Aurora Public Schools

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programming

Aurora Public Schools offers rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) programming at Hinkley High School,.

The IB framework delivers a balanced education across languages, social studies, sciences, mathematics, and electives. Designed to foster equitable access for all students, IB programs empower young people to become confident, compassionate, and globally-minded learners who take ownership of their education.

Current IB Pathways at Hinkley High School

Note: While IB programming is currently centralized at Hinkley High School, the district hopes to expand IB offerings to additional schools in the future.

Why Choose IB at Hinkley?

IB instruction encourages students to think beyond the classroom walls. Through collaborative, hands-on learning, students gain distinct advantages:

• College & Career Preparation: Earn college credits, gain industry credentials, and build practical career experience before graduation.

• Global & Cultural Awareness: Build second-language fluency and deepen intercultural understanding.

• Critical Thinking: Develop the adaptability and complex problem-solving skills required for an ever-changing world.

• University Recognition: Complete coursework recognized by top-ranking universities worldwide.

Our Mission & Values

"The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect."

Our dedicated IB educators create inclusive learning environments that value diversity, nurture curiosity, and inspire students to thrive in higher education and beyond.

Contact Us

To learn more about enrolling in IB programs or to schedule a tour, contact the Hinkley High School IB Program Coordinator:

• Hinkley High School IB Coordinator: Jennifer Van Gundy

• District IB Coordinator:  Peter Wright

For additional details on the global IB curriculum and standards, visit the official International Baccalaureate website, or review this information to discover more about the IB's educational philosophy.

THE PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP)

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 - 12, develops active, self-regulated learners in a transdisciplinary curriculum framework.

The PYP marks the start of a lifelong journey. It develops caring and culturally aware children aged 3 – 12 to become active participants in their own learning.

Learn more about the Primary Years Programme.

The IB Primary Years Programme is for students in elementary school.

The Primary Years Programme focuses on the development of a student as a whole child and applies the following broad themes to learning content:

• Who we are
• Where we are in place and time
• How we express ourselves
• How the world works
• How we organize ourselves
• Sharing the planet

These six themes are designed to enhance learning in the traditional subject areas. They encourage students to view themselves as global citizens and create a transdisciplinary framework to encourage thinking that 'goes beyond' the confines of the traditional, standards-based curriculum. 

"Every day is a new adventure. There has not been one assignment that I didn't really get into and think about. I can tell that the teachers love to teach and the students love to learn." -- Loretta Miller, IB student

THE MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (MYP)

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Learn more about the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP): preparing students aged 11-16 to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

Building a solid academic foundation, the MYP develops students’ confidence in managing their own learning and making connections between their learning in the classroom and the real world.

Learn more about the Middle Years Programme.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programming at Hinkley High School

Aurora Public Schools offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programming centered at Hinkley High School. With a continuous pathway spanning Grades 9 through 12, the IB program empowers students to become confident, compassionate, and globally-minded learners who take charge of their own education.

IB Academic Pathways at Hinkley

Note: While IB programming is currently hosted exclusively at Hinkley High School, the district hopes to expand offerings to additional schools in the future.

Spotlight: The Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Designed for 9th and 10th graders at Hinkley, the MYP provides a challenging academic structure that encourages students to see the real-world relevance of their studies, evaluate information critically, and model themselves after the IB Learner Profile.

• Eight Core Subject Areas: Coursework spans Language & Literature (English), Language Acquisition (Foreign Language), Individuals & Societies (Humanities), Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical & Health Education, and Design (Technology).

• The Personal Project: In 10th grade (their final year of MYP), students complete a self-directed Personal Project centered on their personal interests, putting into practice everything they have learned through IB.

• Education for the Whole Child: MYP students build critical-thinking habits and learn how to learn—building skills they will use throughout higher education and life.

What Our Community Says

"MYP students are learning how to become 21st-century global citizens. IB is really focused on the education of the whole child."

— IB Educator

"This year our class advanced very far in Social Studies... Writing a report is the best way to learn about something."

— Taylor Peterson, Student

"Learning algebra was really fun. There's all these new things you can do with numbers and exponents. I think offering algebra in the Middle Years Programme is a good idea."

— Justin Scalucci, Student

Get in Touch

To learn more about enrolling in IB programs, scheduling a campus tour, or asking questions about the coursework, contact Hinkley High School:

• Main Office Phone: 303-340-1500

• Address: 1250 Chambers Rd., Aurora, CO 80011

For additional details on global educational standards, visit the official International Baccalaureate website .

THE DIPLOMA YEARS PROGRAMME (DP)

Diploma Programme (DP)

Find out more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-19, including information on pathways to university and employment and on who can offer the programme.

A future-ready programme that builds students’ inquiring mindset, fosters their desire to learn, and prepares them to excel at their careers and lead meaningful lives.

Learn more about the Diploma Programme.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive, two-year curriculum designed for juniors and seniors seeking a challenging educational experience with a strong emphasis on international understanding and responsible citizenship. As they near the end of the Programme, IB Diploma students undergo a final examination process that mimics college exams and prepares them for success at the university and life beyond.

IB Diploma Requirements

To receive an IB diploma, students must take and pass world standard exams in six subject areas, fulfill a community service requirement, submit an extended essay and follow an interdisciplinary course in Theory of Knowledge.

College Preparation

Upon successful completion of the Programme, students receive a diploma that is recognized by leading universities around the world. Many schools, including the University of Colorado and other major universities in Colorado, even grant college credit for students who score well on their IB exams and earn their IB Diplomas.

Most IB Diploma students consider it ample preparation for college.

Additional Information

Hinkley High School currently offers the Diploma Programme for the 2023-202424 school year. Hinkley is building capacity to offer the Career-Related Programme during the 2024-2025 school year.

For more information, contact Hinkley at 303-340-1500.

"There is a big difference between the students who were in IB and those who were not. The IB kids are ready for what college expects." -- Former Hinkley IB student Aakah S.

THE CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME (CP)

Career-related Programme (CP)

Learn more about the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP) designed for students aged 16-19. Find resources and curriculum information and learn how to offer the programme.

A unique programme for students in their final school years. It equips them with future-ready skills and prepares them to follow their career pathways—combining academic subjects with their own professional interests.

Learn more about the Career-related Programme.

Also offered at Hinkley High School starting fall 2024, the Career-related Programme. CP students undertake a minimum of two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses, a core consisting of four components and a career-related study.

What's the difference between the Career-related Programme (CP) and the Diploma Programme (DP)?

It is a blend of both pathways! And, the CP offers a pathway to employment.

The Diploma Programme courses provide the theoretical underpinning and academic rigor of the programme.

The Career-related Programme, or career-related study, further supports the programme’s academic strength and provides practical, real-world approaches to learning. The CP core helps students to develop skills and competencies required for lifelong learning.

21st century life places complex demands on graduates looking for work – so enabling students to become self-confident, skilled and career-ready learners must be an integral part of their education. This is all a part of the CP programme.

Read more about the CP curriculum.

To learn more about what IB has to offer students in Aurora Public Schools, please visit the International Baccalaureate website.