- Houston Independent School District
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- Become an International Baccalaureate School
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Becoming an International Baccalaureate World School
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Becoming an IB World School means joining over 4,700 schools worldwide in delivering IB programmes. Moreover, it means becoming part of a community of educators that is growing and developing constantly. The IB’s unique implementation is strengthened through its relationships with schools, governments, and international organizations globally.
If you are ready to become an IB World School, you will start the process here. HISD will contact you with all information necessary, supporting your campus every step of the way throughout the IB application process.To increase the likelihood of success, interested campuses must complete the steps below prior to initiating an official application with the International Baccalaureate Organization.
While the district office does provide oversight and guidance throughout the IB candidacy process, campuses assume responsibility for all financial commitments.
Process & Timeline
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The authorization process varies by school and IB programme, but typically takes between two and three years. See below for an overview:
Step 1: Review General InformationProspective IB World Schools should review the webpage How to Become an IB World School.
Also review the Guide to School Authorization specific to your programme of interest:Step 2: Feasibility StudyA feasibility study is required to submit the IB application for candidacy. This is a thorough and in-depth document used to support your rationale for offering an IB programme. You must detail the following for your prospective IB programme with key stakeholders, including parents, students, staff, district leadership, and community members:- Programme Logistics
- Monetary Commitments (See Programme Cost Worksheets)
- Timelines
- Student Benefits
Feasibility Study Outline
If moving forward, obtain a statement of support from your Area Superintendent.
Sample Feasibility Study (Credit: Houston MSTC)Step 3: HISD IB Programme Interest ApplicationComplete the Online HISD IB Programme Interest Application, selecting the appropriate programme for your campus:- Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- Diploma Programme (DP)
- Career-related Programme (CP)
You will be asked to submit the following with your online application: (1) a feasibility study, (2) a programme cost worksheet, and (3) a statement of support from your Area Superintendent.Step 4: NotificationWithin 2-3 weeks, campus staff submitting the interest application will be contacted by the Department of Innovation & Postsecondary Programming with next steps.Step 5: SupportIf approved, the campus will be supported throughout the official IB application process. The authorization process varies by school and IB programme, but typically takes between two and three years.
Programme Cost Worksheets
Programmes and enrollment
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Primary Years Programme
(ages 3-12)Through emphasis on the whole child, Primary Years Programme (PYP) students are encouraged to be active, caring, lifelong learners with personal, positive attributes and the capacity to take responsible action.
Middle Years Programme
(ages 11-16)With great care given to social and emotional wellbeing, students in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) are encouraged to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers prepared for further studies.
Diploma Programme
(ages 16-19)In preparation for university and beyond, students in the Diploma Programme (DP) develop a breadth and depth of knowledge needed to flourish as creative problem-solvers and lifelong independent thinkers.
Career-related Programme
(ages 16-19)Fusing academic subjects with professional interests, Career-related Programme (CP) students engage in a practical, real-world approach to learning combined with two challenging DP courses of their choosing.