The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-for-profit global leader in international education – developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect.
The IB was born out of a commitment to develop a new way of thinking about teaching, learning, and assessment–grounded in education for a better and more peaceful world. Our historic mission emphasizes our shared humanity and the bonds that tie us together in one global community. Our responsibility to the world and to the people and systems that shape its future is enormous. Our resolution to continuously improve to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect must always reflect current thinking and changing expectations around the globe with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion. Humanity and its relationship to and with the planet are complex. We want to understand and celebrate our differences while recognizing and valuing the things that we share in common with each other and the rest of the earth.
The IB offers four educational programmes to more than 1.95 million students aged 3 to 19 across the globe. The IB programmes can be offered individually or as a continuum of international education. For over 50 years, our four programmes have provided a solid, consistent framework and the flexibility to tailor students’ education according to their culture and context.
Our programmes are designed to develop well-rounded individuals who can respond to today’s challenges with optimism and an open mind. IB programmes enable teachers to develop resilient, self-motivated young people who have the knowledge, skills, and sense of purpose they need to thrive throughout their lives and contribute to making the world a better place.
Our programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.
The IB has a presence in 159 countries throughout the world. There are 7,900 programmes across 5,700 IB World Schools across the globe. Universities worldwide recognize the strength of our Diploma Programme (DP).
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) works with schools and educators around the world, with representatives in our three Global Centres, The Hague, District of Columbia (DC) and Singapore, our Foundation Office is in Geneva, and our Assessment Centre in Cardiff.