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WELCOME MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILIES �TO LEE'S SUMMIT WEST!

International Baccalaureate

Middle School Information Meeting

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What Is IB?

IB is the abbreviation for International Baccalaureate.

IB is a non-profit educational foundation that certifies a student has attained a certain level of proficiency based upon a student’s internal and external assessments.

The IB curriculum offers a rigorous course of study for our juniors and seniors.

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How can a student participate in the IB Programme at LSW?�

IB Course Work

Students may take one or more individual courses during their 11^th or 12^th grade year.

IB Diploma Program

The IBDP is an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepares students for success at university and life beyond.

IB Career-related Program

The IBCP incorporates the values of the IB into a unique program addressing the needs of students engaged in career-related education.

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Benefits of IB

Tangible

College Credit
College Scholarships
Preparation for college coursework

Intangible

Writing Skills
Critical Thinking Skills

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College Credit and IB Coursework

Depends on the University

Most schools in our area do offer credit

Depends on the assessment scores

-Usually a score of 4 or above will receive credit

Depends on the department within the university

-Students who attend a school for a particular program may not receive the credit.

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IB Course Work

Students may take one or more individual courses.

Courses are taken during the students’ junior and senior years.

Exam fees are paid by the student. Cost of an exam for 2025-2026 is $124 per course.

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IB Career-related Program

A Junior and Senior Level Program
A minimum of two IB courses
One year of modern language during 11^th or 12 grade year
These courses are paired with an approved career-related course of study
IBCP Core

Personal and Professional Skills Course (zero hour)
50 + hours of service learning
Language Development
Reflective Project

The school incurs the cost of exam fees

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IB Diploma Program

A Junior and Senior Level Program
A total of 6 IB courses, 3 at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level
IB Courses in English, Social Sciences, Science, Math, Modern Language, and an IB Elective
IB Diploma Core

Theory of Knowledge
Extended Essay
18 months of experiences in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)

The school incurs the cost of exam fees.

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Core IB Courses at LSW

IB English
IB History
IB Chemistry
IB Biology
IB Environmental Systems and Societies
IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretations
IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches

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Non-Core IB Courses at LSW

IB French
IB German
IB Spanish
IB Chinese
IB Psychology
IB Business and Management

IB Sports, Exercise, & Health Science
IB Social and Cultural Anthropology
IB Visual Arts
IB Music
IB Theatre
IB Film

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What should my student do now?

Take the most challenging course of study.
Begin or continue modern language courses.
Develop a 4 or 5 year plan now.
Take as many graduation requirements as possible during 9^th and 10^th grade years.
Explore the possibility of summer school.

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Advanced Studies Courses

Freshman Courses

Advanced Studies English

Advanced Studies Geometry

Advanced Studies American History

Advanced Studies Biology

Sophomore Courses

Advanced Studies English

Advanced Studies Algebra II

Advanced Studies World History

Advanced Studies Chemistry

Advanced Study courses are offered to our freshman and sophomores.

These rigorous courses help prepare students for IB coursework.

Students can enroll in one to four Advanced Studies courses.