Overview
The International Baccalaureate® Diploma Program (11th-12th) and IB Middle Years Program (7th-10th IN CANDIDACY), offered ONLY at Saddleback High School, aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The IB encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. An IB education is unique because of its rigorous academic and personal standards. IB programs challenge students to excel not only in their studies but also in their personal growth. The IB aims to inspire a lifelong quest for learning hallmarked by enthusiasm and empathy.
Saddleback High School is a Candidate School for the IB Middle Years Program, planning for authorization in Fall 2026. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School for MYP, and was authorized as an IB World School for the IB Diploma Program in Spring 2017. IB World Schools are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Saddleback High School believes is important for our students.
Through the IB Diploma Program, a two-year program beginning in 11th grade, schools are able to develop students who:
- have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge
- flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically
- study at least two languages
- excel in traditional academic subjects
- explore the nature of knowledge through the program's unique Theory of Knowledge course.
- See research regarding post-secondary outcomes of IB Diploma Program graduates: https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/research/pdfs/summary-us-postsecondary-outcomes-eng.pdf
Through the IB Middle Years Program, a four-year preparatory program for 7th through 10th grade, schools are able to develop students who:
- build confidence in managing their own learning
- learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world
- outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills
- consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Program examinations
- thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel
- develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.
