International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is proud to offer the longest-standing and widely accessible International Baccalaureate (IB) program in the Halton region.
For nearly 20 years, HDSB students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) have consistently achieved top results, with some earning the rare distinction of perfect scores across all six subject areas, along with an ‘A’ in both the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay—an accomplishment attained by only 1–2% of IB Diploma recipients worldwide.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a globally recognized two-year program offered in Grades 11 and 12 that challenges students to excel both academically and personally. Through a rigorous curriculum, students explore subjects in depth while developing advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Recognized by universities in more than 110 countries, the IBDP provides graduates with advantages such as advanced standing, course credits, and/ or scholarships. Students who successfully complete the program earn both the IB Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Designed to prepare students for success in university and beyond, the IBDP emphasizes critical thinking, research, global awareness and personal growth. In addition to completing courses across six subject areas, students engage in three unique core components:
- Theory of Knowledge (ToK) – exploring the nature of knowledge
- Extended Essay (EE) – an independent research project
- Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) – experiential learning through community engagement and personal development
To ensure students are well-prepared, all HDSB IB schools offer an IBDP Prep Program in Grades 9 and 10. This preparatory pathway builds strong academic foundations and inquiry skills, helping students thrive in the challenges and opportunities of the Diploma Programme. While IBDP Prep Programs are available and highly recommended at IB schools, it is not required for entry into the formal Grade 11 IB Diploma Programme. Students may contact the school’s IB Coordinator for more information about entry in Grade 11.
Why HDSB is the BEST Choice for IB
HSDB offers the longest-standing and widely accessible IB program in the Halton region.
IBDP Prep/ IBDP is offered at multiple school sites and for almost 20 years, HDSB students have earned top marks in the IB Diploma Programme.
HDSB students have achieved the extraordinary accomplishment of earning perfect scores in all six subject areas as well as an ‘A’ in both the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay - an achievement attained by only 1-2% of all IB Diploma recipients globally.
Every student in the HDSB is welcomed and encouraged to participate in IBDP Prep/ IBDP and all students who apply to the IBDP Prep program will be accepted (provided space is available).
IBDP Prep provides all students entering high school the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge of the IB Diploma Programme and is offered at no cost to students/ families.
The IB Program is offered at:
- Burlington Central High School in Burlington
- Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton
- Georgetown District High School in Georgetown
- White Oaks Secondary School in Oakville
Interest in learning more about IB at the HDSB? Join us on October 16, 2025 for an IB Information Night at all four school sites. Burlington Central HS, Craig Kielburger SS and Georgetown District HS will begin at 6:30 p.m. and White Oaks SS will host two sessions, starting at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 pm.
How to apply?
All students interested in IBDP Prep or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) are encouraged to apply. In keeping with the philosophy of all IB World Schools, the IBDP is designed to be accessible and open to any secondary student who wishes to pursue the IB Diploma.
All students who apply to the IBDP Prep program will be accepted, provided space is available. If the number of applications exceeds the school’s capacity, a randomized selection process will be used. Eligible applicants will be assigned computer-generated numbers until all spaces are filled. Students not selected will also receive a random number and be placed on the IBDP Prep waitlist.
This process is coordinated centrally by the Board, rather than by individual schools.
Student Testimonials from HDSB
"I've learned so much during my time in the IB program at White Oaks, even beyond how to write a good essay or solve a differential equation. It's helped me grow as a person: I've learned how to manage my time, to face obstacles with an innovative mind, and to contribute to the flourishing community that has nurtured me for years." – 2024-2025 IB Graduate Yanzi Guo, HDSB - Achieved Perfect Scores in IB Diploma
"The IB program gave me the opportunities to refine my skills in critical thinking, time management, and communication, and it taught me how to stay disciplined and push myself to achieve more than I thought possible." – 2024-2025 IB Graduate Bana Maarouf, HDSB - Achieved Perfect Scores in IB Diploma