In order to receive the full Diploma, a student must demonstrate proficiency in specific areas. Students must enroll in courses in literature, foreign language, mathematics, experimental science, and social science. Upon completion of course work, six external examinations must be taken and passed. In addition, the IB Diploma candidate is required to prepare a research paper of 4000 words (Extended Essay), participate in a course called Theory of Knowledge, and become involved in extracurricular activities in the areas of creativity, action, and community service (CAS).

The curriculum is determined by an international group of educators and is consistent throughout the world. The areas of the IB program and the subjects offered at North High School are:

(1) Language A - Literature (generally in the language native to
the student or the country in which the school is located – at North
Language A is done in English)

(2) Language B - Spanish or French

(3) Individuals in Society - economics

(4) Experimental Sciences - biology or physics

(5) Mathematics - calculus and higher mathematics

(6) A sixth subject - world history, theatre arts, or a second
experimental science

Students enroll in IB courses during their junior and senior year. Ninth and tenth graders participate in the pre-IB program, taking courses that prepare them for IB subjects. Students may choose to emphasize social science, experimental science, or theatre arts. The four-year plans listed below are examples of possible schedules students may follow as they pursue the full Diploma. They differ due to the "sixth subject" undertaken in each. Summer school courses may allow the student more time for electives. Note that a full year of fine art is required for admission to UC and Cal State schools.
SOCIAL SCIENCE
GRADE 9* GRADE 10
Honors Introduction to Literature. Honors World Literature
Spanish or French 2 Honors Spanish or French 3
Honors World History & Geography AP United States History
Geometry Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry
Honors Biology Honors Chemistry or elective
PE PE
GRADE 11 GRADE 12**
Honors American Lit. & Comp. IB English HL
AP Spanish or French Language IB Spanish or French SL
AP European History IB History HL
IB Economics SL AP Calculus AB
Pre-Calculus IB Biology HL
Honors Chemistry or elective Theory of Knowledge

SCIENCE
GRADE 9* GRADE 10
Honors Introduction to Lit. Honors World Literature
Spanish or French 2 Honors Spanish or French 3
Honors World History & Geography U. S. History (AP or regular)
Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry Pre-Calculus
Honors Biology Honors Chemistry
PE PE
GRADE 11 GRADE 12**
Honors American Literature IB English HL
AP Spanish or French Language IB Spanish or French SL
IB Economics SL IB Math HL
AP Calculus AB IB Physics HL 2
AP Physics C (1st yr of IB Physics HL) IB Biology HL
Elective Theory of Knowledge

THEATRE ARTS
GRADE 9* GRADE 10
Honors Introduction to Literature Honors World Literature
Spanish or French 2 Honors Spanish or French 3
Honors World History & Geography AP United States History
Geometry Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry
Honors Biology Honors Chemistry or elective
PE PE
GRADE 11 GRADE 12**
Honors American Literature IB English HL
AP Spanish or French Language IB Spanish or French SL
IB Theatre Arts HL 1 IB Theatre Arts HL 2
IB Economics SL AP Calculus AB
Pre-Calculus IB Biology HL
Honors Chemistry or elective Theory of Knowledge

* A semester course in health must be completed by the end of the 9th grade year. Students may
take it in summer school prior to the freshman year or as a "7th" course in grade 9.

** IB Diploma candidates satisfy the government/civics graduation requirement by examination.