Granada High School Named International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Candidate School

Granada High School has taken the first step toward becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. 

On June 13, 2014, Granada was notified of its status as a candidate school for the IB Diploma Programme, and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. Granada High believes that the IB philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education – is important for students in our global society.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors seeking cross-disciplinary studies with an international-minded perspective. Students become critical thinkers, inquirers and communicators, through mastery in English, another world language, social science, experimental science, mathematics, and the arts.

Each DP student also participates in the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) program, which requires involvement in athletics, arts, and the community. DP students develop a deep understanding of how knowledge is constructed and evaluated through the Theory of Knowledge course.

The theme “how do we know” is also integrated into each DP course and truly motivates students to become life-long questioners and learners.

Granada principal Philomena Rambo is excited to offer this opportunity to students in Livermore: “The IB Programme sets an international standard for educational excellence. Our students will truly be prepared to take their place as leaders in our global community.”

The IB Programme began in Switzerland in 1968 and has spread to 148 countries throughout the world. All IB programmes share the commitment to develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. These attributes are emphasized in the IB Learner Profile and are the foundation of the IB Philosophy. (www.ibo.org) 

Joe Michell K-8 School, also in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD), has completed the candidacy phase for both the Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes in preparation for authorization as an IB World School in the spring. Granada plans to be able to offer the IB Diploma to the Class of 2018 alongside of its other strong academic programs.

Rambo states, “The International Baccalaureate Programme gives us the ability to fully realize our school and District mission to prepare students to contribute and thrive in a changing world.”

Granada High School is the only public high school in the Tri-Valley that is currently a candidate for the IB Diploma Programme.

"I am pleased that Livermore students will have access to this wonderful program. International Baccalaureate is a well regarded, rigorous program that helps students delve deeply into the subject matter. I am glad that Granada High School was accepted as a candidate school," says LVJUSD Board President Kate Runyon.

—Information submitted by Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District