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Diploma Program Coordinator: Dr. Jamie Onorato
For further information about the IB and its program, visit www.ibo.org
Manasquan High School proudly joined the International Baccalaureate (IB) community as a verified IB World School in August of 2024, making us one of only 17 schools in New Jersey that offer this high-quality education program. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging and high-quality programs of international education that share a powerful vision.
The International Baccalaureate’s Mission Statement reads: “The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) at Manasquan High School is designed to provide a structured and rigorous course schedule for students, beginning in their junior year and continuing through their senior year, while leaving space for electives. We are fully committed to supporting our students throughout their IB journey, providing them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. The courses we are preparing to offer include English Literature, Spanish, The Road to Global War (U.S. History), Environmental Science and Societies, Analysis & Approaches (Math), and Dance with an alternate of Psychology. Additionally, students create and participate in a Community, Activity, Service (CAS) project, and they select a topic of interest to research and write an Extended Essay (EE). Throughout the course, students complete internal assessments (IA), and at the end of the course, they take their External Assessments (EA), all of which contribute to a cumulative grade. Students who achieve the required cumulative grade earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Additionally, students may earn college credit for each course they complete. The rigor in pursuing the full diploma is internationally recognized. It gives students the edge while providing them with the skills and discipline that benefit them greatly for the next step in their educational career. These courses are not limited to students pursuing a full diploma. Students may select one or as many IB courses as they wish to earn the IB certificate in that course and possible college credit.
Manasquan High School plans to offer the Diploma Program (DP) for the 2025-2026 school year; therefore, only current sophomores may begin taking courses next year because most of the IB classes run over the course of two years (junior year through senior year). Interested sophomores should meet with their guidance counselors and Mrs. Onorato before selecting next year's courses. Current freshmen should express their interest in the program during this year’s scheduling appointments with their guidance counselors. The video below provides a brief overview and summary of the information provided on January 18, 2024 during the initial information session.
