International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
The White Oaks Advantage
After 20 years of offering the IB Diploma Programme at White Oaks, our results speak for themselves.
Where Our Graduates Go
White Oaks IB graduates continue their education at universities across Canada and around the world. Select a region below to explore some of the institutions our graduates have attended.
Canada
Burman University
Carleton University
Concordia University
Dalhousie University
Guelph University
McMaster University
McGill University
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Ontario College of Art and Design
Ontario Tech University
Queens University
Simon Fraser University
St. Francis Xavier University
Toronto Metropolitan University
Universite de Montreal
University of Alberta
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia/Hong Kong University dual degree
University of Guelph
University of Manitoba
University of Ottawa
University of Saskatchewan
University of Toronto
University of Victoria
University of Waterloo
Wilfred Laurier University
York University
US
Austin College
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Chapman University
Chicago School of Economics at University of Chicago
Columbia University
Cornell University
Duke University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michigan State University, Ross School of Business
New York University
Northwestern University
Parson’s School of Design
Pennsylvania State University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Rice University
Stanford University
SUNY-University at Buffalo
Texas A&M University
The New School
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Monica
University of Central Florida
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Florida
University of Massachusetts
University of Michigan
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
University of Nevada
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business
University of South Florida
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt University
West Indies
St. George’s University (Grenada)
UK
Goldsmiths University of London
Imperial College London
King’s College London
London School of Economics and Political Science
Loughborough University
Queen Mary, University of London
University College London
University of Bristol
University of Exeter
University of Leicester
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
University of Warwick
University of York
Europe
Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)
Humanitas University (Italy)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany)
LMU Munich (Germany)
Maastricht University (Netherlands)
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
RWTH Aachen University (Germany)
University of Cologne (Germany)
University of Heidelberg (Germany)
Western Asia
Abu Dhabi University (UAE)
American University of Sharjah (UAE)
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Bahrain)
Eastern Asia
Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
National University of Singapore
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
University of Hong Kong
Australia
James Cook University
IB Diploma Programme Subjects
Students in the IBDP are expected to take one subject from each group, with the option of forgoing Group 6 in favour of an additional subject from Groups 1–5. White Oaks offers the following subjects:
Studies in Language and Literature
HL Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
HL French
SL French
SL Ab Initio Spanish
Individuals and Societies
HL Economics
HL Geography
SL Business Management
Sciences
HL/SL Biology
HL/SL Chemistry
SL Physics
Mathematics
HL/SL Mathematics Approaches and Analysis
Arts
HL/SL Visual Art
The IB Core
In addition to their six subject areas, students complete three core elements of the IB Diploma Programme.
Theory of Knowledge
Students complete the Theory of Knowledge Essay as part of the IB Core.
Extended Essay
Students complete an Extended Essay as one of the three core requirements of the IBDP.
CAS Hours
Students complete CAS hours as part of their IB Diploma Programme requirements.
Support at White Oaks
Students are provided with extensive support as they prepare for and develop their core element requirements through Grade 12 Philosophy (TOK) and Grade 11 Guidance: Designing Your Future (EE and CAS). Through these courses, students also earn Ontario credits.
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is proud to offer the longest-standing and widely accessible International Baccalaureate (IB) program in the Halton region.
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
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.
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
2026-2027 IBDP Prep Key Dates
- Oct. 15, 2026 - Information sessions hosted in-person by each school starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Oct. 30, 2026 - Online Application Opens
- Nov. 30, 2026 - Online Application Closes at 11:59 p.m.
- Dec. 4, 2026 - Date by which schools will inform candidates as to the status of their application
- Dec. 11, 2026 - 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