Wareham High School will offer the world-renowned International Baccalaureate diploma program beginning in the 2017 school year.

The International Baccalaureate is a nonprofit educational foundation that offers four programs of international education that aim to develop the "intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world," according to the organization's website.

“This is an exciting time for Wareham High School and, more importantly, for the students who will benefit from an IB education," said Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino.

Students will have the option of enrolling in the full diploma program or taking selected courses which would lead to an International Baccalaureate certificate.

The school underwent a lengthy authorization process with the International Baccalaureate before being cleared to offer the diploma and certificate programs.

Students and teachers will benefit from being a part of a global education network, according to school representatives. Students can participate in international conferences, and educators work with their peers internationally to ensure that the program "remains at the cutting edge of international education."

Wareham High is the third public, non-charter school and the 10th school in Massachusetts to offer the program. The school joins 4,000 International Baccalaureate schools worldwide.

“The IB is recognized across the world for its innovative approach to education,” said Andrew Macdonald, chief schools officer for the International Baccalaureate. “We strongly believe that it is important to place an equal focus on academics and other transferable skills, to best prepare students for success beyond Wareham High School.”

For more information about the Wareham High School International Baccalaureate program, call Ashlie Yates at 508-291-3510, ext. 714.