IST named Austin’s FIRST independent, secular, IB Continuum School

IST Achieves IB Diploma Programme Application Approval

IST WILL BE ONE OF ONLY 13 IB CONTINUUM SCHOOLS IN TEXAS, FIRST INDEPENDENT IB CONTINUUM SCHOOL IN AUSTIN AREA

The International School of Texas is proud to announce that it has officially received approval for its application to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), a milestone that will complete IST’s full IB Continuum, from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and now the Diploma Programme. This means IST will be Austin’s first independent, secular IB Continuum School.

This achievement follows a multi-year, highly rigorous authorization process. IST engaged in extensive research, curriculum design, and vertical alignment of courses across divisions to ensure academic coherence and continuity. The process also included IB site visits, detailed reviews of teaching practices, faculty training, student support systems, and evaluations of facilities, learning spaces, and long-range campus planning to support future growth.

“This moment represents years of dedication, collaboration, and belief in what our students deserve,” said Mr. Hyatt, Head of the Secondary Division. “I am incredibly proud of our teachers and staff for the hard work, thoughtful planning, and commitment they have shown to reach this milestone for our community.”

The IB Diploma Programme is internationally recognized as one of the most academically rigorous secondary education frameworks in the world. IB Diploma students engage in college-level coursework emphasizing critical thinking, research, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary learning.

IB DP graduates consistently demonstrate:

• Higher college and university acceptance rates: 18-22% higher admission rates across elite colleges & universities
• Advanced standing or dual credit at many universities
• Stronger preparation for the academic, social, and organizational demands of higher education and professional life

What makes IB at IST truly unique is the depth and continuity of the learning experience. Students at IST begin their IB journey with transdisciplinary, student-driven learning in the Primary Years Programme, building inquiry skills, conceptual understanding, and global awareness from the earliest grades. These foundations intentionally grow and evolve through the Middle Years Programme while developing an orientation toward service, and will culminate in the Diploma Programme, creating a coherent, research-based pathway that develops thinkers, communicators, and leaders over time. IB at IST is not a single program added at the high school level; it is authentic IB learning from start to finish.

“Having worked in schools around the world, I have seen the IB Diploma Programme implemented in many contexts,” said Dr. Watson, Head of School. “What IST has built is exceptional. The strength of its full IB continuum, the intentional alignment across divisions, and the commitment of its educators truly reflect the IB as it was designed to be experienced.”

“The IB Diploma Programme is transformative,” said Ms. Overman, Diploma Programme Coordinator and Secondary Teacher. “It empowers students to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and take ownership of their learning. Having the full IB continuum at IST allows us to deliver this world class program exactly as it was intended, and to prepare our graduates for success at the university level and beyond.”

With this application approval, IST will become Austin’s FIRST independent, secular IB Continuum School, offering students a world-class education from early childhood through graduation, PYP, MYP, and now DP – within one unified, mission-driven learning community.

This milestone reflects IST’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, global citizenship, and lifelong learning. It also reflects our commitment to our vision to build an innovative and enduring institution that provides an exceptional education.

IST’s mission is to cultivate a respectful, global community that instills students with integrity, confidence, intellect in pursuit of improving themselves and serving the world around them. The IB DP allows us to send our graduates into the world not just prepared, but prepared to lead.