The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a continuum of high quality education that encourages international-mindedness and a positive attitude to learning. Our programmes are accessible to students in 139 countries through our close cooperation with the worldwide community of IB World Schools.

The IB is unique.

• We offer a continuum of education, consisting of three individual programmes. We span the years from kindergarten to a pre-university diploma. While we are traditionally known for the Diploma Programme, IB World Schools increasingly offer all three programmes.

• We are proud of our reputation for high quality education sustained for over 35 years. Our curriculum represents the best from many different countries rather than the exported national system of any one. Our challenging Diploma Programme assessment is recognized by the world's leading universities. We maintain our high standards by actively training and supporting teachers, and by authorizing and evaluating IB World Schools.

• We encourage international-mindedness in IB students. To do this, we believe that students must first develop an understanding of their own cultural and national identity. All IB students learn a second language and the skills to live and work with others internationally-essential for life in the 21st century.

• We encourage a positive attitude to learning by encouraging students to ask challenging questions, to reflect critically, to develop research skills, and to learn how to learn. We encourage community service because we believe that there is more to learning than academic studies alone.

• We ensure that our programmes are accessible to students in a wide variety of schools-national, international, public and private-in 139 countries. These IB World Schools form a worldwide community in which there is no such thing as a "typical" school (more than 50% of IB students are in state-funded schools). IB World Schools cooperate in curriculum development, student assessment and the governance of the IB, making this a unique international collaboration.