The Nogales High School Honor's Curriculum revolves around two programs. One is the widely acclaimed International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, which offers a core curriculum of six subject areas and other requirements, leading to the prestigious International Baccalaureate diploma. The Nogales High School International Baccalaureate Curriculum includes classes in English, Fine Arts, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Science, and Business Management. 

We offer these courses to all students, but we recommend them for our most highly motivated students because fo the quality as well as the quantity of the work we expct from them in these classes. We encourage students to consider and try at least one honors or IB course. By choosing an advanced course, students make a decision to commit themselves to the requirements and responsibility. 

Candidates for the IB diploma are also eligible for the Nogales High School Honor's diploma. Students who do not choose to pursue the complete diploma may sign up for individual classes and take exams for certificates. Students in both the IB diploma and the IB certificates can earn college-level credit.

For more information about the International Baccalaureate program and IB Schools, please visit the IB Home page at IBO and their IBTV Page. Students and parents can also contact the IB/AP coordinator, Mrs. Jennifer Valenzuela, at the school for an appointment.  

IB Mission Statement

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

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

IB Diploma Program 

The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts. Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level, and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level.

All three parts of the core – extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, action, service – are required and are central to the philosophy of the diploma programme.

Learn more about the IB diploma programme at.

IB Diploma Requirements 

Students must complete a four-year plan beginning their freshman year through their senior year to earn an IB diploma.

Weighted Grade Point System

Grades in Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and IB courses for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and senior students are on a weighted system. Learn more about the Weighted Grade Point System.

High School Graduation Requirements

Along with other requirements, all seniors are required to complete and pass a Senior Exhibition before they can graduate. Learn more about all of the High School Graduation requirements.

• Complete 4-year plan

• Extended Essay

• Theory of Knowledge Course

• Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) 150 hours

• 3 Standard Level Exams (score at least 4 points on each)

• 3 Higher Level Exams (score at least 4 points on each, a 5 or higher to receive college credit)

Students must create a four-year plan beginning their freshman year through their senior year to earn an IB diploma. Four-year plans are written up during a conference with Mrs. Jennifer Valenzuela (AP/IB Coordinator). For an appointment, please call (520) 377-2021 ext. 2505.

SUMMER:  Physical Education

FRESHMAN YEAR:

English: Honors English I

Math: Algebra II

Science:Physical Science

Modern Languages: Español Nivel I/II; Español IC or IIC for non-native speakers; French I

SUMMER:  Geometry

SOPHOMORE YEAR:

English: Honors English II

Math: Honors Geometry or Algebra II; Honors College Algebra Trigonometry

Science: Honors Chemistry I

History: Honors World History

Modern Languages: AP Spanish; IB French I

SUMMER: Geometry

JUNIOR YEAR:

English: IB English III

Math: Honors College Algebra Trigonometry; IB Math Studies;

IB Math SL

Science: IB Chemistry II / IB Bio I

History: IB History of the Americas

Modern Languages: IB Spanish A/B I; AP Spanish; IB French II

TOK: Theory of Knowledge (second semester only) IB Business

SUMMER:  US Government (or by correspondence)

SENIOR YEAR:

English:  IB English IV

Math: IB Math Studies; AP Calculus I; AP Statistics; IB Math SL

Science: IB Biology II

History:   IB 20th Century

Modern Languages:  IB Spanish A/B II; IB French III

Social Studies:  AP Government

TOK: Theory of Knowledge (first semester only) IB Business