Welcome to the IB Diploma Programme at St. Dominic High School
HISTORY
In April 2010, IB North America authorized the implementation of the Diploma Programme at St Dominic High School (SDHS). As an IB World School, St Dominic shares a common philosophy with other IB schools around the world — a commitment to high quality, challenging, internationally recognized education that St Dominic High School believes is important for students on St. Maarten. We are proud to be the first government subsidized school in the Caribbean to offer the IB Diploma Programme. 219 students have completed and benefited from an IB education here at St. Dominic High School. With the acquisition of strong research and inquiry skills, our IB graduates have been accepted into universities in Canada, the Caribbean region, The Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom and the United States.
THE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate Programme is a rigorous course of study designed to meet the needs of highly motivated high school students and to promote international understanding. The effectiveness of the IB programme is due not only to the depth of the individual courses, but also to the comprehensive nature of the curriculum. Unlike other honors programs, the IB Programme requires each student to take courses in six academic areas. 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. To this end the IBO 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. The International Baccalaureate Programme is a rigorous course of study designed to meet the needs of highly motivated high school students and to promote international understanding. The effectiveness of the IB programme is due not only to the depth of the individual courses, but also to the comprehensive nature of the curriculum. Unlike other honors programs, the IB Programme requires each student to take courses in six academic areas.
BEFORE Thinking about your Subjects. Where do I Start?
Research
Before selecting your subjects, it would be helpful to have an idea of what you plan to study in University. Complete some research on the subjects Universities require for your career choice. Check the level the University requires (HL or SL).
Recognition
Have a look at the database of Universities that recognize the IB Diploma programme.
Levels
Consider the levels you need to take the subjects in. Each subject can be taken as Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). HL subjects comprise 240 teaching hours while Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. HL demonstrates a greater body of knowledge.
Select
Select your subjects for the IB Diploma Programme. Remember: AT LEAST 3 HL subjects, but NO MORE THAN 4. Six subject groups comprise the core of the IB curriculum.
Choosing Your Subjects
The IB Diploma candidate is required to select one subject from each of the six areas. Students choose subjects from the following subject groups: Please click on the subjects below to receive additional subject information from the IB Organization website.
Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals & Societies
The Arts
Why Consider the IB diploma Programme?
- Strong preparation for university-level study
- Develops key skills like Critical thinking, Research and writing, Time management, Problem-solving
- Widely accepted by top universities globally. See List of Universities Here
- Encourages a balanced education (strong academics, creativity, reflection, service)
- Helps students stand out in competitive university applications
- Many students earning the IB Diploma are awarded advanced college credit at various universities around the world. Many highly competitive colleges and universities recognize the IB Diploma for admissions and/or advanced standing.
IB Programme Fees
The St. Dominic High School is subsidized by government for the majority of its expenses. However the subsidy will not cover all the costs of the IB programme; therefore, the following fee will be charged.
IB Uniform – St. Dominic High School
Fee Structure (Annual)
IB Uniform
Additional Requirements
Final Official Exam Cost
IB Class of 2026 Registration for the Academic Year: 2024-2025
Date
Monday, June 17, 2024
Time
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Requirement for SDHS students:
Copy of recent Census Registration Form
(not older than 6 months)
Copy of Passport or Resident Permit
(for Non-Dutch Nationals)
Documents Required with Application
The documents are Predicted Grades Statement
(if not yet graduated)
Official Highschool Transcript
(for all applicants)
2 Teacher letters of Recommendation
(for all applicants)
IB Documents
Declaration of Awareness of Plagiarism
Declaration of Awareness of Plagiarism
Application Process & Important Dates
For 2026 Enrollment
Application Portal Opens
February 27, 2026 (12:00 AM)
- Visit St Dominic High School website
- Navigate to the IB Diploma Programme page
- Application form accessible online
Application Deadline
- Complete and submit application
- Upload all supporting documents
Application Review Period
April 24 - June 1, 2026
- Applications reviewed by the Admission Committee
Application Outcome Email
June 9, 2026
- Email notification confirming application result
Accept / Decline Offer
By June 13, 2026
- Accept or decline admission offer
Registration Deadline
June 22, 2026
- Submit documents at school office
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Parental contribution payment due
IB Diploma Programme Admissions Criteria
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA (AC)
Applicants who meet AC1(a), AC2, AC3 and AC4 in the application process will be eligible for admission to the St Dominic High School IB Programme as a diploma candidate (subject to available space – 25 diploma candidates).
Course candidates will be admitted based on availability of space (if there are less than 25 candidates) in the selected subject offered in the following groups: 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6).
AC1(a)
Form 5 CXC-CSEC: (All 3 conditions MUST be met)
- Students have predicted grades of at least 6 general I, II, and IIIs (NT2 Dutch A2, B1, B2 or equivalent Dutch examination). An average of General II is required
- A student has an overall average of 73 on the transcript for F4 and F5
- A student has an overall average of 75 for English in Form 4 and Form 5
HAVO 5: (All 3 conditions MUST be met)
- Students have predicted grades of 7’s and 8’s
- Students pass the HAVO examination with an average of 7,3
- Students have an 8 average for English in HAVO 4 and HAVO 5
VWO 4: (All 3 conditions MUST be met)
- Students are promoted to VWO 5
- Students have a 7,3 average
- Students have an 8 average for English in VWO 4
Grade 10 in the American or Canadian system (All 3 conditions MUST be met)
- Students are promoted to grade 11
- Students have a GPA of 3.5 or a B+ average
- Students have an overall average of 75 for English in Grade 9 and 10
AC1(b)
Applicants who meet AC1(b), AC2, AC3 and AC4 in the application process will receive a ‘pending receipt of examination results’ admissions advice (subject to available space).
