Grand Rapids High School
International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
International Baccalaureate Pathway
Dani Asplund
218-327-5760, ext. 41451
dasplund@isd318.org
IB at GRHS
International Baccalaureate (IB) at Grand Rapids High School is a demanding two-year, pre-university and internationally-based program for motivated juniors and seniors. An IB Diploma is the most comprehensive and thorough preparation available for higher education. Students can participate in the IB program by taking individual courses that interest them or by seeking the IB Diploma.
The IB Mission Statement:
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end, the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
IB Diploma candidates are required to:
- Study six courses - one in each of the six IB subject areas.
- Take “Theory of Knowledge” - a unique capstone course of the IB program that centers on critical thinking.
- Write an Extended Essay - a college-level research paper, completed in a subject of the student's choice, done under the direct supervision of one of our GRHS staff.
- Participate in CAS - a two-year program that includes creativity, activity, and service.
- Take the IB Exams.
IB Subject Areas:
- Group 1: Language A (IB English 11 & 12)
- Group 2: Language B (IB Spanish III & IV)
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies (IB History 11 & 12)
- Group 4: Experimental Sciences (IB Chemistry I & II)
- Group 5: Mathematics (IB Pre-Calculus and IB Calculus)
- Group 6: Arts and Electives (IB Biology, IB Geography, IB Business Management, IB Physics, IB Language & Literature or IB Film Studies)
More information is available on the International Baccalaureate website at www.ibo.org.
IB for College Credit
Most colleges and universities award credit for IB courses taken in high school. Most require a score of 4 or higher on the IB exam before college credit will be awarded. For students who earn the IB Diploma and score high on their IB exams, many universities allow incoming students a "sophomore" status upon entry.
Every college and university is different with regard to this policy. Check the links below for information on specific schools.
International Baccalaureate Pathway
The International Baccalaureate program is the most competitive, rigorous coursework offered at Grand Rapids High School. IB courses not only offer students the opportunity to earn college credit/equivalence in high school but also prepares students more successfully for the steps to come following high school. IB courses can be taken as a complete program (IB Diploma), tiers of recognition (IB Medallion, IB Merit) or stand alone courses for students planning to challenge themselves in content areas of interest.
In 2022, over 78% of students who tested, passed at least one IB Exam
IB Tiers of Recognition
View Diploma Pathway Details
The Diploma is awarded to students at the end of their Senior year. To participate as an IB Diploma candidate, students must fulfill the following requirements beginning in 11th grade:
- Enroll in a minimum six IB subjects over two years– three of the six must be considered “Higher Level” (HL) courses (Subjects are divided into "Groups" and students must take an exam in each of the subject groups - see "Subjects" tab).
- Take IB examinations in each of the six subject areas (Diploma candidates test free of charge)
- Write an original essay (called the Extended Essay) of approximately 4000 words
- Take the Theory of Knowledge class for two years (one semester each year)
- Participate in C.A.S. (Creativity, Action, and Service) and complete a portfolio that shows Learning Outcomes have been met
The Six Subject Areas:
Group 1: Language A
IB English 11 & 12* (HL)
Group 2: Language B
IB Spanish IV (SL)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
IB History 11 & 12 (HL)
IB Geography (SL)
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
IB Chemistry I & II* (HL)
IB Physics I & II (HL)
Group 5: Mathematics
IB Calculus (SL)
Group 6: Arts and Electives
IB Studio Art (SL)
IB Business & Management (Based on interest)
IB Film Studies (Based on interest)
IB Biology (SL)
IB Elective (Additional course in group 3 or 4)
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) I & II
*Students must take the IB test at the completion of these courses.
View Medallion Pathway Details
The Medallion is awarded to students at the end of their Senior year. To participate as an IB Medallion candidate, students must fulfill the following requirements beginning in 11th grade:
- Enroll in a minimum three IB subjects over two years
- Take IB examinations in each of the three courses (there is fee associated with each exam)
- Take the Theory of Knowledge class for two years (one semester each year)
View Merit Pathway Details
The Certificate is awarded to students at the end of their Senior year. To participate as an IB Certificate candidate, students must fulfill the following requirements beginning in 11th grade:
Enroll in a minimum of three IB subjects over two years and either…
- Test in one of the three (there is fee associated with each exam) OR
- Ensure at least one of the three IB courses is an HL (“Higher Level”) course (the remaining two can be SL (“Standard Level”) or HL)
Track Your Progress Through IB
Track your current, past, and potential future classes, as well as the classes you are planning to "Test" in, through the IB Program to see if you are on track for the Tiers of IB recognition listed above.
