Following the graduation of 450 seniors, Anderson High School announced that its students who achieved International Baccalaureate diplomas outpaced the global average pass rate by 17 percent.

All students in the IB diploma program must complete coursework and take exams in six different areas of study, complete an original research project alongside a qualified mentor and complete three hours per week of activities benefitting the community.

"Anderson was authorized as the 628th IB school in the world in 1991 and, since then, we have come a long way to be one of the top performing programs," Anderson High School Principal Donna Houser said.

Students must apply to be part of the IB diploma program, but they can also pursue select IB classes in lieu of the diploma.

"The IB program is an international standard designed to stimulate and challenge highly motivated students. To exceed the worldwide average by the amount that Anderson has is a testament to the solid work we have going on in Austin ISD," Superintendent Paul Cruz said.

"We want to thank our teachers and staff again for their dedication to our students. They've taught them the skills they need to be successful after high school," Cruz added.

The worldwide average pass rate for students achieving an IB diploma is 79 percent.

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AISD is the fifth-largest school district in Texas, serving approximately 85,000 students at 129 schools. Follow AISD on Twitter at @AustinISD or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/austinisd.