The application, found here, is available at the beginning of January and due mid January.

Yes, these are separate programs and a student must apply to the Diploma program during the second semester of sophomore year.  The pre-Diploma curriculum is a DMHS designed program whereas the requirements for the Diploma program are mandated by the IBO. 

No, a student must be successful in honors level work through sophomore year to be considered for the Diploma program. 

Approximately the end of January.

HLs, or Higher Level Classes, span both junior and senior years. Students are required to successfully complete three HL classes.  Students write IB HL examinations in May of their senior year.  SLs, or Standard Level Classes, are honor level classes which can be taken either junior or senior year.  Students are required to complete three standard level classes. Students write IB SL examinations in May of the year during which the student has taken the class.  They may only take two SL tests during junior year. 

Internal Assessment refers to the evaluation that a student’s teacher applies to IB coursework during the junior or senior year. A sample of graded assignments is sent to IBO for review of the teacher’s grading standards.  External Assessments are different.  All May examinations and certain coursework are sent to examiners around the world to be graded.  This grade counts towards the student’s overall IB score in that class.  Universities welcome and value the reliability of externally assessed grades. 

TOK is an acronym for “Theory of Knowledge,” a two semester class taken by IB seniors.  TOK challenges students to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyze evidence that is expressed in rational argument. There is an emphasis on internationalism and cross cultural perspectives.   See the Student Resources section for more information.

As part of the IB Diploma requirements, students must write an Extended Essay.    Diploma Candidates begin work on a 4000 word Extended Essay (EE) in March of junior year and complete original research, independently, during the summer between junior and senior years. Each student selects a mentor who guides them during this process. In the past two years, DMHS IB faculty has conducted an Extended Essay Workshop in June following junior year, to enhance preparation for EE completion.  The paper is due in November of senior year.  See the Student Resources section for more information.

IB diploma candidates are required to devote 75 hours during each of their junior and senior years or 150 hours, in total, to CAS activities.  This involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma program. See the Student Resources section for more information.

Students learn the scores in July of the same year that they took the exam.

The minimum score for IB diploma achievement is 24, out of a maximum of 45 points.  Further explanation of how points are awarded and what other requirements are necessary can be found here.