SVUSD INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE INFORMATION

Saddleback Valley Unified School District has been affiliated with the prestigious International Baccalaureate program since 1984 and currently provides motivated students this educational opportunity at Mission Viejo High School, Laguna Hills High School, Trabuco Hills High School and El Toro High School. The International Baccalaureate Diploma and individual certificates are recognized for admission and advanced standing at colleges and universities in the United States and throughout the world.

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), a non-profit educational foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland, was founded in 1960. The IBO grew out of international school efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for geographically mobile students in Europe. Beyond practical considerations, international educators were also motivated by an idealistic vision: they hoped that a shared academic experience emphasizing critical thinking and exposure to a variety of viewpoints would foster tolerance and inter-cultural understanding among young people. Concentration on the last two years of secondary school sought to build a comprehensive curriculum - leading to a baccalaureate - that could be administered in any country and recognized by universities in every country.

The educational philosophy of the organization is found in its mission statement adopted in 1996: Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life.

As a membership organization, the IBO provides curriculum and assessment development, teacher training and information seminars, electronic networking and other educational services to its participating schools around the world.

International Baccalaureate is a comprehensive program for academically talented and highly motivated students sponsored and administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. The International Baccalaureate Diploma is awarded to students who meet the following requirements: specific course work in six academic disciplines, with students completing classes and writing external examinations in all six areas: English, Modern language, individuals and societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and one additional elective. The International Baccalaureate Program has been validated by the Ministries of Education in more than 40 countries throughout the world. This program is undertaken in conjunction with the Saddleback Valley Unified School District requirement for a high school diploma. Students completing the International Baccalaureate requirements receive an International Baccalaureate Diploma from the International Baccalaureate Organization as well as from the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.