International & IB Program

At the High School level, the curriculum of the International and IB Programs are taught in English and offered to students as an alternative to the French-American program. The program offers American and International students the opportunity to challenge themselves academically while experiencing a truly international community. FASNY’s bilingual/multicultural students offer diverse perspectives that colleges and universities value.

Who should consider the International & IB Programs?

The International and IB Programs are excellent options for a variety of students. The curriculum in 9th and 10th grade is a natural progression for students who will take on the International Baccalaureate Program in 11th and 12th grade. Whether French, American, or one of the other 54+ nationalities represented at FASNY, the International and IB Programs are a strong option for:

Students who wish to study mostly in English while benefiting from a multicultural environment
Students who want more agency in their studies and who will question and understand their learning process
Students who are eager to get involved in the community and engage outside of the classroom in a variety of experiences.
Students who excel in traditional academic subjects and want to further their studies and push themselves intellectually, emotionally, and ethically
Students who want an excellent preparation for colleges and universities around the world

What is the IB Program?

The International Baccalaureate was created to give children of diplomats and globally mobile families a standardized high school curriculum that would be recognized by universities all over the world. The IB was built on a philosophy of international mindedness, seeking to prepare students not only to enter higher education but also to understand the interconnectedness of the world and to act responsibly within it.

The IB mission states that it develops “inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people” who “help to create a better and more peaceful world.” Through this lens, the goal of the programme is clear. The IB Program is not focused solely on grades. More importantly, it aims to shape students into thoughtful, reflective, and engaged global citizens.

What sets the IB Program apart?

How is IB different from AP or A-Levels? The IB Program is not just about taking advanced courses. It is about weaving together a set of experiences—academic, personal, and reflective—that shape the student as a whole. For two years, IB Diploma students manage many responsibilities: six courses, an Extended Essay, a TOK Exhibition and Essay, and ongoing CAS projects. They are juggling deadlines, learning time management, and stretching themselves in multiple directions. In the process, they grow into adaptable, resilient, and curious young adults who embody the FASNY mission.

The IB Program at FASNY

At FASNY, all IB Program students in grades 11 and 12 take all of their courses within the IB program. This rigor is unparalleled in many other schools, where students are often considered IB students by taking only one IB course. Students have two paths within the IB Program at FASNY: Certificate or Diploma. Students who pursue certificates take all of their courses at the IB SL or HL level, complete other IB tasks that best suit them, and sit for IB exams in chosen subjects in the spring. Students who qualify for the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) must follow stricter course selection guidelines and complete all four tasks within the IBDP. The school works closely with students and their families to determine the best path forward for each student during their high school years.

The Four Main Tasks of the IB Diploma Program

List of 4 items.

Task 1: Taking Six IB Courses
Students choose six subjects, one from each of these groups:
- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- Group 2: Language Acquisition (a second language)
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies (history, economics, geography, etc.)
- Group 4: Sciences
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: The Arts (or a substitute from another group)
Three of the six must be taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). HL is not “harder”, nor is SL “easier.” In most subject areas, HL implies more content because there are 240 hours of coursework in HL and 150 hours in SL.
Task 2: Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK is a course designed for students to think about how they know what they know. It is a perfect segue from the critical thinking program at FASNY, which begins in primary school. Students explore the sources of knowledge that shape their beliefs—whether those come from science, culture, religion, intuition, or personal experience—and then reflect on how reliable those sources are.

Students must complete two TOK tasks: the exhibition and the essay. For the exhibition, they choose three objects and connect them to one of the IB’s prescribed prompts, showing how TOK ideas appear in the real world. For the TOK Essay, they select one of the IB’s prescribed titles (topics) and write a 1,600-word essay exploring it with real-life examples and clear reasoning.
Task 3: The Extended Essay

Every IB Diploma student writes a 4,000-word research paper called the Extended Essay (EE). The EE is meant to mirror the process of academic research: framing a question, conducting an investigation, organizing evidence, and presenting a structured argument. In this rewarding task, students learn to think and write like young scholars.
Task 4: Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)

CAS is the component of IB that reinforces its holistic nature. It requires students to grow outside of the classroom. Creativity might mean art, music, writing, or any project that involves imagination. Activity involves physical exertion, whether that’s athletics, hiking, dance, or anything active. Service is about contributing to the community through meaningful engagement.

Students also complete a CAS Project, a collaborative, sustained effort that includes running a school play or organizing a charity fundraiser. CAS reminds students that their education is not only about grades and exams—it’s also about becoming thoughtful, active members of their communities.