How do Middle School students, and 9th and 10th graders prepare for entry into the Diploma Programme?
Because of the demands of the IB Programme, students are strongly encouraged to begin a second language in middle school. Ideally, future IB students should also be taking algebra and, hopefully geometry in middle school. Entering high school freshmen should be enrolled in honors English and Integrated History classes and should be continuing their second language. Biology and chemistry should be the science classes for ninth and tenth graders preparing to enroll in IB as juniors. Students planning to enter the IB Programme at West should also consider taking Alaska Studies, economics and their physical education requirements during their first two years.
