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What is the International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB Mission Statement

Education systems today must do more than keep pace — they must help students navigate constant change and complexity.

— Olli‑Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the IB (2021-present)

I have always been a supporter of the International Baccalaureate. It is a thoughtful and genuinely intellectual curriculum with an unusually high degree of integrity and connectedness.

— William Shain, Former Dean of Admissions, Vanderbilt University

At EBGIS | EBIHS, our mission—to nurture curious, compassionate, and globally engaged learners—closely aligns with the values and vision of the International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB is a globally recognized framework for education that empowers students to take ownership of their learning and prepares them to succeed in a complex, interconnected world.

The IB Diploma Programme at EBIHS

The IB Diploma Programme is internationally recognized for its academic rigor and emphasis on critical thinking, ethical inquiry, and student-driven learning. Designed for students aged 16 to 19, the two-year DP curriculum develops learners who are resilient, globally minded, and intellectually curious.

DP students at East Bay International High School engage in:

  • Six academic subjects across languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities, and the arts

  • The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, which challenges students to explore how knowledge is constructed

  • A 4,000-word Extended Essay, an independent, university-level research paper

  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experiences that develop student initiative, balance, and social impact

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A Continuum of Learning

The International Baccalaureate offers a continuum of programs for students ages 3 to 19:

  • Primary Years Programme (PYP) – for Early Childhood through Grade 5

  • Middle Years Programme (MYP) – for Grades 6–10

  • Diploma Programme (DP) – for Grades 11–12

Each program is designed to stand independently while building upon the one before it, fostering lifelong learners who are compassionate, culturally aware, and equipped to make a meaningful impact in the world. EBIHS currently offers the Diploma Programme in grades 11-12.

We offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 and 12, while the IB  philosophy informs our approach from Preschool through High School. Our bilingual, inquiry-driven classrooms emphasize multilingualism, intercultural understanding, and student agency—creating a solid foundation for the IB Diploma and beyond.

Our school welcomes all students ready for the academic challenge of the DP. We believe every student deserves access to a globally focused, college-preparatory education. Through close mentorship, small classes, and personalized learning support, EBIHS ensures that each student’s journey through the DP is purposeful and empowering.

A Global Approach from Day One

Though the DP begins formally in Grade 11, the foundation for success in the IB is laid much earlier. At EBGIS | EBIHS, students in Preschool through Grade 10 engage in learning environments that mirror the best practices of the IB:

  • Inquiry-based learning that prioritizes student curiosity and discovery

  • Multilingual classrooms, fostering fluency in German (through Grade 8) and English

  • Real-world connections that develop global awareness and empathy

  • Collaborative projects that encourage initiative and shared responsibility

These approaches prepare students not only for academic excellence but also for engaged global citizenship.

The IB Learner Profile

At the heart of the IB is the IB Learner Profile—ten attributes that define internationally minded individuals. These traits guide student learning and school culture at every level of our community. From Preschool art projects to the Extended Essay, the learner profile helps students grow into thoughtful, confident contributors to a better world.

Ready to Learn More?

The IB isn’t just a curriculum—it’s a worldview. At EBGIS | EBIHS, we’re proud to prepare students for their future through the lens of global responsibility, intellectual rigor, and intercultural understanding.

Let us show you how the International Baccalaureate and the EBGIS | EBIHS experience can expand your child’s world.