The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a terrific opportunity for 11th and 12th graders who attend Allen High School (AHS). It not only prepares them for the rigors of college, but also equips them with both academic and behavioral skill sets to use in their lifelong journey as learners. The IB program seeks to develop individuals who are well-rounded and internationally minded—global citizens who can tackle the critical and pressing needs of our planet. “It’s the IB learner profile that makes this program so distinctive,” reflects Jose Salas, Advanced Academics and IB Coordinator for AHS. The IB learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities that go beyond academic success, such as inquiry, knowledge, communication, open-mindedness, and reflection.
Earning this highly competitive, internationally recognized diploma certainly makes AHS students more marketable to colleges; plus, the IB diploma earns 24 course-specific credits at public universities in Texas. “This year we have 41 seniors and 24 juniors, all of whom belong to a special cohort of like-minded learners and are guided by an incredibly talented faculty.”
What does the IB programme look like? Juniors and seniors take one IB course in each of the six groups:
Group 1: Language A: English Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition (Chinese, French, or Spanish)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies (Social Studies)
Group 4: Science
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6:The Arts or an additional language, science, or social studies course
They also complete three additional requirements:
1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A two-year course that explores how knowledge is constructed.
2. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A student-designed, collaborative project aimed at developing skills in civic engagement.
3. The Extended Essay: Independent, self-directed research that culminates in a 4,000-word paper.
Want to learn more? Contact jose.salasbaranao@allenisd.org.
1. Jillian Stanton graduated from AHS in 2024 and now attends Wellesley College, majoring in Environmental Studies and Spanish.
“I really wanted an education that prepared me for the rest of my life. The IB curriculum is designed to teach students to come to their own conclusions about the world around them and to treat different cultures with curiosity and kindness, rather than just preparing us to take a test at the end of the year.”
CAS: Co-president of the Allen Community of IB Scholars (CIBS)
Extended Essay: “To what extent are jellyfish populations affected by increased human activity in the ocean?” with a focus on pollution.
2. Noor Khan graduated from AHS in 2020, received an International Relations degree from UT Austin in May 2024, and began working at Texas Instruments in Richardson, TX, this August.
“The holistic nature of my IB program taught me to think about things from multiple perspectives. It also helped kindle my interest in different cultures, leading me to get involved with ethnic studies and intercultural competency programming at UT Austin, and now contribute to Diversity & Inclusion initiatives in the corporate world.”
CAS: Founded AHS’s Mindfulness Club
Extended Essay:“The Efficacy of Mindfulness Meditation for Anxiety Disorders,” which explored the cultural roots of mindfulness practices.
"The IB learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities that go beyond academic
success, such as inquiry, knowledge, communication, open mindedness and reflection."