The International Baccalaureate Candidate Academy* at Elgin High School is designed for students who challenge assumptions by raising questions, students who take risks by daring to try something different. The program identifies students' talents and nurtures their skills through problem-solving situations. The program aims to prepare students to be innovative thinkers of the 21st century. 

The International Baccalaureate Candidate Academy* is housed within Elgin High School. It offers an enriched, integrated curriculum and a wide spectrum of Advanced Placement classes. Students apply to the Academy during the fall of their eighth-grade year. Upon admission to the Academy, students must maintain a "C" or higher in each academy class in order to remain a part of the program. Students enjoy the opportunity to take electives and participate in extra-curricular activities offered in the comprehensive high school program. 

The International Baccalaureate Candidate Academy* offers:

• Challenging and innovative classes
• Weighted grades in core subjects
• Advanced Placement classes
• Teachers with Gifted verification and extensive classroom experience
• Community involvement
• Unique field trip opportunities, seminars, and speakers 

The mission of the International Baccalaureate Candidate Academy* is to provide a rigorous, innovative, meaningful academic environment to challenge both the intellectual and creative abilities of students. Given opportunities for integrated curriculum and personal exploration within a supportive learning community, students will be prepared to face challenges and make choices that will meet the complexities of today's world and make the process of lifelong learning an exciting use of their potential. 

For more information, check out the Elgin High Academy website.

*The Elgin High School Academy is a Candidate School** for the Diploma Programme. This academy is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that Elgin High School believes is important for our students. 

**Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org