally accepted curriculum?

Our goal is to provide students with the choice of a superior education, while also providing students with the opportunity for a full high school experience. John Ehret offers opportunities for students to participate in clubs, to compete in L.H.S.A.A. sports, to cheer the teams on, to participate in academic competitions, and to develop student-centered social events.

Students participate in the full program or follow course offerings in a major course strength. This program of study allows us to provide an exciting academic opportunity for the motivated student.

What can Students Expect?

Students should expect a challenging curriculum meeting International Standards; to evaluate how knowledge is developed and how cultural beliefs and traditions affect decisions and what we know; to complete independent research – writing essays of 1200–1400 words which analyze and evaluate information; give oral presentations – demonstrating knowledge; continue to develop skills in mathematics, inquiry, science experimentation; conduct an in-depth study of a second culture through the acquisition of a second language; and finally to submit to examinations assessed by international examiners.

Why should a student attempt these advanced courses?

Students completing the program report greater success in meeting the challenges of the post-secondary academic environment.
Students who have completed IB courses will have the opportunity to meet the requirements of advanced courses including: conducting original research, writing, and organizing their time.
According to IB, admission officers often look for factors such as the quality of the courses represented on the transcript, the balance of courses across all disciplines, the record of the student’s research abilities, and the details of school and community involvement – all requirements of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, when ranking students for admission.

How do students earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma?

11th and 12th grade students will enroll and successfully complete 6 IB academic courses, 3 higher level and 3 standard level.

Students must sit for IB external exams. IB courses are graded on a scale of 1-7. A student’s course score is based on the external exams and an internal IB assessment requirement (research projects/papers).

To earn the IB diploma, students must successfully complete all the work, earning a total minimum score of 24 or 28 out of 42 possible points. Diploma Candidates will enroll in Theory of Knowledge; participate in CAS, providing 150 hours of community service and individual or team creative action; and author an original 4,000-word essay on a topic of their choice under the supervision of a mentor. These activities provide additional points toward the diploma score.

What do we hope for our IB students?

That students develop advanced skills in critical thinking, inquiry, communication, mathematics and problem solving.
That students are well prepared to succeed at a university.
That students develop the leadership skills needed in a diverse workplace.

Which colleges award course credits for successfully completing IB course work?

A complete list of Universities accepting the IB diploma or Course Certificates can be found at the IBO website: www.ibo.org. Students should check with individual university regarding their policy, as policies differ from college to college.

International Baccalaureate Certificates are awarded to students who complete one or more selected IB courses in combination with regular high school courses. IB will send transcripts of course work and scores to universities during the summer following senior year.

For Additional Information about the IB program at Jefferson Parish Schools:

Contact JEHS IB Diploma Coordinator: Mrs. Cajina or Ms. Black

melina.cajina@jpschools.org or martha.black@jpschools.org 

IB Video