Often, families visiting international schools inquire about the variety of diplomas offered in high school and seek clarification on the distinctions between them, as well as the opportunities they afford students. Even our existing families occasionally lack a clear understanding of this matter. We aim to provide clarity on this topic through this article.
Depending on the cohort, between 95% and 100% of our students, all of whom are entered for the full International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma successfully attain the IB Diploma. However, all students earn the US High School Diploma. Additionally, students at BFIS have the option to pursue convalidation for the Spanish Baccalaureate diploma, upon meeting the requirements that we outline below in this article.
In essence, at BFIS, students have the flexibility to earn one, two, or all three diplomas: the traditional US High School Diploma, the globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and the Spanish Baccalaureate Diploma.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
The IBDP or International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, is a high school diploma that is internationally recognized and an alternative to high school programs such as the Advanced Placement program or in the British system A-levels.
The IB Diploma is issued by the International Baccalaureate Organization and consists of two years of study in grades 11 and 12. Students must take subjects in six different subject groups (at least 3 at higher-level) and complete the IB Core of CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and the 4,000-word Extended Essay (EE). To receive an IB Diploma, students must score a total of 24 points on their collective assessments in the six subject areas and the assessed CORE elements (TOK and Extended Essay); with a 12-point minimum in their higher-level classes and a 9-point minimum in their standard level classes. The completion of the CAS program is also a requirement for the IB Diploma and the BFIS High School Diploma.
Learn more about subjects offered in the IBDP program at BFIS
The IB Diploma Program is a rigorous, holistic, and very comprehensive program and the Diploma is recognized by the most prestigious universities and colleges all over the world. Students with the IB Diploma can also access Spanish universities (public and private). To learn more about that you can read our article: How to Get Into University in Spain as an IBDP Student
US High School Diploma
As previously mentioned, all students enrolled in the IBDP program receive the US High School Diploma if the following specific criteria are met. They must earn a minimum of twenty-four credits from Grades 9-12 and achieve a grade of 3 or higher in their subjects during Grades 11 and 12. It’s worth noting that 100% of our students successfully fulfill these requirements.
With the US high school diploma students can also access universities in many countries, but entry requirements may vary depending on the institution and country.
Country Information For IBDP Graduate Entrance to Higher Education
At BFIS, our dedicated university counselors provide thorough assistance and support to both students and parents throughout the entire university and college research and application process.
The Spanish Baccalaureate Diploma
To attain the Spanish Baccalaureate Diploma, students must have completed the ESO (Spanish Secondary Compulsory Education). This prerequisite entails studying three specific subjects from Grades 7 to 10: Spanish Language and Literature, Catalan Language and Literature (in the case of Catalonia), and Spanish Geography and History. If a student chooses to study abroad for one or more years during that period, they must present their official transcripts with the stamp and signature of the school director where they studied if they want to get the ESO validation. If they studied outside the EU they need the Hague Apostille to validate their documents.
Students pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) who have previously fulfilled the requirements for ESO can request the Spanish Baccalaureate validation, even if they don’t pass the IB exams but as long as they at least complete the requirements to obtain the High School Diploma.
Students who opt to study Catalan Language and Literature throughout their two years in the IBDP also earn the Catalan C1 Certificate, granting them the ability to work within public Catalan organizations and institutions.
Students with the US High School Diploma and without the ESO will not qualify to obtain the Spanish Baccalaureate certificate. They can still apply to a reduced number of private universities in Spain offering their own graduate degrees, but they will have limited options to study in public Spanish universities.
The BFIS Spanish Technical Director helps students and families with the requirements and process of acquiring the credentials and certifications to obtain the Spanish Baccalaureate Diploma.
No matter which path students embark upon, our team of counselors, college counselors, and the IBDP Coordinator maintain constant communication with students and their families, guiding them in identifying and achieving students’ goals for their post-high school endeavors. With personalized attention and comprehensive support, we ensure that each student’s journey beyond high school is met with clarity, confidence, and success.
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How to Get Into University in Spain as an IBDP student
Top 10 Reasons to Study the IBDP
What it Means Being a Part of the IB
5 tips to succeed in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
