A leader in academic excellence


As the only high school in Carlsbad within the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD), La Costa Canyon High School (LCC) proudly reflects the district’s tradition of academic excellence while offering students in Carlsbad a uniquely global and rigorous educational experience. One standout example is LCC’s flourishing International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Expanding Access to Global Learning 

La Costa Canyon High School is the only school in SDUHSD to offer the IB Diploma Programme, which is now entering its eighth year (2025-26) and continues to see steady growth and rising demand. What began in the 2018-19 school year with just seven full diploma candidates and a handful of course participants has expanded to more than 150 students actively engaged in the program. For the 2024-25 school year alone, 39 students are pursuing the full diploma, and more than 100 others are enrolled in one or more IB courses. Since its launch, the program has also expanded its offerings to include three additional IB courses, bringing the total course offerings to 14, providing students with even greater academic flexibility and choice.

“IB is a comprehensive program that emphasizes critical thinking and global awareness,” says Cindi Schildhouse, LCC’s IB Coordinator and teacher. “It’s not just about test scores, it’s about helping students develop the skills, perspective, and resilience they’ll need in college and in life.”


A Rigorous, Supportive Student Experience 

Students who pursue the full IB diploma undertake a rigorous academic path, including coursework and assessments across multiple subjects, a 4,000-word research paper, a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay and exhibition, and a 120-hour creativity, activity, and service (CAS) project. This year, students even participated in their first multi-school TOK exhibition day, collaborating with other schools in the region.

Cindi Schildhouse describes her role as ensuring both staff and students have what they need to succeed. “It’s a very different academic model,” she says, “and our students rise to the challenge and they support one another through it.”

Flexibility That Fuels Student Success

What makes the program especially powerful at LCC is the flexibility it offers. Students can tailor their academic experience by blending IB with Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, an option not always available in other IB schools. “The real academic magic happens when students take the opportunity to participate in both programs,” Cindi shares. “It gives them choice, and more importantly, they feel prepared. Our first wave of IB students has now graduated from college, and they’re thriving.”

At LCC, academic rigor is balanced with opportunities in athletics, visual and performing arts, and student leadership, ensuring every student finds a place to connect, grow, and shine.

La Costa Canyon High School continues to set a high standard, fostering scholars who are globally minded, intellectually curious, and fully prepared for success in college, career, and life.

To learn more about La Costa Canyon High School, visit lc.sduhsd.net.

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