International Baccalaureate Programme

Our Global Minded Dragons Journey to World Class Status at Westbury High School

As we continue our pathway to world class status the Westbury UFSD has embarked on a journey to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at our High school. The first step was taken in the spring of 2021 where we submitted our interest to the International Baccalaureate Organization.

As our next step, in the early fall of 2022 we trained our high school administration team along with district leadership, which included our superintendent of schools and our assistant superintendents. Upon finishing the training, we submitted our application for candidacy which was granted in October of 2022.

Throughout the winter we worked in conjunction with the International Baccalaureate Organization to register our teachers for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme subject specific training. A team of 20 teachers in various subjects attended training in the spring and summer of 2023.

Furthermore, during this time we created school wide policies that include academic integrity and honesty, language, assessment, inclusion and admissions. These belief statements were created with the input of the whole school community which included staff, students, administrators and community members.

Throughout the spring our faculty continued to work collaboratively on specific course outlines along with curriculum writing for their respective courses. Over the summer our faculty continued to gather resources and information which will help them plan to effectively teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme starting in the Fall of 2024.

As we continued through the authorization journey our staff continued to expand their IB network consulting with teacher colleagues from across our region through GIBS which stands for the Guild of IB Schools for the Northeast.

On September 14th and 15th we had our consultation visit at Westbury High School. Throughout the two days our IB consultant sat down candidly with our faculty to guide them through the process of writing curriculum, as well as discuss the implementation of the Diploma Programme at Westbury High School.

Soon after we completed our application for authorization which was submitted on October 30, 2023. In December of 2023 we received feedback from our application for authorization. Our last step was to have our verification visit which took place on February 29th and March 1st of 2024. This was a significant milestone in our journey to authorization to become an IB world school.

On March 27th , 2024 we received feedback from our visiting team who commended our students, faculty, community members and board of education on a job well done. On April 15th, 2024 we were officially authorized as an IB world school. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Westbury High School – IB Diploma Programme Course Offerings

As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, Westbury High School offers a comprehensive selection of Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses across all required subject groups:

Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature

• Language and Literature – Higher Level (HL)

Group 2 – Language Acquisition

• Spanish – Higher Level (HL)

• French – Standard Level (SL)

Group 3 – Individuals and Societies

• History of the Americas – Higher Level (HL)

• Business Management – Standard Level (SL)

Group 4 – Sciences

• Environmental Systems and Societies – Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL)

• Chemistry – Higher Level (HL)

Group 5 – Mathematics

• Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations – Standard Level (SL)

Group 6 – The Arts

• Music – Standard Level (SL)

• Visual Arts – Standard Level (SL)

IB CORE Requirements (for Full Diploma Programme Students)

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – Also available as part of the IB Experience Class

• CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) – A student-led experiential learning component

• Extended Essay – A 4,000-word independent research project

OUR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE POLICIES

Westbury High School is committed to upholding the International Baccalaureate (IB) 's core principles through clearly defined policies that guide and support our learning community. These policies reflect our commitment to academic excellence, equity, and integrity, ensuring that all scholars have access to a consistent, inclusive, and globally minded educational experience.

Our policies cover the following key areas:

• Language Policy – Supporting multilingualism and language development
• Assessment Policy – Ensuring fair, transparent, and meaningful evaluation of student learning
• Inclusion Policy – Promoting equity and access for all learners
• Admissions Policy – Outlining eligibility and entry pathways into the IB Programme
• Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy – Encouraging ethical learning practices and personal accountability

Together, these policies uphold the IB mission and help shape responsible, principled, and knowledgeable global citizens.

The Scholar Experience: Westbury High School’s IB Journey in Action

At Westbury High School, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is more than a curriculum—it’s a vibrant, immersive experience that empowers scholars to think critically, act compassionately, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

The Scholar Experience provides a glimpse into the dynamic lives of our IB students as they engage in a diverse range of academic, creative, and service-oriented activities. Whether collaborating on global issues, exploring interdisciplinary projects, or leading initiatives in and beyond the classroom, our scholars exemplify the spirit of inquiry and the drive to make a difference. This is learning in motion. This is the IB at Westbury.

On September 17th, 2024 our scholars who are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme classes attended the CIS International College Recruitment Fair at Lycee Francais De New York in New York City. Our Westbury Scholars were able to meet with over 50 different college representatives from over 20 different countries around the world.

Our first cohort "KUR" were part of our first annual Extended Essay Symposium that was held in the Westbury High School Library on December 4th, 2025. Throughout the full day workshop our first cohort bonded and worked together as a team to complete a variety of activities. Furthermore, our scholars engaged in research and planning for the extended essay. At the culmination of the symposium our full DP scholars came up with their extended essay topic and pertinent research questions and materials. 

On November 1st, 2024 Mrs. Fantal took our IB Environmental Systems and Societies scholars in conjunction with our AP environmental scholars to Jones Beach with the Old Westbury STEP programme lead by Dr. Nieto to study Ecological systems.

Below are key materials and tools to support students, families, and educators in navigating the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Westbury High School. These links provide access to important program information, academic tools, and translated overviews.

• Westbury High School is an IB World School

• IB Information – March 26, 2025

• IB Registration Packet

• IB Programme Brochure

• Approaches to Teaching and Learning

• Extended Essay Overview (Spanish & Haitian Creole)

• Creativity, Activity, Service Overview (Spanish & Haitian Creole)

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Overview (Spanish & Haitian Creole)

• IB Policies

• Kognity Login

• Library Resources

• For more information on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: www.ibo.org

For more information about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Westbury High School, or to speak with a program coordinator, please use the contact details below. We’re here to support students and families as they explore the opportunities and benefits of an IB education.