Growth of IB Program in Upper St. Clair

Truth about IB: THE FACTS

• IB is an educational framework emphasizing connections between subjects, student involvement in discovery, the inquiry method, and practical problem solving. Higher-level IB work is known for its intensive language study, emphasis on writing, and world-class math and science.
• IB was founded to provide a common educational framework for dependents of international executives, and US Military and State Department professionals throughout the world.
• Curricula and textbooks are selected by USC.
• IB students who pass a suite of IB exams after 12th grade receive an IB diploma. Other students can receive subject-area IB certificates. Both are prestigious.
• IB is recognized by the US and PA Departments of Education, the White House, and universities.

IN USC (data as of 2005-2006 school year)

• In 8 years, the voluntary IB program has grown from 80 to 785 children in all grades.
• There are 3 programs:
  • Primary Years (PYP,Grades 1-4, 169 students);
  • Middle Years (MYP, Grades 5-10, 464 students); and
  • Diploma & Certificate (Grades 11-12, 152 students)
• At least 100 families report moving to USC for the program since it was started as a pilot in 1998.
• The direct costs for IB are $85,000 per annum, less than 1/4 of 1% of the $50M budget.