Why IB at ISE?

See the IBO website for more about the Benefits of IB Education

We are passionate about offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at ISE because it aligns perfectly with our mission to empower globally minded, compassionate learners. The IB’s mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who contribute to a better world resonates deeply with our values. The IB curriculum, with its strong international dimension and emphasis on intercultural understanding, provides a framework for students to explore diverse perspectives and become responsible global citizens. This is reflected in the IB Learner Profile, which cultivates attributes such as open-mindedness, caring, and principled action—qualities we actively promote at ISE. 

Research from the IBO shows that:

Students in the PYP show higher levels of well-being compared to similar non-PYP student

MYP students perform significantly better than students from non-IB schools in common international assessments given worldwide

DP course students demonstrated higher levels of global mindedness as compared to their peers across the world.

Source: https://www.ibo.org/research/

The IB’s inquiry-based approach to learning fosters critical thinking and a deep understanding of concepts, moving beyond rote memorization. This methodology empowers students to become active learners, researchers, and thinkers, developing skills that are essential for success in higher education and beyond. The IB emphasis on holistic education, including extracurricular activities and community engagement through programs like CAS, further supports our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. This holistic approach, combined with the rigorous academic framework of the IB, prepares our students for success at top universities worldwide, as evidenced by our consistently high IB Diploma pass rates and the success of our alumni in higher education.

An IB diploma is recognized by more universities worldwide than any other programme diploma. It is well documented that students with an IB diploma perform much better in college than their peers. For families seeking an internationally recognized curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness, the ISE IB World School offers unique advantages.

Our experience shows our students who go on to other schools are highly successful, whether returning to the United States or attending other international schools around the world. The approaches to learning skills allow students to obtain any information and content effectively in and outside school settings and help in transitioning between different national and international curriculums.

ISE has a long and successful history with the IB, being the first authorized IB World School in Estonia with over 20 years of experience. Our highly trained and experienced staff, some of whom work as IB examiners, are dedicated to delivering a high-quality IB education. Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of IB programs on student well-being, academic performance, and global mindedness.

Our own experience confirms these findings, with ISE graduates demonstrating exceptional critical thinking, creativity, presentation skills, and global awareness. We believe the IB program, delivered within ISE’s caring and supportive environment, provides a unique and invaluable educational experience that empowers our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.