The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is a rigorous two year, liberal arts, interdisciplinary curriculum which leads to a high school diploma recognized throughout the world. Johnson High School has had the IB Program since 2001. 

Unique in its depth, scope, and international emphasis. IB has become a worldwide standard of academic excellence. Wherever the IB program is offered, it has a common, broadly based curriculum which is assessed by internationally developed and graded oral and written examinations and papers. As students pursue studies in English, foreign language, social studies, science, and math, teachers plan and provide interdisciplinary instruction and assessments through which students study common processes, themes, and materials within and across the subject areas. The intent is that students should learn how to analyze, how to reach considered conclusions about people, their languages, literature and society, and how to appreciate the scientific forces in the environment.

IB is designed to meet the needs of academically able and highly motivated students, promoting international understanding and facilitating geographic and cultural mobility. The basic plan is a compromise between the preference for specialization in some countries and the emphasis on breadth in others. The plan does not follow the pattern of any particular nation. The IB curriculum is derived from two principles: The need for a broad, general educational foundation firmly establishing basic knowledge needed for any chosen academic path, and the need for choice among subjects so that options may correspond to particular interests and capabilities.

Because the IB Program is comprehensive, two years of preparatory study are offered in grades 9 and 10 as a Pre-IB course sequence. Factors such as previous academic performance, standardized exam scores, writing samples, effort, motivation, and teacher recommendations are considered in selecting candidates for the Pre-IB and IB programs.

The IB program takes on special significance today as knowledge continues to expand dramatically. Existence in a world community and global economy requires appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity and cooperation to solve global problems. Worldwide, over 600 public and private schools in 83 countries offer the International Baccalaureate Program.