The pre-IB and IB programs are open to any qualified student who lives within the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD). Students who do not live in North High School's attendance area will receive intra-district transfers upon acceptance into the International Baccalaureate program. These transfers are contingent upon continued participation in IB. Students and their parents are responsible for providing their own transportation.

Students residing outside of RUSD may apply for admission to the IB program. If accepted, parents must request an inter-district transfer from the district office. Such a request is handled on an individual basis. If granted, the transfer must be renewed annually.

Students wishing to enter pre-IB must submit an application in the middle of their eighth grade year. (Ninth graders may be accepted if they have appropriate course work and ability.) Applicants will be judged based on certain criteria. Because success in IB is related to skills and knowledge acquired in middle school, applicants should have strong reading and writing skills and be able to meet most, if not all, of the standards listed below.

By the end of the 8th grade the student should have

• completed Algebra (although it is preferable to have
finished geometry);
• completed one year of Spanish or French;
• been enrolled in advanced or GATE classes;
• scored at the 80th percentile or higher on standardized tests
in reading, language and math in the seventh grade with at least
one score at the 90th percentile or higher;
• performed satisfactorily on a writing sample to be
administered by North High School personnel;
• obtained recommendations from two teachers of
academic subjects;
• obtained a recommendation from a counselor;
• had good attendance.

In February of the sophomore year, students must complete another application if they wish to participate in the IB program during the junior and senior years. Students must meet most, or all, of the criteria that have been established.
By the end of the tenth grade the student should have

• completed Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry;
• completed at least two years of Spanish or French;
• completed World Literature & Composition at the
advanced or honors level;
• completed Honors Biology (a year of chemistry is
strongly recommended);
• earned good grades in 9th and 10th grade academic
courses;
• received positive recommendations from teachers and
counselors;
• had good attendance.

ASSESSMENT

International Baccalaureate examinations are administered in May of the student's junior and senior year. Students may take a maximum of two tests at the end of the 11th grade. The remaining examinations are administered at the end of the 12th grade. These tests are 3 to 5 hours in length per subject. At least one other form of assessment will be used in each subject. A mark is awarded in each subject as follows:

1 = very poor 3 = mediocre 5 = good 7 = excellent
2 = poor 4 = satisfactory 6 = very good

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is awarded to students whose marks total at least 24 for six subjects. Bonus points for Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay also affect the total score. Regardless of total marks earned, a Diploma will not be awarded to any student lacking the Theory of Knowledge course, the Extended Essay, or the CAS requirement. Students who earn a mark of 4 or better on an examination are awarded an International Baccalaureate Certificate in that subject.

Many colleges and universities grant credit or advanced standing to students based on IB examination scores. The University of California grants 30 quarter credits to students earning the IB Diploma with a minimum of 30 points. This enables students to complete a "four year degree" in a shorter period of time, thereby reducing the costs of a bachelor’s degree. University recognition policies about the IB may be found in a database located at www.ibo.org under “Services”.

For more information on admission to the IB Program, please contact Christine Schive at 951-788-7311 ext. 1341