International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Programme at Mercyhurst Prep encourages Lakers “to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people with their differences can also be right” (ibo.org). As importantly, learning at MPS and within the IB focuses on developing self-regulated learners who are resilient and curious.

The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous, college-level course of study for juniors and seniors. It challenges students to think critically, write clearly, and make real-world connections across all subjects. Students can choose to personalize their education by pursuing certification from IB in one or more subject areas or they can choose to earn the full IB Diploma. Diploma students also do independent research, community service, and take a unique class that ties all their learning together.

But the preparation doesn’t start in 11th grade. Our 9th and 10th grade courses are designed to build the skills students need to thrive in the IB Program later. These classes are intentionally connected to what comes next; they focus on writing, analysis, time management, and inquiry-based learning.

This means students are growing each year and gradually building the confidence and skills they’ll need for the full IB experience. Whether your child ends up doing the full Diploma or participating in a few IB classes, they’ll benefit from a strong academic foundation and a globally-minded approach to learning.

If your child is motivated, curious, and ready to be challenged, the IB pathway could be a great fit. We’re excited to support them every step of the way!

IB’s Approaches to Learning highlights the importance of developing students’ thinking, communication, research, self-management, and social skills.

And while the IB Diploma Programme is available only to juniors and seniors, the MPS curriculum is carefully designed by our faculty and administration to develop these higher-order skills beginning with 9th and 10th graders to prepare them for IB learning.

The IB Learner Profile is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of students, parents, and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose. The learner profile is a set of qualities that enhance student learning and is applicable to all students and adults involved in Mercyhurst Prep. [Download the IB Learner Profile]

To encourage all students to participate in IB learning, our Community of Learners recognition program centers around the IB Learner Profile, a list of ten characteristics that IB learning fosters. Any adult at MPS can nominate any student from any grade or course level who demonstrates one or more of these attributes. This is just one of the ways MPS tries to build IB students from the moment they walk in the door.

The IB and Mercy missions align through a shared focus on developing compassionate, globally- minded individuals who are committed to creating a better, more just world.

The educational philosophy of the IB organization is found in its mission statement: “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 programmes of international education and rigorous assessment” (ibo.org).

Students can choose to participate in an IB class for MPS course credit, to earn certification in one or more subject areas to personalize their learning, or they can pursue the internationally-recognized IB Diploma. Courses are available at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).  

At Mercyhurst Prep, every student has the opportunity and is encouraged to take at least one IB course. MPS currently offers the following IB courses: 

Lakers complete six courses in these subject areas over their junior and senior years: literature, history, math, science, world languages, and the arts. Additionally, they are required to craft an extended 4,000-word essay exploring a topic of individual interest using independent research and writing skills and to participate in Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – an interdisciplinary course exploring connections among the various areas of knowledge. In addition to coursework, service is required (Creativity, Activity, Service).  

Academic depth and real-world application aren't in tension at MPS — they reinforce each other.

A group of talented, forward-thinking teachers at the International School of Geneva, with assistance from several international schools, created the IB Diploma Program in 1968. What started as a single program for internationally mobile students preparing for university has today grown into four programs for students aged 3 to 19 with more than 6,000 schools in 160 countries offering IB programs to almost two million students worldwide. Mercyhurst Prep has been the region’s premier IB school for forty years.

IB is an international and comprehensive program with two-year classes rather than a national program where students may choose to pay to enroll in a few selected courses to buy college credit. IB students are engaged in a philosophy of education that teaches students how to learn and promotes a love of learning. Educators note that IB students tend to exhibit strong self-management and communication skills along with the ability to think, research, and collaborate with others in meaningful ways.

1. Academic Integrity (updated 2026)
2. Access and Inclusion (updated 2026)
3. Admissions Policy and Standards
4. Assessment Policy
5. Complaints Procedure
6. Language Policy (updated 2026)
7. CAS Handbook

NOTE: We are in the process of revising policies.

For more information about the IB and its programs, please visit ibo.org or contact the MPS IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Nicole Wojciechowski, at 814.824.2647 or nwojciechowski@mpslakers.com.