The International Baccalaureate, Kennedy's honors program, promotes knowledge, skills, experience, and critical thinking. The program, was introduced in the United States from Europe in 1974, and has expanded rapidly. IB classes help prepare students for success in 4 year colleges and universities. Colleges recognize the value of this preparation and look for students who choose our most rigorous courses.

IB classes begin in grade 11 and are offered in English, Social Science, World Language, Science, Math, Visual Art and Theater Arts. The curriculum is divided into Higher Level (HL) courses (2 years of study) and Standard Level (SL) courses (usually 1 year of study). All 11th and 12th grade students are eligible for, and encouraged to enroll in, IB classes. Some classes give students the opportunity to earn college credit or placement through IB exams and internal assessments, and all classes give students the background they need for college level work.

The IB website (www.ibo.org) is a good source of information on the diploma program and IB goals. It also provides access to the IB policies of various colleges and universities. Information on Kennedy’s program is available by contacting our IB coordinator, Mrs. Julie Foy at foy_j@auhsd.us.