School Lane Charter School was granted authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Diploma Program (DP) beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.  The DP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core which is comprised of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and an extended essay (EE). similar to essays students write at the college level. The curriculum spans a the student’s junior and senior year allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of knowledge and learning in line with the school’s mission to prepare students for lifelong success.

The Class of 2019 was the first group of students given the opportunity to take DP courses and earn enough credit to graduate with a full IB Diploma. To receive an IB Diploma, students will take a variety of assessments graded internally by teachers, while others are graded by external IB examiners. The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their results on Theory of Knowledge and the extended essay. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points. The highest total that a Diploma Program student can be awarded is 45 points. Universities value the rigor and consistency of Diploma Program assessment practice. For information about obtaining university recognition for IB credentials, visit the resource page on the IB official website.

Similar to AP courses, success in higher level (HL) DP courses carry significant weight in the college admissions process. HL DP courses are designed to give students in-depth knowledge of a particular subject, but also supplement their knowledge with real world experiences through creativity, activity and service (CAS).

The DP is designed to support all students for success no matter what their path is after graduation. For those who are college bound, DP graduates are frequently well-equipped to adjust, engage and succeed at higher education levels. Graduates have analytical, writing, communication and presentation skills, research experience, excellent organization and time management, the ability to approach a topic from multiple perspectives, and a deep understanding of academic concepts.