3 High Schools in Metro Atlanta That Offer the IB Diploma
IB or International Baccalaureate programs normally tend to be misunderstood as programs that just focus on learning foreign languages. However, there’s more to these programs than just languages.
IB programs are part of an internationally recognized system and they are offered across the globe in over 100 countries. IB curriculum are known for being quite rigorous as they focus on aspects such as critical thinking. The aim of an IB program is to help students develop a robust worldview and encourage them to question and form intelligent arguments.
This is achieved through various components. An example of a component often used is the European style oral exam.
In a previous post, we highlighted What You Need to Know Before Pursuing an IB Diploma. If you think the IB program is for you, then living in Georgia could prove very valuable.
The state of Georgia is home to 71 IB schools and ranks 6th across the country for IB programs. So, if you’re interested in enrolling your child into an IB Program, below are we have highlighted three schools in the metro Atlanta area.
Riverwood International Charter School – Sandy Springs, GA
The Riverwood International Charter School, located in Sandy Springs, offers IB Programs and Programs in International Studies.
The International Studies Program is a 4-year curriculum that is known to be very challenging. Topics of focus include: global economics, world issues, and cultural awareness, along with field experiences in the form of travel and internships.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is offered as part of the International Studies Program. This particular program has international recognition and is noted for having high academic, examination and service standards.
There are courses in several foreign languages such as Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Mandarin, and French. As for advanced course offerings, there are Advanced Placement courses in 17 International Baccalaureate courses and 15 subjects. These courses are taught by certified IB teachers. The International Baccalaureate courses cover everything from Theory of Knowledge to High-Level Mathematics and 20th Century History.
Riverwood operates on a four-period A/B block schedule with four 90 minute classes per day.
Atlanta International School – Atlanta (Buckhead), GA
Atlanta International School is one of the very few schools across the country to offer a continued IB curriculum right from Kindergarten to 12th grade. The school, situated at Buckhead, offers top notch programs in areas such as theatre, science and robotics, design building, sciences, and cross-curricular arts.
The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme for students in grades 3-5. This program focuses on turning students into better learners. For students in grades 6-10, the school provides the IB Middle Years Programme, which is tailored towards developing critical thinking skills and life skills.
Then, there is the globally renowned 2 year Diploma Programme for students in grades 11 and 12. This program offers college-level instruction along with requirements for community service and extra-curricular activities. Students are also prepared for international standardized examinations.
The Diploma Programme here boasts of 100% enrollment.
Campbell High School – Smyrna, GA
Campbell High School, located in Smyrna, offers an International Baccalaureate Program that presents a curriculum known to be very challenging.
The average IB Exam Score here is 5.30, which is .50 more than the worldwide score. The IB pass rate was 98% in 2014 and 88% in 2015. This is higher than the state and worldwide passing rate, which were at 66% and 80% respectively.
Course topics include Audio Video Technology & Film, Engineering and Technology, Culinary Arts, Horticulture & Plant Science, Graphic Design, Law Enforcement, Web & Digital Design, Marketing, Teaching, Early Childhood Education, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and Entrepreneurship Business & Technology.
There are many benefits to an IB Diploma; one huge benefit is scholarships. In a previous post, we highlighted 6 Colleges that Offer Scholarships to IB Diploma Graduates.