IB Diploma Program

We are excited to announce that St. Frederick High School is a candidate school* for the Diploma Programme. Typically, according to the IB, "candidate schools may not offer the programme during candidacy, not even on a trial basis, but may do so only when the school has received authorization." However, St. Frederick has been accepted into IB's Pilot Program for the state of Louisiana. This allows us to offer DP coursework while we pursue authorization. Currently, we are offering the following courses, approved through the IB:

• IB Literature
• IB History
• IB Biology 

The following courses will be offered for the 2026-2027 school year. HL (Higher Level) courses are taught as a two-year sequence, and SL (Standard Level) courses can be taught over one or two years:

• Language A: Literature (HL)
• History (HL)
• Biology (HL)
• Mathematics: Applications and interpretation (SL - two years)
• Language B: Spanish (SL)
• Visual Arts (SL)

Benefits of the Diploma Program

"Research suggests that there are many benefits to choosing the Diploma Programme (DP). The programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge—students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically." 

Participation in the IB leads to student success in high school coursework and helps prepare them for life outside the walls of school. Studies have also shown that participation in the IB helps students get into the college of their choice. Click the link to read more about the IB's impact on University Admissions.

10 Reasons why the IB Diploma Programme (DP) is ideal preparation for university 

Diploma Program Curriculum

"The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay. Through the Diploma Programme (DP) core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service."

All students have access to DP coursework, and students take internal and external assessments through the International Baccalaureate®. DP level coursework has a significant impact on students' transcripts, and success on course assessments can lead to advanced placement at instiutions of high learning.

Further, students can earn an IB Diploma after successful completion of coursework and assessments from the six subject groups and DP core. To achieve an IB Diploma, candidates must meet the Diploma Programme (DP) passing criteria:

• Students take six subjects (at least three HL)
• IB Core (required for any student taking two or more DP courses):
  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course on critical thinking
  • Extended Essay (EE): An independent, 4,000-word research paper
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Project-based learning outside of academics
• Assessment: Final grades are determined by external examinations and internal assessments, with a maximum of 7 points per subject.
  • The total maximum score is 45 (42 points from subjects + 3 from the core).
    
    • Total must be at least 12 points in HL subjects and at least 9 points in SL subjects
    • All subject grades must be a 2 or higher, with no more than two grades of 2 or three grades of 3
• IB Diplomas are awarded to students who have met the above requirements and have scored a minimum of 24 points plus completion of the IB Core

* Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.