IB students at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies work on a science project.
Since 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program has been inspiring students from around the world by combining a world-class education with an intercultural understanding and respect for others.
Students learn the skills needed to excel at the best universities, and the program prepares them for success in a global economy.
“The IB program offers the gold standard for academic rigor and college preparation, and our goal is to make college dreams come true for students,” said Dr. Jake Davis, IB coordinator at Westwood High School. “Colleges and universities seek IB students, because they not only do well academically in high school, but also go on to perform well at the university level.”
Last year, every Westwood IB student received at least one scholarship. Many acquired multiple offers, which garnered more than $7.2 million in scholarships, grants and awards. This included three students who were named Flinn Scholars. The merit-based scholarship, given to only 20 Arizona seniors, is valued at more than $115,000.
The IB program is available to students in kindergarten through grade 12. Summit Academy serves students from kindergarten through grade eight. Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies provides a middle-years program for students in grades six through eight. Westwood High School offers students in grades nine through12. Students enrolled in these schools have the opportunity to participate in the program.
Is IB a good fit for my child?
IB students are highly motivated to succeed. They care about the community and want to make a difference in the world. They gravitate to leadership roles, like class president, and they are involved in clubs and activities, such as National Honor Society. The program prepares students for college-level work and nurtures critical-thinking skills. It also emphasizes research and encourages students to collaborate and learn from their peers.
Alexis Darby, a 2015 Westwood High School graduate and Flinn Scholar, attends Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. “The IB program taught me practical life skills that prepared me for college,” she said. “My successes were rewarded with college credit, a collegiate-level writing experience and a drive to continue to challenge myself academically for the rest of my life.”
Discover more information about IB
Join Westwood High School for an informational meeting at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Westwood High School’s auditorium, 945 W. Rio Salado Parkway. For more information about the IB program at Mesa Public Schools, visit mpsaz.org/ib, or contact Dr. Jake Davis, IB coordinator, at (480) 472-4419.
Parents are invited to attend a new applicant informational meeting at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies multi-purpose room, 6919 E. Brown Road. Application materials are available online at mpsaz.org/academy, or contact Bob Crispin, Mesa Academy principal, at (480) 308-7430.
Summit Academy offers a parent information night for current sixth-grade students interested in the IB Middle-Years Program for the 2017-2018 school year, at 6 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Summit Academy campus auditorium, 1560 W. Summit Place, Chandler. For more information, visit mpsaz.org/summitclimb/ib, or contact Summit Academy at (480) 472-3457.
For more information about all Mesa Public Schools, please visit mpsaz.org.