Cass Technical High School to earn International Baccalaureate designation

DETROIT - Detroit Public Schools’ Cass Technical High School has become the first high school in the City of Detroit to receive the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) World School designation, Detroit Public Schools announced today.

Cass Tech joins the ranks of other high achieving Michigan IB high schools including Bloomfield Hills High School, Detroit Country Day, Midland Dow, International Academy, Northville High School and Notre Dame Prep, Washtenaw International and West Ottawa High School.

“This will greatly support our mission to continue the legacy of excellence that has always existed at Cass Tech,” said Principal Lisa Phillips.

The IB Diploma Program at Cass will involve students in extended independent essay writing around a topic of global importance, a theory of knowledge critical thinking course, as well as creativity, action and service programs. Upon graduation students complete a written assessment marked by external IB examiners.

Faculty at International Baccalaureate schools are committed to intensive professional development, collaborating with a dynamic global network of professionals committed to best practices in teaching and learning. Sixteen Cass Tech teachers in all subject areas became certified after preparing for two years prior to receiving the designation and 8 others will be certified in October.

“IB programs aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect,” according to the program.
The new DPS Mark Twain School for Scholars is in the process of becoming the only International Baccalaureate Primary Years program in the City of Detroit. The newly opening Gifted and Talented school is taking applications and will provide students a pathway to Cass Tech upon matriculation to high school.

Cass Tech received financial support from UAW-Ford and the Skillman Foundation in preparing for the IB designation.