International Baccalaureate

Our program offers a challenging and comprehensive curriculum that promotes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and global awareness in students.

EXPLORE Academics

Why Choose the IB?

Colleges Trust It. Students Thrive.

  • 94% IB Diploma Recipients graduate within 6 years (vs. 68% nationally)*

  • 100% of Portledge IB students enroll in four-year colleges, including Yale University, Duke University, Brown University, New York University, Syracuse University, Boston College, and more!

  • 94% first-to-second year college persistence rate for IB students*
*Data from the National Student Clearinghouse report on IB graduates, 2024. International Baccalaureate Organization.

University-Level Research: Through the Extended Essay, students complete an independent 4,000-word paper with a mentor. A mixed-methods study by the University of Virginia showed that IB students felt significantly more prepared for college-level research than their peers and that Extended Essay scores were a statistically significant predictor of college GPA. Admissions officers recognize this project as a clear indicator of academic maturity and research readiness.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Trish Rigg, IB Programme Coordinator at trigg@portledge.org.
"IB taught me to manage my time, research deeply, and write confidently. I felt ready for college-level work before I even got there."

— Portledge Alum, Class of 2023

The IB Core: TOK, CAS, and EE

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Explore questions like "What counts as knowledge?" and "Can we trust our senses?" Students complete the course with two major assessments: the TOK Exhibition, where they connect real-world objects to philosophical ideas about knowledge, and the TOK Essay, a formal response to a prescribed title published by the IB. Reflection is integral to both assessments, helping students make personal and academic connections to abstract concepts.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Students engage in creativity, physical activity, and service-oriented experiences that promote personal growth and community involvement. At Portledge, all seniors, whether IB Diploma Candidates or not, complete a Senior Project, a 60-year tradition now rooted in the CAS philosophy. These projects include goal setting, reflection, and meaningful action, and are presented to the school community.

Extended Essay (EE)
A 4,000-word research paper supported by a mentor. Students choose a topic they care deeply about. New criteria allow for both subject-specific and interdisciplinary exploration, reflecting how knowledge connects across fields. Throughout the process, students reflect on their research journey, challenges, and academic growth. This aligns deeply with our mission to teach students to think beyond silos, something we foster from their earliest years at Portledge.

The effectiveness of an IB education

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • What is the difference between SL and HL?

    Standard Level (SL) courses require 150 hours of instruction and focus on foundational knowledge and skills. Higher Level (HL) courses require additional hours and explore topics in greater depth and complexity. Students pursuing the full IB Diploma must take at least three HL exams and three SL exams.

    Note on Ab Initio Courses:
    IB also offers Ab Initio language courses, which are designed for students with little to no prior experience (less than one year) in the target language. These are available only at the SL level and provide a valuable opportunity for full Diploma Candidates who may not have reached the Level III language requirement for standard IB language pathways. At Portledge, we currently offer French Ab Initio and Mandarin Ab Initio.

  • Do I need to take all IB classes to benefit from the program?

    Not at all! Students can choose individual IB courses as "course candidates" to challenge themselves.

  • What kind of student succeeds in the IB Diploma?

    Motivated, organized, curious students who enjoy thinking deeply and independently.

Exam Fees & Deadlines

  • $123 per subject exam (includes SL/HL subjects)

  • $123 for core components (TOK and EE combined)

  • Total estimated for full Diploma: $861 over two years

Late Registration Fees: Students who register or make changes after the IBO deadline (typically November 15) will incur late fees ranging from $80 to $350 per subject. These charges are determined by the IBO and are non-refundable.

Billing Notice: Students will be billed based on their exam registration. It's essential that families communicate with the IB Coordinator to avoid unnecessary fees.

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Contacts

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Trish Rigg

    Trish Rigg 

    Portledge School
    Coordinator International Baccalaureate Programme
    (516) 750-3164

    • IB Pathways

From IB Students

IB Courses

  • English Literature SL/HL
  • History SL/HL
  • Spanish SL/HL 
  • French SL/HL
  • Mandarin SL/HL
  • Applications & Interpretations SL/HL
  • Approaches & Analysis SL/HL
  • Physics SL/HL 
  • Biology SL/HL
  • Environmental Systems & Societies SL 
  • Digital Society SL
  • Economics SL
  • Visual Arts SL/HL 
  • Film SL
  • Music SL/HL 
  • Theater SL/HL 
  • IB Core (Diploma Candidates only)

Quicklinks

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*NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.
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