Leander ISD implements two aspects of International Baccalaureate:
- Primary Years Programme for students at the elementary school level. In LISD, the Primary Years Programme (or PYP) is at Grandview Hills Elementary and Mason Elementary.
- Diploma Programme for student at the high school level. In LISD, the Diploma Programme (DP) is at Leander High School and Vandegrift High School.
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
The IB Primary Years Programme is for students at the elementary school level. In LISD, the Primary Years Programme (or PYP) is at Grandview Hills Elementary and Mason Elementary.
Diploma Programme (DP)
The IB DP is a comprehensive, internationally recognized, two-year advanced academic program that begins in a student’s junior year of high school. This program is offered at Leander High School and Vandegrift High School. It is recommended that students join the IB Programme in the ninth grade and attend the designated IB campus. The IB DP is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities because it offers a challenging and comprehensive curriculum that academically prepares students for the rigor of college. Additionally, IB DP students may receive college credit, including at least 24 hours at all Texas public universities for students who achieve the IB Diploma.
How does the IB DP differ from Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
The IB DP and AP are similar in that students are exposed to college-level curriculum and take exams to demonstrate their learning, which may lead to credit at the university level. The IB DP and AP are different in that IB is a whole-curricular program that encompasses six different subject areas as well as a theory of knowledge course, an extended essay, and a creativity, activity, service component. AP is course-specific, each course is independent of any other AP course offered, and AP courses are offered at all LISD high schools.
Where do I find more information about the IB Programme?
Visit the official International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme website, and see the Leander High School IB website or the Vandegrift High School IB website for campus-specific information. Additionally, the IB DP coordinators will visit all LISD middle schools in early spring to offer students more information on the program, and each campus will host an IB Parent Information Night as well. Please contact the DP coordinators for more information.
- If zoned for Cedar Park MS*, Henry MS, Leander MS, Running Brushy MS, Stiles MS, Wiley MS, or Danielson MS contact:
Shawn Doctor, LHS
[email protected] - If zoned for Canyon Ridge MS, Cedar Park MS*, or Four Points MS, contact:
Alexandra Magness, VHS
[email protected]
*Students at Cedar Park Middle School may choose the campus closest to home address
How do I apply for the IB program at the campus I am zoned to attend?
In the spring of their 8th grade year, students should complete the IB application and choice sheet for the campus they are zoned to attend: LHS IB Application and Choice Sheet or VHS IB Application and Choice Sheet.