Although not required, note that to receive possible college credit, students have to pay course fees. For those choosing to do so, course assessments are $40 per course (free for Free/Reduced lunch students and IB Diploma Candidates).
Upon completion of each IB course, students are able to test to demonstrate mastery of course material which also allows the students the opportunity to earn college credit and/or college course equivalence.
IB and College in the Schools (CITS)
CITS Credits are awareded by University of Minnesota Duluth
Another benefit of the IB coursework at Grand Rapids High School, is the partnership between the IB and College in the Schools program through the University of Minnesota Duluth. Not only do students taking an IB/CITS course get the benefit of the IB program but are awarded UMD credit upon completion of the course. Students need to meet at 3.0 cumulative GPA to be eligible to receive UMD credit for CITS courses. See the CITS Pathway for more information.
IB Matters Podcast Clips
Explore - Experience - Excel
Featured Clips
IB Matters Podcast
IB Programme Overview
An introductory clip highlighting core benefits, curriculum balance, and skills gained in the International Baccalaureate program.
Listen to Full Episode →
IB Group 3 Pathways
Business, History & Economics
A quick deep dive into Group 3 courses, detailing how Business Management, History, and Economics build critical thinking skills.
Listen to Full Episode →
Student Insights
The IB Student Experience
Hear directly from IB students as they share perspective on workload management, growth, and classroom culture.
Listen to Full Episode →Why IB
On top of the preparedness students attain from College in the Schools credit, transfer rates of the CITS courses offered at Grand Rapids High School is also very high. Not only are students earning college credit but the credit earned is also satisfying requirements for students as they set off to their schools of choice. A survey of college students who participated in CITS courses indicated UMD credit transferred successfully into required areas over 95% of the time. Many students entered their first year of college with a high standing due to the credit already attained, students were able to jump directly into high level coursework, and students report more preparedness for the college curriculum as a result of the IB and CITS programs. These benefits can ultimately save time and money and more often students noted that they used the advancement in credit to explore other courses, interests and future education opportunities such as pursing a minor or a double major.
Reasons to take IB courses at GRHS
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GRHS IB students outperform their peers on state assessments
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GRHS IB students have higher acceptance rates to college
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GRHS IB students perform better in post-secondary in education than their peers
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GRHS IB graduates consistently report better preparedness for college level rigor resulting in higher college performance
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IB students consistently complete college major requirements and diploma in four years or less
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IB standards are aligned with best practice in education and support effetive teaching practices
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The IB program has a positive impact on the culture of a school
IB and College Equivalence
To learn more about credit policies at local colleges, see the links below:
Minnesota
Carleton
Gustavus Adolphus
Hamline
Macalester
MN State Moorhead
U of M Duluth
U of M Twin Cities
MN Private College Council: Lists and links to all MN Private Colleges and their credit transfer policies
Wisconsin
U of W Eau Claire
U of W Madison
U of W Stevens Point
Iowa
Drake
Iowa State
Luther
Nebraska
Creighton University
Appeals Process and IB
In instances where credit was not given outright for IB scores, we have had numerous cases where students have appealed for credit. This is something students have done once they have received their scores and are at their college of choice working directly with the registrar of that school. This is not to say that an appeal is guarantee for credit; nevertheless, there is no harm in the attempt.
Minnesota State Colleges and IB
It is important to note that all Minnesota State Colleges fall under a credit policy that outlines the following:
Higher Level examinations with a score of 4 or higher will receive a minimum of 3 or more credits.
Standard Level examinations with a score of 4 or higher will receive a minimum of 2 or more credits.
Researching IB Credit Policies
IB students are encouraged to research the IB credit policies for the various schools for which they wish to apply. Common places for such listings are under “Admissions” or “Registrar” tabs. Also, one could simply put “International Baccalaureate Credits” in a school’s search tab. If you cannot find the information, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions’ office; ask for “the individual who best understands how International Baccalaureate credits are recognized.”
MN Private Colleges and College Credit
The following is a summary of what individual colleges recognize and accept when first-year students have participated in Dual Enrollment options through the high school. Each college has different standards and benchmark requirements for credit earned through Dual Enrollment, included within the list below are guidelines for some of those requirements.
How to prepare for the CITS Program
Listed below are recommended courses to help prepare for the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The recommended courses provide a knowledge base and encourage further development of skills such as organization, time management, and determination that increase the likelihood of success in the IB program.
Requirements for the IB Program: There is no requirement to register for an IB course at GRHS however, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to register with UMD AND have the opportunity to earn college credit UMD credit through the CITS program.
