International Baccalaureate

The IB Diploma Program is designed to establish a standard for international education and cultivate the skills necessary to succeed at the university level. The two-year program provides juniors and seniors with a well-rounded curriculum, promotes international mindedness, develops research, writing, and thinking skills, and emphasizes reflection and growth. Students who successfully complete this comprehensive international curriculum are well prepared for college and are routinely accepted to top colleges and universities throughout the world.

The IB Diploma Program is best suited for students who think critically, desire rigorous academics, and are committed to personal growth both inside and outside the classroom. Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma in addition their Country Day diploma.

The ultimate goal of all IB Diploma students is to earn the prestigious IB Diploma. The IB Diploma is based on completion of the IB core and assessments from all IB courses and is awarded in July after Country Day graduation. Colleges and universities worldwide recognize earning the IB diploma as a significant achievement and may award college credit, placement, or financial compensation for IB coursework. IB Diploma recipients from Country Day have matriculated to fine colleges and universities (see the Preparing for College tab). 

IB students commonly report feeling well-equipped to engage and succeed in college coursework and are more comfortable and academically adjusted during their first year at university. Benefits that IB alumni cite include: motivation, work habits, organization, time management, high levels of academic self-concept, familiarity with an interest in research, the ability to take multiple perspectives, strong analytical writing and comfort with college level writing, deeper understanding of the structure of knowledge, large concepts and how content connects across disciplines.

American universities and colleges fully recognize and honor the IB Diploma Program; enrollment in the full IB Diploma Program is considered our most rigorous course of study.  The Diploma Program is also recognized by universities worldwide, opening additional opportunities for Country Day students. Country Day's recent IB Diploma recipients attend these fine institutions:

• Amherst College
• Appalachian State University
• Brown University
• Clemson University
• Columbia University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Elon University
• Hamilton College
• North Carolina State University
• Northwestern University
• University of Georgia
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Virginia
• Vanderbilt University
• Washington and Lee University
• Wake Forest University

Past IB graduates have also earned prestigious merit-based scholarships, including the Morehead-Cain (UNC-Chapel Hill) and Park (NC State) scholarships.

How do students apply for IB?
Students interested in the IB Program apply during third quarter of their sophomore year. An admissions committee comprised of IB faculty will review student essays, transcripts, and teacher recommendations. Admissions decisions are in mid-March. Acceptance to the IB program is not binding, but all admitted students will have a conference with the IB Coordinator.

How many students choose IB?
On average, about 20–25 students per grade or about 15–20%. There is no cap on IB admissions and the IB cohort sizes do vary year-to-year.

Who is a "good candidate" for IB?
Students who do well in IB are motivated to learn, have a strong work ethic, work well with their peers, and are already performing well in many academic areas. Furthermore, students must have three academic areas where they can pursue Higher Level IB coursework. English Higher Level is a mandatory requirement of IB at Country Day; there are additional Higher Level IB courses available in all disciplines. 

How are students supported in the IB program?
While IB is rigorous, IB students are supported throughout their time in the program. All IB faculty have participated in official IB training, the IB Coordinator and IB faculty consistently adopt helpful resources, and there are learning specialists available for all IB subjects through the Educational Resources Program. 

Do colleges recognize and respect IB?
Yes, colleges and universities worldwide respect students who successfully complete the IB Diploma Program. IB alumni have both the knowledge and skills to succeed at the next the level. Country Day IB alumni routinely matriculate to elite colleges and universities. See the "Preparing for College" for more information.

Is there an additional cost for the IB program?
Country Day pays for the majority of costs associated with the program, however, students are asked to pay for their exams just as they are asked to pay for Advanced Placement exams. The full cost of IB exams is about $714. Families receiving financial aid may be eligible for aid on exam costs, too.

What if IB is not for me?
A Country Day student has a rich array of choices including IB, AP, Honors, and college prep courses. Students should choose the academic program that best matches them and challenges the student without overwhelming them.