Honors Program

  • Lindbergh High School students are encouraged to take honors courses. Many national studies indicate that students who take challenging courses in high school acclimate to college faster, earn higher grade-point averages and have higher four-year graduation rates. The LHS Honors Program has two major components – Advanced Placement courses and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

    Advanced Placement

    The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows students to take college level courses while still in high school. Student may earn college credit and/or placement into upper level college courses by taking AP exams. Many colleges and universities recognize AP courses when making admissions decisions. The following 22 courses are offed at LHS for Advanced Placement.

    • English Literature, Language
    • Spanish, German, French
    • U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics
    • Psychology, Human Geography
    • Chemistry, Physics 1, 2 and C
    • Biology, Environmental Science
    • Calculus AB and BC, Statistics
    • Computer Science, Economics
    • Music Theory, Studio Art

    For more AP information, please visit www.collegeboard.org.

    International Baccalaureate

    The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is designed as a comprehensive curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national education systems. The diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of several. Currently there are 2,795 Diploma Program Schools in 143 countries around the globe and 866 IB Diploma high schools in the United States.

    Students enter the program in grades 11-12 and take a prescribed set of courses in each of six areas of study listed below. By taking IB exams, students can earn college credit and/or placement into upper level college courses. Many colleges and universities recognize IB courses when making admissions decisions.

    • Language A – English
    • Language B – Student choice of either Spanish, German or French Language
    • Global Studies
    • Science – Student choice of either Biology, Chemistry, Physics
    • Math – Student choice of Calculus AB, BC or Math Studies
    • A sixth area of study from one of the following: 
    • A second foreign language from above
    • A second science from above
    • IB Computer Science
    • IB Theatre Arts or IB Studio Art
    • IB Business and Management

    IB Special Features

    • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a required interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational argument. The key element in the International Baccalaureate educational philosophy, TOK seeks to develop a coherent approach to learning that transcends and unifies the academic subjects and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

    • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a fundamental part of diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some may feel within a demanding school program. Participation in community service activities that relate to students’ interests encourages young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern, and the ability to work cooperatively with others. The goal of education the whole person and fostering a more compassionate citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books.

    • Diploma candidates are required to undertake original research and write an EXTENDED ESSAY of some 4,000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at a university. There are currently 60 subjects, including more than 35 languages in which the essay may be written.

    For more IB information, please visit www.ibo.org.

    Students taking both AP and IB exams can earn college credit or placement depending on the exam grade and the college. For more information or questions, please contact LHS Honors Coordinator Miranda Gelven at 314-729-2400, ext. 1711 or mgelven@lindberghschools.ws.