Myers Park High School is a fully authorized IB Diploma Programme (DP) school, recognized by the IBO. We offer this for our 11th and 12th grade students  

 The IB DP is a two-year international  college-preparatory programme that preapres students age 16-19 for success going into and, and throughout, university. The DP offers a holistic approach to teaching and learning with a keen focus on developing intercultural awareness. Students learn to explore and understand the world around them through inquiry, critical thinking and open-mindedness. It focuses on building critical thinkers who are extremely prepared for higher education and to succeed at life in a global society. Students works towards their Myers Park High School Diploma as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma and work towards post-secondary (college/university) credit for each course.
What are the specifics of the DP? 

The IB DP is a college-preparatory course of study which is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge base. It is a two year endeavor that focuses on building critical thinkers who are extremely prepared for higher education and to succeed at life in a global society. Students works towards their Myers Park High School Diploma as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma and work towards post-secondary (college/university) credit for each course.

In this two year course of study, students engage in 6 subjects, 3 taken at the higher level (HL) and 3 at the standard level. These courses consist of a literature-based course, a world language course, social science, course, science course, math course and an elective course. Students also complete 3 additional core components including a Theory of Knowledge class, write an ​extended essay and participate in community and personal development through Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) to develop well-rounded, international individuals who will thrive throughout the rest of their lives. 

​In order to earn the IB Diploma, students must take examinations in the six subject areas and Theory of Knowledge. The scores on these examinations may earn students credit in their post-secondary options and students work towards the IB Diploma. ​
Understanding the DP Curriculum and requirements
​at Myers Park High School
 Above is the DP curriculum model that connects the components and requirements of the programme at MPHS. We'll unpack this below: 
The DP curriculum model puts our learners at the center of our considerations. In the IB, we look at students as a whole person and not just a student.

The learner profile is is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes. It is a set of ideas that we use as our inspiration, motivation, and focus for teaching and learning. 

The learner profile aims to develop learners who are: 
  • Inquirers
  • Thinkers
  • Communicators 
  • Risk-takers
  • Knowledgeable 
  • Principled 
  • Open-minded
  • Caring
  • Balanced
  • Reflective ​
Approaches to Teaching 
Methods and strategies to help all students learn. 

Approaches to Learning 
Skills students need to manage their learning. They are: 
  • Thinking skills
  • Research skills
  • Communication skills
  • Social skills
  • Self-management skills 
The Core 

Theory of Knowledge 
TOK is an interdisciplinary seminar course over two years which challenges students and teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge. Examples of questions considered in Theory of Knowledge are: “How much of one’s knowledge depends on interaction with other knowers?” and “What is history? Is it the study of the past, or the study of records of the past?” Successful completion of the course is a requirement for earning the IB Diploma. The course is assessed by the ToK teacher via internal assessments and assessed by an external IB examiner via a 1200 to 1600 word essay on a prescribed topic. ToK is taught during the student’s junior and senior years. (EM) 

Extended Essay  
The Extended Essay is a maximum 4000-word research paper on student-chosen topic. The paper is completed under the supervision of a faculty supervisor who is knowledgeable in the subject area in which the paper is written. The paper is an IB requirement which is separate from the IB curriculum being studied, although the paper’s subject often relates to an IB course a student is taking. The paper-writing process typically begins in the spring of junior year, and the papers are scored by external IB examiners. For more information, see our Extended Essay page. 

Creativity, Activity and Service 
CAS is a requirement of the IB Diploma Program. In order to earn an IB Diploma, students are required to complete CAS requirements, including a CAS project. Students are encouraged to identify a need in the community, plan a solution, and involve others in implementing the solution. Students are required to fill out reflections via the online ManageBac program, including the verification of the adult supervisor of the activity. For more information, see our CAS page. 
Subject Areas 
The  DP requires students to study across subject groups. The required groups are:
Students are required to take take one course in each of the subject areas. 
International-mindedness 
The overarching philosophy of the IB Diploma Programme.