In his book The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman asks, “Where do I fit in the global competition and opportunities of the day, and how can I collaborate with others globally?” As the world gets smaller, we need to be able to communicate with people from around the world, not just across languages but also across cultures. The International Baccalaureate program helps students understand how the subjects they are learning are related to each other, and how to see the things that they are learning from many different points of view and across disciplines, an essential skill when working with people from around the world and in many different fields of study. The IB program is an internationally renowned program for preparing students for the skills they need to succeed in a world that is increasingly competitive.

In addition, universities in the United States and around the world are becoming increasingly competitive and look for students who choose a rigorous course of study in high school. The IB, as a rigorous, two-year course of study, clearly demonstrates to universities that they are ready for the challenges of college. In the IB program, students embark on a journey that includes organizing service projects, writing an extensive thesis paper, and more. At Lausanne, the IB program has been structured in a way in which students have a tremendously independent course of study, while under the care of a school that looks after the whole child.

Students at Lausanne are prepared for the IB through our PK-3 to 10^th grade curriculum carried out through a research and inquiry-based process. From Early Childhood to the Upper School, we use student-centered learning to guide students in discovering the world around them. From the project-based approach in Early Childhood to the Cornerstone program in the Middle and Upper School, Lausanne teaches students to reach their highest potential as personified in the IB Learner Profile (below).

Our best advice for students who are focused on being in the IB program at Lausanne is to do well in all of their courses, take the courses that best fit their abilities and focus on what they enjoy learning. The IB Program enables students to pursue a well-rounded education while spending more time in the areas they are most passionate about.

Lausanne is dedicated to the idea that all students should meet their potential as described by the IB learner profile. Lausanne students and all IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled: They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded: They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring: They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers: They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced: They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development

(source: IBO.org)

The admission process a student has to follow to be in the IB program is driven by the student. In the end, the final decision as to whether or not a student is in the program lies with that student.

In August of the student’s sophomore year, the IB Coordinator will give a broad overview of the IB program to the sophomore class and hand out letters of interest to the students. Students interested in applying to be in the IB program will bring the letter home to be signed by their parents and return it to the IB Coordinator. The student will then be invited to a series of meetings that explain what they need to know to make a good, well informed decision as to whether or not they want to be in the program. The IB Coordinator will meet with all the students one-on-one in November to answer any questions the students may have. Students are very strongly encouraged to meet with their teachers to discuss their participation in the IB program.

In January, the IB Coordinator will meet with the parents of the students to give an overview of what the students will be expected to do once they are in the IB program. They will then schedule a time to meet with the Head of Upper School and the IB Coordinator to discuss whether or not the student wishes to be in the IB program.

An ideal IB student applicant fits the following eight criteria:

• Demonstrates consistency in academic performance;
• Exhibits effective writing skills;
• Contributes relevant and appropriate ideas to class discussions;
• Rarely is absent or tardy and when absent, submits assignments in a timely manner;
• Possesses a strong reading comprehension level;
• Submits all assignments on time;
• Demonstrates leadership skills; and
• Can cope with a heavy workload.

IB students also need to have taken Algebra 2 and Chemistry and have approval for at least three high level classes.

Each high level class in the IB program has its own admission requirements. For students to get the approval to enter these classes, they need to talk with their teacher in that subject area. All high level (HL) classes require the approval of a teacher before the student can sign up for the class.

English HL (High Level): Students entering this class must have proven reading, discourse and writing skills. The student must discuss this requirement with his or her current English teacher.

Spanish HL: Students entering this class must have achieved a good grade in Spanish 3 and be able to show their teacher that they are able to perform at the level necessary for success in the class. If a student is in Spanish 2 and wishes to take an HL class, the student must have special dispensation from the teacher to do so.

French SL (Standard Level): Students entering French SL must have done well in French 3 and have approval from their teacher.

History of the Americas HL: Students entering this class must have proven reading, discourse and writing skills. The student must discuss this requirement with his or her current social science teacher.

Economics HL: Students entering this class must have proven reading, writing and abstract analysis skills. The student must discuss this requirement with his or her current social science teacher.

Psychology HL: Students entering this class must have proven reading, discourse and writing skills. The student must discuss this requirement with his or her current social science teacher.

Math SL: Students entering this class must have done well in Algebra 2 and have approval for their teacher.

Math HL: Students entering this class must have completed Pre-Calculus with a 95 average or higher and have the approval of their current math teacher.

Chemistry HL: Students entering this class must have completed Chemistry Honors with an A average and have the approval of their current Chemistry teacher.

Physics HL: Students entering this class must have completed Chemistry Honors with an A average and have the approval of their current Chemistry teacher. Special consideration must be given to entry to this class because it is taken in conjunction with other science classes.

Visual Arts HL: Students entering this class must have a strong aptitude for painting and drawing and must have the approval of the Visual Arts teacher.