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.
West High does not charge students to participate in an IB programme. The International Baccalaureate charges examination fees and fees for some assessments in non-tested Arts subjects. The following 2026-27 dates and exam fees are for AP and IB tests:
| Item | Deadline or amount |
|---|---|
| Register and pay for AP and IB tests | October 14, 2026 |
| Cancel an exam registration for a full refund | November 9, 2026 |
| AP exam fee | $99 |
| IB exam fee | $127 |
| AP late registration fine | $40 |
| IB late registration fine | $41; increases to $160 after January 11, 2027 |
Pay the Treasurer by cash or credit card. Fee waivers are available by application; please see your administrator. Fee waivers do not apply to late registration fines.
Students or families who need support should contact their assigned IB coordinator as early as possible. Additional assistance may also be available.
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, and the West High IB Commitment and Expectations document will be posted here as they are finalized. Current AP and IB test deadlines and fees are listed above.
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 current and past issues below.
2026-2027 Newsletters
| Month | Newsletter |
|---|---|
| August | Read the August 2026 AP/IB newsletter |
| September | Read the September 2026 AP/IB newsletter |
| October | Not yet available |
| November | Not yet available |
| December | Not yet available |
| January | Not yet available |
| February | Not yet available |
| March | Not yet available |
| April | Not yet available |
| May | Not yet available |
2025-2026 Newsletters
| Month | Newsletter |
|---|---|
| August | Read the August 2025 AP/IB newsletter |
| September | Read the September 2025 AP/IB newsletter |
| October | Read the October 2025 AP/IB newsletter |
| November | Read the November 2025 AP/IB newsletter |
| December | Read the December 2025 AP/IB newsletter |
| January | Read the January 2026 AP/IB newsletter |
| February | Read the February 2026 AP/IB newsletter |
| March | Read the March 2026 AP/IB newsletter |
| April | Read the April 2026 AP/IB newsletter |
| May | Read the May 2026 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