Celebrating Four Consecutive Years of 100% International Baccalaureate Pass Rate

North Broward Preparatory School (NBPS) is thrilled to announce a remarkable milestone: for the fourth consecutive year, our senior class has achieved a 100% pass rate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program. This outstanding achievement underscores the dedication of our students and faculty and highlights the rigorous academic environment, which prepares students for higher education and beyond. 

NBPS students have not only maintained a perfect pass rate but also surpassed the global average IB score. While the global average diploma score is around 30-31 points, our students achieved an impressive average score of 33 points. This reflects the school's robust academic support and the personal attention each student receives. 

An accredited IB World School since 2008, NBPS is recognized as one of the best IB schools in Florida. Assistant Principal Tamara Wolpowitz, who serves as the IB and AP (Advanced Placement) advisor, expressed her pride in the students' achievements: "We take immerse pride in our results. Having a 100% pass rate again is impressive. We're higher than the world average by three points, which is a testament to the hard work of our students and the dedication of our faculty."  

The Significance of IB 

An IB education is known for its challenging curriculum that fosters critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a global mindset—skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world. The curriculum is designed to develop a universal two-year high school curriculum with proper challenges to address the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being of students. At NBPS, the IB program is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing a world-class education that equips students with the tools they need to succeed in college and their future careers. 

Students start in the Diploma Program (DP) curriculum in their junior year. The curriculum consists of DP core and learning six subject groups: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. The subject groups are separated into higher levels and standard level. 

DP Core: A Foundation for Success 

The IB Diploma Program (IBDP) thrives on a foundation of intellectual rigor and personal growth, centered around its DP Core. This trio— Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)—is more than just a curriculum requirement; it's the heartbeat of a well-rounded education.  

At the forefront of guiding our students through these pivotal experiences are teachers Keith Lindsley and Ann Tillman, whose passion and expertise in the IB Core subjects are instrumental in shaping our students' journey. Their commitment ensures that each student not only meets the rigorous demands of the IB program but also emerges as a critical thinker and an engaged global citizen.  

“Through Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service, the Core class interconnects the other six classes of an IB Diploma Program. By examining the question ‘How do we know what we know?’ Students create a mosaic of their knowledge, developing a complex understanding of the world and the limits of our knowledge. Core is the heart of the IBDP,” shares Keith Lindsley, Extended Essay Coordinator and IB Economics teacher. 

With the DP Core as its foundation, our IB program doesn't just prepare students for exams—it prepares them for life. 

A Pathway to Prestigious Colleges 

The IB diploma is highly regarded by colleges and universities worldwide. Director of College Advising Brian Johnson emphasizes the importance of the IB diploma program in college admissions: "Colleges recognize the IB diploma as a mark of academic rigor and dedication. Our students’ success in the IB program significantly enhances their college applications and opens doors to some of the most prestigious institutions." 

Many colleges award IB classes college credit, sometimes equating to an associate's degree. This sets a solid foundation for high-level college coursework, allowing students to start at a higher academic level than their peers. As a result, these students attend top colleges in the country and worldwide. "The college admissions offices recognize these students challenged themselves in ways that most students have not. The universities expect these students to arrive on campus and thrive," Mr. Johnson shares. 

Florida universities particularly recognize the importance of the IB diploma. Graduates receive higher acceptance rates to selective universities and are eligible for the full Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) Bright Futures scholarship, covering 100% of tuition and applicable fees at a Florida public college or university, regardless of SAT or ACT scores. Florida State University awards all IB diploma students an additional $1,000 per semester equaling $8,000.

"Students understand the value of a free education and the opportunities that this additional funding will lead to in their future," Mr. Johnson adds. 

Testimonials from Students

Mia Perez, a bilingual diploma graduate, shared her experience: "The IB program at NBPS challenged me to push my limits and broaden my horizons. The support from my teachers was incredible, and I feel more than prepared for my next step at college." Mia will attend Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service, majoring in International Politics. 

Salutatorian Markas Hanna, who received the second-highest score in his class, reflects on his time in the IB program: "I am proud of myself and thankful that my work paid off seeing my score. I am most grateful for the amazing teachers I had who helped me through the curriculum, especially Mr. Lindsley." Markas will attend the University of Florida Honors College, studying Data Science.  

Preparing for the Future

The IB program at NBPS equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to excel in higher education and beyond, paving the way for a bright and successful future. 

Many of our IB graduates will attend Harvard, Princeton, Duke, University of Florida, top 25 universities, and other top institutions. Their achievements in the IB program have set a solid foundation for their future academic and professional endeavors. 

“We are looking for students who are independent thinkers, knowledgeable, and open-minded to join our IB diploma program. The team of talented teachers at North Broward Prep work closely with students to give them the best possible lessons and advice before the next stage in their career.” shares Ms. Wolpowitz 

The consistent 100% IB pass rate at NBPS is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our students and faculty. The IB program not only prepares students for college but also equips them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a global society. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that continues to inspire and empower our students. 

At North Broward Preparatory School, we believe in nurturing the potential of every student and guiding them toward a future filled with limitless possibilities. Our IB diploma program stands as a beacon of academic excellence, a pathway to prestigious universities, and a foundation for lifelong success.

As we look ahead, we are excited to see our graduates make their mark on the world, armed with the confidence and competence that IB instills. Looking forward to another year of outstanding achievements and bright futures!