A Multi-Language Track International Baccalaureate (IB) High School | Open to All
Our international high school program is now open to all students in grades 9 through 12 regardless of German language ability. The East Bay International High School (EBIHS) at EBGIS offers multiple language tracks with advanced language and literature courses in German, French and Spanish, while all other instruction takes place in English.
In grades 9 and 10, students receive our outstanding college-preparatory curriculum including AP courses, essay writing, and content that prepares students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. All students in grades 11 and 12 undertake the full IB program, culminating in the prestigious IB Diploma.
The IB Diploma Programme (DP)
EBGIS is an accredited IB World School and takes its place within a select group of top high schools offering the prestigious IB Diploma Programme (DP) in the eleventh and twelfth grades. Often referred to as the “gold standard” in high school education, the DP provides a rigorous and holistic program developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people.
EBGIS stands alone in the East Bay as the only school where high schoolers may elect to graduate with not just the standard IB Diploma, but the Bilingual IB Diploma. The bilingual diploma is a distinction awarded to just a quarter of IB Diploma candidates worldwide. It demonstrates that, in addition to having the tremendous breadth and depth of knowledge required by the DP, the student has successfully completed high-level coursework in two languages.
The East Bay International High School at EBGIS offers unparalleled academics and enrichment, supporting students to go further in their strengths while challenging them to broaden their knowledge base.
Our small class sizes and low student/teacher ratios provide unparalleled individualized support to each and every student. From one-on-one faculty mentoring to college and career counseling, we are committed to helping our students succeed in high school and beyond.
Grades 9/10
Academically Advanced College Preparatory Education
In the ninth and tenth grades, our classes are college-preparatory in content and learning style, including essay writing designed specifically for college readiness. Our demanding curriculum includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and examinations, while preparing students for the rigorous IB Diploma Programme. Our AP course offerings complement our IB course work to optimally position our students for the college admissions process.
Our approach is holistic, nurturing students’ cognitive development as well as their social-emotional wellness and their development as members of local and world communities.
Like the rest of our programs, our high school implements a unique spiral sequence, in which material is not presented as isolated blocks, but rather in an integrated fashion at ever-increasing levels of complexity. This helps students draw connections across topics and disciplines.
By the time they finish tenth grade, our students are extremely capable problem-solvers and communicators who are more than ready to embark on the IB Diploma Programme.
Grades 11/12
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)
Originally developed in Switzerland, the IB is an academically rigorous, internationally oriented approach highly regarded around the world. The two-year IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced program of education that prepares students for success at university and in life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The DP has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.
The Bilingual DP available at EBGIS demonstrates students’ ability to successfully complete advanced coursework in two languages and is fully recognized by universities around the world, including those in Europe.
The IB approach develops not just excellent scholars but the whole person. IB graduates are both academically advanced and healthy, well rounded young people who love to learn. They have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, are ethically and emotionally well developed, and multilingual.
IB coursework is underpinned by the DP Core: three “deeper dives” into subjects chosen by the student in conjunction with an academic advisor. These are Theory of Knowledge; an Extended Essay requiring university-level research and writing; and the Creativity, Activity and Service requirement. The DP Core approach has been shown to dramatically advance students’ approach to learning and conducting independent research in higher education.
In addition, DP students choose one course from each of five subject groups delivering a breadth of knowledge and understanding in language and literature, individuals and societies, the sciences and mathematics. Students also choose either an arts course from the arts group or a second course from one of the other subject groups.
2023-2024 Course Outlines:
DP Core | CAS, TOK, Extended Essay
Group 1 Courses | EnglishGroup 2 Courses | German
Group 3 Courses | History
Group 4 Courses | Physics and Chemistry
Group 5 Courses | Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches)
Group 6 Courses | Visual Arts
A Proven Advantage in University Admissions and University Success
The DP is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education. DP graduates have a clear advantage when applying to universities. Several studies have found that IB students are significantly more likely to attend universities classified as “selective” and “highly selective” than their peers.
- DP graduates are much more likely to be enrolled at top higher education institutions than entrants holding other qualifications.
- DP students in the UK were three times more likely to enroll in a top 20 university (compared to A level students) and outperform their peers in achieving honors.
- DP students in the US have higher rates of university enrollment and graduation at four-year institutions.
The advantages of the IB program continue into college. Studies have found that DP graduates perform better at the university level than their peers. DP students were also found to be better at coping with demanding workloads and managing their time.
In addition, many top universities grant IB students credit toward their college degree. More than 1,000 colleges and universities in North America recognize IB courses in admissions, advanced standing, college credit and scholarship policies. For example, the University of California awards students who complete the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above 4 semester units toward their UC degree. On top of that, IB higher level classes are widely eligible for university credit. UC, for example, grants 5.3 semester units for each IB Higher Level exam on which the student scored 5 or higher.
10 reasons why the IB Diploma Programme is ideal preparation for university
A Tailor-Made Experience for Each Student
All EBGIS students receive highly individualized attention and support. Our high schoolers are no exception. Students receive one-on-one support through our Faculty Mentorship Program and in addition receive regular formal assessments from their teachers and advisors to guide them through the program. Our high school teachers take a team approach, working with the IB Coordinator to ensure that each student has the best possible high school experience.
Individual study sessions built into the high school schedule allow students to receive additional help from their teachers and team up with their peers. Moreover, the small size of our school and each class means that every teacher knows every student extremely well and can provide a level of attention and support few schools can offer.
A variety of extracurricular programs are available to broaden our high school students’ perspectives and skill sets. These programs include our faculty-led Green Team environmental issues club, afterschool art and sports clubs, trips abroad, and partner projects with schools in Europe.
High School Facilities
Our spacious campus offers an ideal environment for advanced high school classes, collaboration, and activities. EBGIS high school students enjoy a variety of dedicated and shared spaces tailored to their needs.
Our high schoolers have a dedicated upper grades library and media center with collaborative and individual workspaces, and a project work room. They also use a fully equipped science lab suitable for advanced science classes offered throughout high school, art and music rooms, and sports facilities including our brand new, state-of-the-art turf field and our basketball court, a gymnastics/martial arts room and a gymnasium.