Current Students and Families
IB Resources for Current Students and Families
This page brings together the timelines, assessment information, research guidance, calendars, newsletters, and support resources that IB students and families need during grades 11 and 12.
Grade 11-12 Programme Timeline
Grade 11: Begin the IB Experience
- Begin IB subject courses identified in the student's IB Plan.
- Diploma and Career-related Programme students begin the Core requirements for their programme.
- Enroll in IB Independent Study, a one-semester course that guides students through the Extended Essay or Reflective Project.
- Meet regularly with teachers and coordinators, monitor deadlines, and ask for support early.
Grade 12: Complete Programme Requirements
- Complete IB subject courses and internal assessments.
- Finish the Diploma or Career-related Programme Core requirements.
- Confirm examination registration and assessment deadlines.
- Complete final programme documentation and prepare for April-May examinations.
IB Examinations, Fees, and Financial Support
IB examinations are held in April and May each year. Examination dates and times are set by the International Baccalaureate and cannot be changed by West High.
The 2026-27 examination calendar and fee amount will be posted when finalized.
West High does not charge students to participate in an IB programme. The International Baccalaureate does charge for examinations and for assessments in some non-tested Arts subjects. Registration, payment deadlines, and invoices are shared with students and families each fall.
Assessment fees are waived for students approved for a fee waiver. Additional assistance may also be available. Students or families who need support should contact their assigned IB coordinator as early as possible.
Extended Essay and Reflective Project
West students pursue an exceptionally broad range of personal, academic, and career interests through independent research.
- Extended Essay (EE): Diploma Programme students complete an independent 4,000-word research paper on a topic of their choosing.
- Reflective Project (RP): Career-related Programme students investigate an ethical dilemma connected to their career field and represent multiple perspectives through an approved written or multimedia format.
IB Independent Study provides structured guidance for choosing a topic, conducting research, working with a supervisor, documenting sources, and completing the final product.
Explore recent Extended Essay and Reflective Project topics:
Forms and Documents
Programme forms, assessment instructions, the annual examination calendar, fee information, and the West High IB Commitment and Expectations document will be posted here as they are finalized.
Students should continue to use materials distributed by their IB coordinator through school email and ParentSquare.
Calendars
Use the school calendars for information nights, programme events, assessment dates, and other important deadlines. IB examination schedules are published separately because testing dates are set by IB.
AP/IB Newsletters
Monthly digital newsletters provide instructions, announcements, deadlines, and student recognitions for AP and IB students and families.
Read the latest AP/IB newsletter
IB Policies
West High's updated IB policies will be posted here when the review process is complete. Until then, students should follow current guidance provided by teachers, coordinators, counselors, and school administration.
Need Help?
Contact the IB coordinator assigned to your graduating class:
- Jenny Nicholas: Classes of 2027 and 2029
- Carla Zumbado: Classes of 2028 and 2030