The John Dickinson School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme:

Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, we have eliminated the written application process for Dickinson’s IB Preparatory Track in grades 9 and 10. Please read the information posted below to learn how to join our IB Program.

Joining our IB Preparation Track in grades 9 and 10:

Students entering 9th or 10th grade that want to begin their journey to successfully earn an IB Diploma need to indicate this intention to our guidance department as early as possible to ensure that they are scheduled to take the necessary preparatory courses. If you are unsure who your guidance counselor is, please email the IB Program Coordinator: Geoffrey.ott@redclay.k12.de.us

Eligibility for IB Programme in grades 9 and 10:

While we welcome any student who is willing to put in the commitment and effort that it takes to do the IB program, we urge families interested in doing the program to learn more about the program so that they can be sure that they are making the best decision. If the student, parent/guardian and guidance counselor are in agreement, the student will be permitted to join our IB DP Preparation Track. An affirmation of the student’s academic ability and character from a middle school guidance counselor is also highly valued.

Who is ineligible?

The IB program is an academically demanding program that requires students to commit significant time and energy to their studies. Students who consistently demonstrate a lack of commitment to this program will be given the option to exit the program. Our instructors are very motivated to support students who want to fulfill the commitments of the IB program. Students who violate our academic honesty policy could also become ineligible for the IB Program.

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) Grades 11 and 12:

The Diploma Programme is an internationally esteemed two- year program that begins in grade 11. Participation in the Diploma Programme can open many doors for a student’s future. Many of our graduates from the IB Diploma Programme have been accepted at competitive universities and they have been awarded significant scholarships. It is a rigorous course of study that requires an enduring and authentic commitment from students.

Once a student begins the Diploma Programme, they may not elect to exit it after the first marking period of their junior year. Exiting the IB Diploma Programme after the first marking period of their junior year has complex implications for the student’s new graduation requirements and a formal meeting between the student, family and IB Academic Team is required.

Students currently at The John Dickinson School that are going into grade 11 the following year:

These students will be visited during Math and English classes throughout their 10th grade year by IB staff and current IB Diploma Students. During these presentations, students will receive all of the information required to apply to the IB Diploma Program.

Students who are transferring into The John Dickinson School from another school to start their 11th grade year:

These students need to contact the IB Coordinator to set up an interview to enroll in the IB Diploma Program. The purpose of the interview is to share information and to make sure that the IB program is the best fit for the student. Geoffrey.Ott@redclay.k12.de.us

More information and contacts:

If you would like to learn more about our IB Programme at the Dickinson School, please investigate the provided links on this web page and you are encouraged to contact the high school IB Coordinator: Geoffrey.Ott@redclay.k12.de.us

If you are a Red Clay middle school, private, charter or parochial school, and want to schedule a visit from members of our IB team, please contact the high school IB Coordinator: Geoffrey.Ott@redclay.k12.de.us.

If you have any questions regarding our IB Middle Years Programme (grades 6-8), please contact Ms. Morano: Valerie.Morano@redclay,k12.de.us