International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate program at Mira Loma is part of the International Baccalaureate Organization's worldwide system of schools. The IBO's mission statement clearly indicates the philosophical approach of all IB schools:

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end, the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. (www.ibo.org)

The IBO offers three distinct programs: Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Years. At Mira Loma, we offer both the Middle Years Program (MYP) and the Diploma Program (DP).

Middle Years Program

The IB Middle Years Program (IBMYP) is designed for students aged 11 through 15. The IBMYP is a 5-year program beginning in the 6th grade. Mira Loma offers years 4 and 5 (9th & 10th grade) of the program. Students are welcome to begin the IBMYP in year 4 as a 9th grader without previous IBMYP experience.

Middle Years students are in classes that feature a student-centered approach to learning. All Middle Years classes are coordinated around the areas of interaction - interdisciplinary themes that unify the student's educational experience. Middle years students complete a personal project in the 10th grade which enables them to earn an IB Middle Years Certificate.

The IB Middle Years prepares students to enter the IB Diploma Program in their 11th-grade year.

For more detailed information, contact Ms. Rachel Volzer rvolzer@sanjuan.edu.

Diploma Program

Here at Mira Loma, we have a very inclusive diploma program. Students in the junior and senior years can opt to pursue one of three different options:

Diploma Candidates take six IB courses of study leading to six examinations, complete 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) activities  and write an extended research essay.

Mira Loma Associate Candidates take four IB courses of study leading to four examinations and do 100 hours of CAS

Mira Loma Certificate Candidates take three or IB courses leading to three or fewer IB examinations.

Most years we have between six hundred and seven hundred students enrolled in IB MYP and Diploma courses on our campus.

For more detailed information, contact Rochelle Jacks: rjacks@sanjuan.edu
 

IB Parent's Group      

Mira Loma has a very active and involved Parent Organization (IBPO). This group is critical for the success of the IB program, and we strongly encourage you to visit our parent webpage and find ways to participate and be informed. Whether it be financially, or with volunteering, your involvement is crucial.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an honors curriculum offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization, located in Cardiff, Wales.  Students who complete the IB diploma sit for rigorous examinations and can sometimes get college credit for work they've done in high school.  More important, IB students gain a perspective on themselves as citizens of the world that helps them to appreciate some of the issues that face us as global citizens.  The mission statement of IB makes it clear that the program is about much more than just rigorous testing.  

As an International Baccalaureate World School Mira Loma offers three programs from the International Baccalaureate Organization: the Middle Years Program (grades 9 & 10), the Diploma program (grades 11 & 12) and the Career-related Program for student in a career-technical education pathway (grades 11 & 12).  

Middle Years Program

Mira Loma's Middle Years Program (MYP) is shared with Winston Churchill Middle School.  Students begin their MYP classes in the 6th grade, and then complete the entire program at the end of grade 10.  MYP classes share a philosophy of student engagement and active learning.  

Diploma Program

Like the Middle Years Program the IB diploma is designed to create students who understand their connections to the world around them.  Diploma program students do community service and take a course entitled Theory of Knowledge, in which they compare knowledge claims from their different academic classes.

How to Apply

• Complete the application carefully and pay close attention to the dates. There is one application for all students interested in applying, and one commitment form for those who are students at WCMS. Please select the proper google form.

• In district (San Juan Unified) students: Acceptance letters will be mailed by Mid-January if turned in by the due date.

• Out of district students: Acceptance letters will be mailed by the end of February if turned in by the due date. Inter-district transfers can be completed once the acceptance letter is received and must be completed by March.

• Visit IB Middle Years Program Admissions for more information

Churchill IB Middle Years Program Students

Because WCMS is part of our IB continuum, if you are an Ambassador or Diplomat student, all you need to do is complete the commitment form letting us know that you are interested in continuing with your IB Pathway here at MLHS. Please note that for their own success in the future honors level curriculum, the student should be earning A's and B's in the Churchill IB Middle Years program. You will receive a link to complete the commitment form from your school in November. Letters of acceptance will be mailed directly to you in Mid-Late December.

Other San Juan School District Middle School Students

Applications are due in December (see the application for exact dates). Students who have been successful in their Middle School's HA or Honors Program will be admitted to the IB MYP Program. For students who are not currently in an honors program to be eligible for the Mira Loma MYP/IB program, students must have A’s and B’s and score in the 85th percentile or higher on standardized testing such as the STAR. Students accepted into the program will be sent a letter of acceptance. You will be automatically enrolled at Mira Loma and placed in the IB program. If Mira Loma is NOT your home school, your spot at your home school will be transferred to Mira Loma. You will not be able to return to your home school until next year.

Private School Students Residing in San Juan District

The same process applies to all residents in the San Juan Unified regardless whether you attend a San Juan Unified school or private school. Refer to the previous section, Other San Juan School District Middle School Students for details.

Out-of-District Students

Applications for the MYP/IB program are available on this website. To qualify for admission to the program, students should have A's and B's in the most challenging courses available to them and should score in the 85th percentile or higher on standardized testing such as the Stanford tests. It is important for the student to talk with their current math teacher to determine their current level. Applications are due in February. An acceptance letter will be sent to the family so that they can begin the inter-district transfer process. There is usually a class registration night in March for incoming students.
 

Inter-District Transfer Process

Once you have received your acceptance letter from the Mira Loma MYP/IB program, you need to take it to your home school district office and fill out an Inter-District Transfer Request. You need to begin this paperwork as soon as you receive the acceptance letter because it may take several weeks to complete the approvals. Some school districts give immediate approval, but many do not. You should receive a copy of the approval in the mail. This approval may be forwarded to the San Juan Unified offices by your home school district, or they may ask you to hand-carry the approval to the San Juan Unified offices. It is important to ask who is responsible (you or the school district) for getting the approval to the San Juan Unified offices in order to avoid unnecessary delays. Once both districts have approved the transfer request, you will make an appointment with the San Juan Unified School District office to fill out a registration packet. You will register for classes at Mira Loma in March.

Renewal of a Transfer

The inter-district transfer must be renewed the first year you attend Mira Loma High School. Every school district has different requirements for approving the renewal request. Check with your home school district office for a complete list of requirements. When the renewal of your inter-district transfer is granted, you should receive written confirmation. Just as with your first inter-district transfer (see above), you must clarify who is responsible for making sure SJUSD receives the paperwork. After SJUSD grants approval of the transfer renewal request, both you and Mira Loma will receive a copy of the approval. This process can take several weeks and it is always a good idea to follow up at each step if you are not receiving confirmation in the mail.
 

Visitation Dates

Every year we welcome middle-school students and their parents to come to see Mira Loma's great classes and programs in action.  Please continue to come to this webpage for dates and times. They are currently TBD.

This is an open visitation for all students interested in previewing MLHS who are NOT attending Winston Churchill Middle School or for those who missed the Fall Visitation Days.

Contact

You are welcome to email the IB Coordinators, or our mailing address is as follows:

International Baccalaureate Program
Mira Loma High School
4000 Edison Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95821

IB Middle Years Coordinator - Rachel Volzer

Telephone (916) 971-7427 x205062

IB Diploma Coordinator - Rochelle Jacks