Logo design: Shoshana Bieler, SHHS ‘12
International Baccalaureate at a Glance
The Diploma Program was the first of three International Baccalaureate programs adopted by the Shaker Heights schools. Although IB
is elective in grades 11 and 12, it serves all children in all five K-4 schools and is being phased in at grades 5-10, where it ultimately will
serve all students. Shaker is poised to become the first K-12 International Baccalaureate district in Cuyahoga County – and it is proving
to be a significant factor in attracting new families. Here’s a quick overview of the program elements and characteristics:
SHAKER LIFE | SPRING 2014 51
Program Element Who is served Characteristics Status
Primary Years All students in Pre-K Hands-on All five K-4 schools in Shaker Heights have
Program through grade 4 Inquiry-based been authorized as International
Service/action Baccalaureate World Schools, following a
4th Grade Exhibition rigorous review by outside evaluators.
Mandarin instruction
beginning in grade 1
Middle Years All students in Hands-on Woodbury, the Middle School, and the
Program grades 5-10 Inquiry-based High School have earned approval as
Service/action Candidate Schools. Staff training and
Global focus curriculum writing are well under way, and
Personal project International Baccalaureate units of study are
Variety of world languages already being taught in many classrooms.
Diploma Program Grades 11-12 Broad liberal-arts education Shaker Heights High School has been
Elective Service/action authorized to offer the Diploma Program
Global focus since 2010.
Extended Essay
Variety of world languages
Visit shaker.org/ib or scan the QR code to view a video about the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program offered at Shaker Heights High School.