St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School in Milton has officially been authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for the Diploma Programme, marking a significant milestone for the school community and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB).
The authorization follows the school's successful candidacy phase, which began in June 2023. During this time, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School worked closely with the International Baccalaureate Organization to align its programs, teaching practices, and supports with the IB's internationally recognized standards.
With this designation, St. Kateri Tekakwitha becomes the second International Baccalaureate Programme within the Halton Catholic District School Board. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Oakville was the board's first IB World School, and the addition of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School further expands access to internationally recognized programming for students across the board.
IB World Schools share a common philosophy - a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry, and global citizenship. The IB Diploma Programme, offered in Grades 11 and 12, is recognized worldwide and prepares students for success in post-secondary education and beyond.
As part of its IB pathway, St. Kateri Tekakwitha offers a Grade 9 and 10 Pre-IB Programme to support students in preparing for the academic rigour of the Diploma Programme. Completion of the Grade 10 Pre-IB Programme is required for entry into the IB Diploma Programme.
Applications for the Grade 10 Pre-IB Programme remain open to current Grade 9 students until March 6, 2026.
The International Baccalaureate Programme offered at St. Kateri Tekakwitha is open to all Grade 11 and 12 students in Milton and Halton Hills. The programme is designed to go beyond the basics of traditional curricula, helping students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Globally, a high percentage of IB Diploma Programme students go on to university, with many Ontario IB schools reporting near-universal university acceptance rates.
Families interested in learning more about the IB or Pre-IB Programme at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School are encouraged to visit the school's website.
For more information about the International Baccalaureate Programme and the IB authorization process, visit www.ibo.org.
