IB Diploma Programme
IB Diploma Programme

IB Diploma Programme in Scottsdale, Arizona

Students in Grades 11 and 12 complete their Rancho Solano journey with the internationally respected IB Diploma Programme – the gold standard of college-preparatory education. Through small classes, expert IB-trained teachers, and an IB-prep pathway from Grade 9, they develop critical thinking, research, and global-mindedness while selecting courses that match their strengths and interests. 
 
As the only private school in the greater Phoenix area authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme, Rancho Solano positions students to thrive at top universities worldwide.

Hear from our IBDP students

Our IB curriculum

Rancho Solano students build a personalized IBDP pathway by choosing one course from each of the six IB subject groups, balancing Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) to match their strengths and goals.

Subject groups

Studies in language and literature 
Students refine advanced reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through: English SL/HL 

World Languages 
Learners grow as multilingual communicators and globally minded citizens through: French, Mandarin, Spanish – Ab Initio, SL/HL 

Individuals and Societies 
Students explore people, cultures, economies and histories to understand our complex world: History SL/HL, Economics SL/HL, Psychology SL 

Sciences 
Through inquiry, experimentation and analysis, students connect scientific theory with real-life applications: Biology SL/HL, Chemistry SL/HL, Physics SL/HL 

Mathematics 
Learners strengthen logic, problem‑solving and data literacy in: Analysis & Approaches (AA) SL/HL and Applications & Interpretations (AI) SL 

The Arts 
Creative students express ideas and develop artistic portfolios through: Visual Arts SL/HL, Film SL, Music SL/HL 

Across these six groups, students typically take at least three courses at Higher Level (no more than four), with the remaining at Standard Level, creating a rigorous yet tailored academic profile. 

Subject groups

Core elements

Alongside their six subjects, all IBDP candidates at Rancho Solano complete the three DP Core components, which expand their learning beyond individual classes and build university‑level skills. 

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) 
A seminar that pushes students to reflect on how we know what we know. They examine perception, emotion, language, and reason across disciplines – from science and math to history and the arts – and learn to look at questions from multiple perspectives. 

Extended Essay (EE) 
An independent, in‑depth research project on a topic linked to one of the student’s subjects. By framing a research question and writing a 4,000‑word paper, students demonstrate their ability to move beyond the classroom, engage in critical thinking, and make real‑world connections. 

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) 
Students complete a required number of hours in experiences outside the classroom that blend: 

  • Creativity – artistic, innovative, or problem‑solving projects 
  • Activity – physical pursuits that promote health and perseverance 
  • Service – meaningful contributions to the community 

CAS at Rancho Solano encourages learners to design projects around their own interests, often combining creativity, activity and service in the same initiative, and developing initiative, empathy and leadership along the way. 

Core elements

Core learning pillars

At our IB School in Arizona, students demonstrate full ownership of the academic knowledge and life skills built during their time at Rancho Solano, ready and confident to face new exciting challenges and opportunities in USA and all over the world.  

Academic achievement

Academic achievement

Enjoy personalized learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills, and understanding 

Life competencies

Life competencies

Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives 

Multilingualism

Multilingualism

Develop proficiency in at least one world language, while being supported in home or first languages. 

International opportunities

International opportunities

Try global skill-building programs and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. 

Life & career pathways

Life & career pathways

Benefit from personalized guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path. 

University destinations

Our students gain admission to leading universities across the United States and around the world, reflecting their academic excellence, leadership, and global readiness.

map

United Kingdom

  • University of Brighton, England
  • Bournemouth University, England
  • Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London
  • Camberwell College of the Arts, London

Ireland

  • University College Dublin, Dublin

Spain

  • IE University, Madrid

Switzerland

  • École hôtelière de Lausanne, Lausanne

Israel

  • Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan

Singapore

  • James Cook University Singapore, Singapore

Hong Kong

  • Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

USA

  • Brown University, Rhode Island
  • Columbia University, New York
  • Duke University, North Carolina
  • Emory University, Georgia
  • Georgetown University, District of Columbia
  • Harvard University, Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
  • Stanford University, California
  • University of California, Berkeley, California
  • University of California, Los Angeles, California
  • University of Michigan, Michigan
  • University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
  • Yale University, Connecticut
  • Academy of Art University, California
  • American University, District of Columbia
  • Arizona State University, Arizona
  • Auburn University, Alabama
  • Boston University, Massachusetts
  • California Institute of Technology, California
  • Claremont McKenna College, California
  • Case Western Reserve University, Ohio
  • Clemson University, South Carolina
  • Florida International University, Florida
  • Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia
  • New York University, New York
  • Northeastern University, Massachusetts
  • Pepperdine University, California
  • University of Southern California, California
  • University of Texas at Austin, Texas
  • University of Virginia, Virginia
  • Vanderbilt University, Tennessee

Canada

  • McGill University, Quebec
  • University of Alberta, Alberta
  • University of British Columbia, British Columbia
  • University of Calgary, Alberta
  • University of Toronto, Ontario
  • Ontario Tech University, Ontario
 Dhruv Class of 2019

Earning the IB Diploma prepared me to thrive at UCLA and now in medical school.

Dhruv Class of 2019, Student

When to enroll

At Rancho Solano Preparatory School, we offer flexible enrollment for our High School throughout the school year. Our Admissions team is here to discuss your needs and help you choose the best start date for you. 

Inquire now

Embark on a journey toward an international future with Rancho Solano Preparatory School's excellent IB Diploma Programme and open up to exciting opportunities all around the world.

Inquire now

Accreditations