International Baccalaureate

What is the IB Diploma Programme (DP)?

St. Louis Park High School is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP). All 9th - 12th grade students have the option to participate in the DP.

Students are well prepared for the Diploma Programme challenges through the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which connects to most national and local curriculum requirements and builds on the foundation of the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

The curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. Made up of the three required components, the DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

How is the Diploma Programme Unique?

Holistic approach – Students study six subject areas alongside the Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS), blending academics with personal growth.
International mindedness – Curriculum and assessments emphasize global perspectives, intercultural understanding, and preparing students as world citizens.
Depth and breadth – Students explore subjects broadly (across languages, sciences, math, humanities, arts) while also specializing in higher-level courses.
Critical thinking focus – Through Theory of Knowledge and inquiry-based learning, students learn to analyze, question, and connect ideas across disciplines.
Recognition worldwide – The DP is respected by universities across the globe for its rigor, balance, and preparation for success in higher education.

College Recognition of IB-DP Courses

Earning an IB Diploma or completing IB courses can open doors for your student in college. Many universities recognize the rigor of the IB Diploma Programme and award credit or advanced placement for high scores.

University of Minnesota – See how the U of M awards credit for IB exams: U of M IB Credits
Minnesota Private Colleges – Each private college sets its own policies for awarding IB credit: MN Private College IB Credits
Colleges & Universities Across the U.S. – Learn how IB is recognized nationwide: Getting IB Credit at University

The IB Continuum of International Education

The IB Continuum of International Education

The IB continuum of international education, for students aged 3 to 19, is unique because of its academic and personal rigor. It challenges students to excel in their studies and personal growth while inspiring a lifelong quest for learning marked by enthusiasm and empathy.

The IB’s Vision:
The IB aims to help schools develop well-rounded students who:

Respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind.
Are confident in their own identities.
Make ethical decisions.
Join with others to celebrate our common humanity.
Apply what they learn in real-world, complex, and unpredictable situations.

An IB Education Offers:

Focus on learners:
- The IB’s student-centered programs promote healthy relationships, ethical responsibility, and personal challenge.
Effective teaching and learning approaches:
- Programs develop attitudes and skills needed for academic and personal success.
Global contexts:
- IB programs increase understanding of languages and cultures while exploring globally significant ideas and issues.
Significant content:
- The curriculum is broad and balanced, conceptual, and connected.

Informed by the IB Learner Profile, students strive to embody attributes such as being inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. These attributes go beyond intellectual development to include a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities.

Contact Information:

Chris Nordmark
(952) 928-6196
nordmark.christoph@slpschools.org