- Students have predicted grades of at least 6 general I, II, and IIIs (NT2 Dutch A2, B1, B2 or equivalent Dutch examination). An average of General II is required AND A student has an overall average of 70-72 on the transcript for F4 and F5
- A student has an overall average of 70-72 on the transcript for F4 and F5
- A student has an overall average of 70-74 for English in Form 4 and Form 5
Admissions Criteria (AC2, AC3 and AC4)
Applicants will be considered for the IB Diploma Programme based on academic performance, but also the personal qualities and beliefs which we believe are essential for success in the IB programme.
As part of the application process, applicants will complete online Psychometric/Educational Assessments and will be required to submit personal statements and other supporting documents. These will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and a team of IB teachers.
The team will assess each applicant’s decision to enroll in the IB Diploma Programme. The aim is to determine if the applicant is suitable for the learning environment and possesses the growth mindset to embody the IB learner profile attributes.
Based on information received, each applicant will receive a ranking in each of the following Admissions Criteria.
AC2 – This criterion will assess the candidate’s passion, skills and fit with the IB Learner Profile. Referring to the applicant’s personal statements and application, the admissions committee will examine the student’s interests, skills and ways of learning and working and motivation to study in the IB Programme.
AC3 – The Admissions Committee will examine the students’ resumé of extracurricular activities and their:
- Abilities to meet challenges
- Leadership qualities and teamwork
- Determination, resilience, life balance
- Responsibility to society
AC4 – The Admissions Committee will refer to the student’s academic ability and potential. The IB is a challenging programme and requires a student to be diligent, organized and possess independent learning skills. The Admissions Committee will refer to the student’s transcript and letters of recommendation.
What is the application process?
1. Complete the Application Form Online via the St Dominic High School Website.
a. Must have predicted grades
b. Must upload all required documents
c. Students will be required to submit short personal statements.
2. Complete and submit the online Psychometric/Educational Assessments. Relevant links will be shared on the application form.
3. The Admissions Committee and IB Teachers will review all incoming applications.
4. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application via email by the pre-determined date. This would usually be within the first two weeks in June.
5. Applicants who are offered a place must accept or decline the offer by the pre-determined date.
6. Once offer has been accepted, applicant will be required to submit registration documents and pay the parental contribution.
DP YEAR PLANS
| DP YEAR 1 | DP YEAR 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Studies in Language and Literature | ||
| English A Literature |
ENG-1 
|
ENG-1
|
| Dutch B |
Dutch B
|
ENG-1
|
| Mathematics | ||
| Analysis and Approaches |
Analysis and Approaches
|
Analysis and Approaches
|
| Applications and Interpretation | ||
Virtual Spanish Exchange
St Dominic High School and Elian’s British School of La Nucia Collaborate on Virtual Spanish Exchange
St Dominic High School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is excited to announce a collaborative initiative with Elian’s British School of La Nucia in Alicante, Spain. This innovative virtual Spanish exchange will bring together students from diverse backgrounds, fostering global connections while enhancing language proficiency in an international and real-world context.
The participating class from Elian’s British School includes students hailing from Russia, Great Britain, France, and Sweden. On the St. Maarten side of the virtual exchange, students from St. Dominic represent Jamaica, Bolivia, Columbia, St. Maarten, China, India, and Guyana. This unique blend of cultural perspectives promises to create a rich and dynamic environment for the students and teachers that transcends traditional methods and approaches to teaching and learning.
Spanish Language teachers Ms. Agata Plein of St. Dominic High and Ms. J. Cristina Fuster of Elian’s British School designed this year-long collaborative project with the primary focus centered around in-depth discussions on key topics such as health and lifestyle, identity, experiences, holidays, and travel. By delving into these subjects, students aim to not only improve their fluency in Spanish but also to develop a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and perspectives. to express their opinions and ideas in Spanish, contributing to their linguistic development.
The virtual exchange will be facilitated through the newly renovated and redesigned E-library at St. Dominic High School, allowing students to use their digital devices in collaborative spaces to engage in real-time conversations with their counterparts in Spain. The project’s overarching objective is to provide students with opportunities to express their opinions and ideas, while fostering open dialogue and encouraging the discovery of commonalities with citizens across the globe.
Ms. Marie T. Richardson, coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at St. Dominic High School, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This is one way to break down geographical barriers and create an opportunity for cultural exchange. Our students can engage with their peers from different corners of the world who are also studying in the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Programme. This goes beyond language learning; it’s about building bridges and understanding diverse perspectives.”
Additionally, this project aligns with the schools’ commitment and IB’s educational mission of promoting international-mindedness and cultivating well-rounded global citizens. By leveraging technology to bridge geographical gaps, St Dominic High School and Elian’s British School are pioneering new ways of fostering cross-cultural connections in education.
For more information about this collaborative initiative or the IB Diploma Programme at St. Dominic High School, please contact:
