Great River School | IB Program

IB Program

Montessori Education with an International Flavor
Great River School Adolescent 3 (11th & 12th grades)

In 2006, Great River School decided to implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as the 11th and 12th grade curriculum. The IB program provides the “what” and the Montessori philosophy provides the “how” of how A3 students learn and grow. The aim of the IB program is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help create a better and more peaceful world. When one examines the IB and Montessori programs side by side, there are many similarities.

The International Baccalaureate program aims 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.

Elements of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at a glance:

Students who pursue the IB diploma at GRS take classes and show what they know on IB assessments in each of 6 groups (Language/Literature, Spanish, History, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts).
Write an extended essay
Participate in the Theory of Knowledge class
Participate in Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)

See our Frequently Asked IB Questions at GRS for some basic information.

Students in Adolescent 1 (7th & 8th grades) and Adolescent 2 (9th & 10th grades) should start thinking about their future as IB students. Students interested in potentially pursuing the IB diploma, especially those registering for ninth and tenth grades, should consult the IB Recommended Course Sequence for A2 and A3 students. Especially note recommendations regarding Spanish, Chemistry and Physics for 9th and 10th grade students.