International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
The IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognized program of education that aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
GDHS IB Diploma Programme Visit the International Baccalaureate (IBO)
Upcoming Event
IB Open House & Information Night
Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
GDHS Theatre — Library entrance (Guelph St.)
Applications
- Round 1 ALP applications for the 2026–2027 school year will open after our information session.
- Student offers will be emailed on January 20, 2026. Students must accept to secure a spot.
- Round 3 applications are currently open online.
Note: Only successful Round 1 applicants are guaranteed a spot.
Current ALP students do not need to reapply for ALP or IB. If you are new to GDHS and want to join the ALP/IB program, an application is necessary.
Program update: IB French Immersion is no longer being offered at GDHS starting September 2024.
IB Resources
- IB Info 2024 — Presentation
- The value of an IB education — video
- Universities Speak! — slideshow
- How do universities view the IB Diploma? Click here
IB at GDHS
GEORGETOWN DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL has been an IB World School since 2007.
We are pleased to offer more course choice for students in the IB Diploma Programme with our partners, Pamoja Education, an online IB World School. Pamoja offers Ab Initio Mandarin, Ab Initio Spanish, Business, Economics, ITGS, Psychology, HL Mathematics, and SL Film.
Make an appointment to speak with Mr. Kyle Stewart about Pamoja courses at GDHS, and learn more about Pamoja Education.
Note: Pamoja has cancelled scholarships for their courses. Courses cost roughly $3,600.00.
If you have any questions, please contact Kyle Stewart.
Explore More
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.
2025-2026 IBDP Prep Key Dates
- Oct. 16, 2025 - Information sessions hosted in-person by each school starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Oct. 24, 2025 - Online Application Opens
- Dec. 2, 2025 - Online Application Closes at 11:59 p.m.
- Dec. 5, 2025 - Date by which schools will inform candidates as to the status of their application
- Dec. 12, 2025 - Last date for students to accept spot in program
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.
Students who wish to enter IBDP Prep in Grade 10 or IBDP in Grade 11 should contact the IB Co-ordinator at their regional site.
IB Online Application - HDSB Student IB Online Application - External Student
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