Hillcrest IB Programme

I am excited that you are considering the Hillcrest High School IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) for your student. The IB DP is a rigorous and rewarding two-year educational programme designed for students ages 16–19. It prepares students for university and beyond by emphasizing academic excellence, intercultural understanding, and personal growth.

At Hillcrest, IB students benefit from:

• A globally recognized curriculum respected by universities worldwide.
• A holistic approach that develops strong academic, social, and personal skills.
• Courses across six subject groups, including Language & Literature, History of the Americas, French, Spanish, Fine Arts, Psychology, Biology, Physics, and Math. 
• The IB Core:
  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – critical reflection on how we know what we know.
  • Extended Essay (EE) – an independent 4,000-word research project.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – learning through experiences outside the classroom.

In addition to the Diploma Programme in grades 11–12, Hillcrest also prepares students earlier in their journey:

• 9th and 10th grade students are supported through a combination of advanced and AP courses.
• 10th grade students also take Pre-IB classes, which help build the foundation for success in the full Diploma Programme.

To help you learn more:

• See the Hillcrest IB DP one-pager below with program details.
• You can begin the application process through Dallas ISD here: Registration Portal.
• For questions about the application process, please see the Dallas ISD FAQ. 

If you have questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to me directly at rbarnwell@dallasisd.org. I look forward to supporting your student’s educational journey at Hillcrest! Hillcrest is having our Preview Night on October 15th.