Preparing Students in Grades 11–12 for University and Beyond

The transition to the final years of school is a critical moment for families. At the International School of Riga (ISR), students in Grades 11–12 enter the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme — a world-recognized curriculum that provides both academic challenge and essential life skills.

For families seeking an IB Diploma in Latvia, ISR offers more than academics: we provide personalized college counseling that supports every student on their pathway from Riga to universities around the world.


What Is the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is one of the most respected high school qualifications globally. According to the International Baccalaureate Organization, DP graduates are more likely to:

  • Enroll at top-ranked universities.

  • Succeed in their first year of higher education.

  • Develop strong critical thinking and research skills.

At ISR, our IB Diploma Programme in Riga includes:

  • Six subjects across languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities, and the arts.

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK): exploring how we know what we know.

  • Extended Essay (EE): a 4,000-word independent research project.

  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): engaging with community and extracurricular passions.

This unique combination prepares students not just for exams, but for life after graduation.


College Counseling in Riga: A Personalized Pathway at ISR

While the IB provides the foundation, ISR’s college counseling programme ensures that students are fully supported in their journey beyond school. Starting in Grade 11, every student works with our dedicated college counselor through:

  • One-on-one guidance to explore career interests and study options.

  • University research and shortlisting using the BridgeU platform.

  • Application support including essays, references, and interviews.

  • Workshops and family meetings to make the process clear and stress-free.

As the IBO highlights, “DP students tend to be more engaged in learning, more academically successful, and more likely to continue in higher education” (IBO Research). At ISR, we build on this strength by ensuring that every student finds the best-fit university pathway.


ISR Secondary Campus in Skanste: A Launchpad to the World

Our brand-new Secondary Campus in Skanste, Riga provides a modern learning environment for students in Grades 6–12. For our oldest students, the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12 is a launchpad to universities across Europe, North America, and beyond.

Recent ISR graduates have continued their studies in fields such as business, engineering, social sciences, and the arts, with destinations spanning leading universities worldwide.


Why Choose ISR for the IB Diploma in Latvia?

  • ✔️ Central Riga location (easy access for families).

  • ✔️ Small class sizes and personalized attention.

  • ✔️ Experienced international faculty.

  • ✔️ College counseling that supports every step of the journey.

  • ✔️ A proven pathway from Riga to the world’s top universities.


Learn More About ISR

Families interested in IB education in Latvia are invited to book a tour of our Secondary Campus or contact our Admissions Team.

At the International School of Riga, the Diploma Programme is more than a curriculum — it is a launchpad from Riga to the world. 🌍