The International Baccalaureate at IST

A World-Class Education from Early Years through High School

The International School of Texas (IST) is proud to be an IB World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the renowned Diploma Programme (DP). This makes IST the Austin area’s first independent IB Continuum school.

IST is one of 13 schools in the state of Texas to provide the full IB continuum, from age 3 through high school graduation. This consistent and globally recognized framework offers students a powerful foundation of academic rigor, creativity, and real-world connections that prepares them for college, career, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

The IB at IST is more than academics; it is a philosophy of education that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion at every stage of learning.

The IB Learner Profile

At the heart of the IB is the Learner Profile—a set of ten attributes that guide students to become well-rounded, responsible, and globally minded individuals. These traits are intentionally woven through the PYP, MYP, and (soon) DP, ensuring that IST students not only excel academically but also develop strong character and purpose.

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers – nurturing curiosity and developing skills for research and lifelong learning.
Knowledgeable – exploring ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers – applying critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems.
Communicators – expressing ideas confidently and collaborating effectively.
Principled – acting with integrity, fairness, and respect for others.
Open-Minded – appreciating their own culture while respecting the perspectives of others.
Caring – showing empathy, compassion, and a commitment to service.
Risk-Takers – approaching uncertainty with confidence and resilience.
Balanced – understanding the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being.
Reflective – thoughtfully considering their own learning and experiences to grow.

At IST, these attributes come alive in the classroom, on the field, in service projects, and across our community. They prepare students not only to succeed in college and career, but to lead with character, compassion, and confidence.

Primary Years Programme (PYP): Building Curiosity (Ages 3–11)

The PYP ignites a lifelong love of learning by nurturing curiosity and imagination. Through inquiry-based learning, our youngest Trailblazers explore big ideas across subjects, building strong foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving.

Hands-on, inquiry-driven learning that connects classroom concepts to the real world.
Development of the whole child: academically, socially, and emotionally.
Early introduction to STEM, world languages, and the arts within a global perspective.

By the end of the PYP, students are confident communicators, creative thinkers, and compassionate friends ready to thrive in middle school.

Middle Years Programme (MYP): Deepening Knowledge & Connections (Ages 11–16)

The MYP challenges students to think critically, make meaningful connections, and embrace intellectual risk-taking. It builds on the curiosity of the PYP and prepares students for the rigor of the DP.

Interdisciplinary learning helps students see how math, science, the arts, and humanities connect to each other and to the world.
Emphasis on creativity, service, and leadership, helping students develop character alongside knowledge.
Real-world applications through design projects, STEM exploration, and service learning.
Development of strong skills in research, collaboration, and communication.

MYP students learn to analyze complex problems, ask big questions, and see themselves as leaders in their communities.

Diploma Programme (DP): Preparing Leaders for College & Beyond (Ages 16–18)

The IB Diploma Programme is one of the most rigorous and respected college-preparatory programs in the world. Students pursue a balanced and challenging course of study that develops both depth and breadth of knowledge while cultivating the skills needed for success in college and careers.

Students complete courses across six subject areas, plus the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity-Activity-Service (CAS)
IB Diploma students consistently outperform peers in college-level coursework and standardized testing.
According to global research, IB graduates have higher university acceptance rates, stronger first-year GPAs, and greater persistence to graduation compared to non-IB students.
IB students are 21% more likely to be admitted to top-tier universities in the U.S. and abroad.

At IST, DP graduates are not only academically prepared—they are compassionate, globally minded, and ready to lead in an interconnected world.

The IB Advantage at IST

Choosing the IB continuum at IST means choosing a vertically aligned journey of growth where each stage builds intentionally on the one before it. From the PYP’s spark of curiosity, to the MYP’s deeper exploration, to the DP’s rigorous preparation for college and life, IST students grow into:

Critical thinkers who can analyze, evaluate, and innovate.
Creative problem solvers ready to tackle global challenges.
Confident communicators who can articulate ideas across cultures.
Compassionate leaders who value service and responsibility.

At IST, the IB isn’t just an academic path, it’s a launchpad for limitless possibilities.

The International Baccalaureate at IST

A World-Class Education from Early Years through High School

The IB Learner Profile

Primary Years Programme (PYP): Building Curiosity (Ages 3–11)

Middle Years Programme (MYP): Deepening Knowledge & Connections (Ages 11–16)

Diploma Programme (DP): Preparing Leaders for College & Beyond (Ages 16–18)

The IB Advantage at IST

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