The International Baccalaureate program combines the strengths of a liberal arts curriculum with several important additional features. The components are:

• Coursework in six academic areas: English, world language, history, science, mathematics, arts andelectives. Examinations in these areas are offered in May of each year.Successful examinations can lead to advanced college placement and/orcollege credits, depending on the individual college's policy.  
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): TOK is aninterdisciplinary requirement for Diploma and Honors students intendedto stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gainedinside and outside the classroom; it is a three trimester-long courseoffered in the senior year. Students examine the grounds for the moral,political and aesthetic judgments that individuals must make in theirdaily lives.  
• Creative, Action, Service (CAS): The goal of IBis to educate the whole person, to help students become responsible,compassionate citizens. The CAS requirement for Diploma and Honorsstudents encourages them to share their energy and special talents withothers outside of the school day.   
• Extended Essay:Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of specialinterest. The essay requirements for Diploma candidates acquaint themwith the kind of independent research and writing skills expected inuniversity study.  

Students have a variety of choices within IB:
• They may pursue the full IB Diploma.
• They may pursue the IB Honors curriculum.
• They may take examinations in separate subjects.
• They may take the IB courses in areas of interests without taking examinations.

Participationin the program helps fulfill the requirements for high schoolgraduation in Minnesota.  Criteria for assurance: Highland Park Senior High School can assure theanticipated IB Diploma candidate the opportunity of working towardher/his IB Diploma if the student enters their sophomore year: at levelthree (3) in their chosen World Language; at algebra/trigonometry.