The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program has begun to attract attention as an alternative approach to enhancing the academic preparation of college-bound high school students. The rigorous, comprehensive, two-year curriculum offers eleventh- and twelfth-grade students the opportunity to take college-level coursework and exams while also fulfilling requirements of various international educational systems. The liberal arts program emphasizes theory, application, and service. Schools offering the program are part of an international organization that aims to meet the educational needs of geographically mobile students. Over 800 schools in 100 countries are authorized to offer the program; about 37 percent are in the United States. Since 1997 California has had a 17 percent increase in schools offering the program. Students must be highly motivated and have strong academic skills to participate. The curriculum is divided into higher-level and standard-level courses in six core academic areas: the student's primary language and literature; a foreign language; individuals and societies; experimental sciences; mathematics; and arts and electives. Standardized exams are criterion-referenced. Participating schools face significant costs and require commitments of time and resources from families. However, many feel the outcomes justify the costs. The report advocates expansion of the programs in California to target underserved communities. (MSE)