The IB Diploma candidate must complete six IB courses and their corresponding examinations, within the final two years of high school. A minimum of 3 HL courses but no more than 4 must be completed. In addition, students must complete the Core requirements:

• IB Theory of Knowledge—an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom.
• Extended Essay—a research paper of about 4,000 words, which allows the student to explore a subject in great depth or inquire into a new area of interest.
• CAS Program—the demonstration of Creativity, Activity, and Service in relationship to school and community. 

• Preparation for university success through stimulating, challenging coursework
• Encourages an appreciation for cultures and attitudes other than their own as well as being informed, tolerant, and willing to communicate with others
• Emphasis on learning how to learn, analyze information, and apply knowledge to new situations
• Educating the “whole person”- providing a broad general education while allowing specialized study in areas of an individual student’s interests
• Externally monitored assessments ensure high academic standards
• Training, guidance, and mentoring of OHS teachers provided by IBO
• College credit and/or advanced placement in college-level courses (Courses can be worth up to 8 college credits)

Students may take individual IB courses and receive scores for the courses and examinations they successfully complete. Most colleges award credit for successful completion of HL courses. Some colleges award credit for both HL and SL courses as well as additional credit for earning the full IB Diploma. Refer to the individual college IB credit policies for more specific information.

Oconomowoc High School offers the following IB courses (individual course descriptions can be found under the appropriate subject area in this guide):

• IB English HL
• IB Anthropology SL/HL
• IB Theater SL
• IB German SL/HL
• IB Economics SL/HL
• IB Music SL
• IB Spanish SL/HL
• IB Biology HL
• IB Extended Essay*
• IB Chinese SL
• IB Physics SL
• IB Theory of Knowledge*
• IB French SL
• IB Math SL
• IB Personal and Professional Skills*
• IB CAS*

HL or higher-level courses require 240 hours of instruction and cover a broader range of topics. These courses are taught over 2 years. SL or standard-level courses require 150 hours of instruction and cover fewer topics. Most of these courses can be completed in one year.  

*These courses do not have a final external exam and do not have fees. 

The International Baccalaureate Organization requires a fee for the IB courses and corresponding examinations. The cost for an individual IB course is approximately $124. The cost for a 2027 IB Diploma (6 subject exam fees) is approximately $744.00. IB course and exam registration fees are non-refundable. 

There is no formal application for the IB Diploma Programme or individual IB courses. Any student who has completed the necessary prerequisites may pursue these offerings. A complete list of required/recommended courses is available from the OHS IB Diploma Coordinator, OHS Counselors, and the OHS website. Interested students are encouraged to meet with the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator during the course selection and scheduling processes. 

Oconomowoc High School encourages all students who want to challenge themselves academically to consider pursuing an IB Diploma. This is not a program that is directed solely toward gifted and talented, straight “A” students. Adequate past academic performance, high motivation, and strong determination are indicators of a successful IB student. Both parents and students need to realize that the nature of the curriculum and assessments is to prepare students for rigorous, college-level work. Students are required to take the IB internal and external exams in each IB course in which they are enrolled. Each student’s performance will be assessed according to pre-established criteria set by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Although IB teachers are committed to helping all students succeed, they are not able to “water down” or “slow down” their course objectives to accommodate students who are unwilling or unable to maintain the pace and rigor.

Successful completion of the full IB Diploma Programme earns the student recognition for university admission, course credit, and advanced placement at leading colleges and universities in the United States and the world. The greater value lies in the program’s intrinsic worth as a challenge and symbol of the greater achievement to which some students aspire.

To learn more about IB, visit the International Baccalaureate (IB) website.

For more information about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at OHS, contact Carrie Schultz, IB Coordinator, at 262-560-3132.

Students and families can also visit the International Baccalaureate website for more information.