It is a four-year course of study that results in a high school diploma that is recognized for its academic rigor throughout the world. Its course offerings are centered in the following areas: English, second language, social sciences, laboratory sciences, mathematics, and the fine arts. In order to earn an IB Diploma, students must successfully demonstrate mastery in each of these subjects as seniors through external and internal assessments.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is an internationally respected program that sets rigorous academic standards, world-wide. Ninth and tenth graders are enrolled in a two-year program to prepare them for graduation from the IB Diploma Program, offered their junior and senior years.

The IB curricula includes the unique student challenges such as mandatory hours in Creativity, Action and Service (CAS), the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and an extensive capstone research project, the Extended Essay. Students will choose between an array of IB Standard and Higher Level Courses in each of the core curricular areas. Students earn an IB Diploma by completing at least six examinations in their junior and senior years covering each of the subject groups and achieving 24 IB Marks including the Extended Essay and the TOK assessment. The IB assessments, like Advanced Placement courses, requires a registration fee paid by the student.

The Program’s philosophy centers on providing its students with the skills needed to compete both intellectually and socially in any learning or work environment, anywhere in the world.  The Utica Academy for International Studies Learner Profile UAIS learners will engage in active inquiry toward becoming knowledgeable thinkers, effective communicators, principled and open-minded students and members of our society and caring citizens of the world. As learners, UAIS students will be conscientious risk-takers seeking answers where others might accept conclusions, who look for balance in all aspects of physical, emotional and academic life and are reflective of the journey on which they have embarked in life and in education.

UAIS students should demand the most rigorous of course requirements from their teachers and themselves. Students should expect to spend 2 – 3 hours on homework every night and should expect to hold themselves to the highest standards of academic excellence and personal integrity. Their teachers will expect no less. Students exiting this program should be ready to excel in a post-secondary academic environment.

The Utica Academy for International Studies will begin accepting applications from eighth graders in February for the 2008-2009 school year. Initially, 125 students will be accepted into the ninth grade; the same number of students will be enrolled for the subsequent three years until 500 students are enrolled in the four-year program.

The application process will include: taking and passing an admissions exam, have a 3.0 grade point average and providing teacher recommendations. Should more students seek enrollment than there is space available, the district will conduct a lottery among those qualified applicants.

The Academy will be housed at Heritage Junior High School. The school's current seventh through ninth grade program will continue without interruption. Existing pre-school programs will relocate from Heritage to the

district’s Training and Development Center on 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.

Yes.

There is no cost for enrollment.  Payment of International Baccalaureate testing fees in 11th and 12th grades totaling approximately $700.00 is a parental responsibility.*

No. The Utica International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is part of the district’s new educational partnership with Armada Area Schools and Mount Clemens Community Schools. The partnership, known as the Alliance for

Academic Excellence, is intended to expand learning opportunities for students enrolled in the three school districts. As part of the partnership, Armada and Mount Clemens students will be able to apply for enrollment to the Academy.

The Academy is a school for students who want even greater academic challenge. The IB Diploma Program is well-known internationally for providing specific and consistent learning criteria. IB graduates are recognized

and welcomed to colleges and universities as among the most talented and committed students.

As a student of the Utica Community Schools, your student will be welcomed back into the regular school program, with increased knowledge and possessing a background of academic rigor and challenge.

Information will be available in the counseling office of each of our junior high schools during the 2008-2009 enrollment period or by calling the Academy offices at 586.797.3190 or Emailing Mr. Lietz at Thomas.Lietz@uticak12.org or Mr. Layson at Christopher.Layson@uticak12.org

(586) 797-3100 or