}

A JK THROUGH 12 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN CHARLOTTE, NC

1941

Our Distinguished IB Program

A rigorous, internationally recognized course of study, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is offered in over 3,900 schools in more than 140 countries across the world. In 1992, Country Day became the first school in the state of North Carolina to offer the program and continues to be the only school in the state that offers students a chance to earn the prestigious IB Diploma in an independent school setting. 

Though academic rigor is at the core, IB is not just about achieving high grades—it is about developing a genuine passion for learning. Each year, about 20% of our juniors and seniors choose to direct their own learning through the challenges and personal growth presented by this unique Country Day program.

Stewart Peery IB Coordinator

“Academics are the first priority of the IB Program, but we also stress the education of the whole child, which includes an emphasis to get out of the classroom and into the community.”

STEWART PEERY ’98, IB COORDINATOR

The IB Program at Country Day

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.

What is Required of IB Students?

The IB Program's emphasis on critical thinking, passion for learning, research skills, and writing underscores what is already occurring across the disciplines in Upper School. IB, however, does have specific requirements for a "diploma candidate."

IB Program Diagram

Diploma candidates must complete course work in six IB subject areas. Course work may include papers, presentations, portfolios, and exams, and is specific to each discipline. They must also take a course called Theory of Knowledge, write a major paper based on the study of an original research question, and be regularly involved in and reflect upon extracurricular activities. To earn the IB Diploma, a student must complete all of the above and receive passing grades on all IB assessments. In completing the IB requirements, students will also complete all the Country Day graduation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About IB

 

 

Country Day was the first private school in North Carolina to offer the IB Diploma Program. Our small class sizes are essential to successfully developing the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills that the IB Program promises for students.

Resources

Questions?

For questions or additional information about the IB Diploma Program, please contact:
Stewart Peery '98, IB Coordinator
E-mail

I feel completely prepared for college. The IB Program has taught me to always keep myself open to opportunities for discussion and debate, and it has inspired me to be a lifelong learner.

MAX KEPLEY ’14

Preparing for College

American universities and colleges fully recognize and honor the IB Diploma, and it offers the added benefit of being recognized by universities worldwide, opening additional opportunities for Country Day students. Country Day's most recent IB Diploma recipients attend these fine institutions:

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Davidson College
  • Duke University
  • Yale University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • University of California at Berkeley
  • Middlebury College
  • Hamilton College
  • Institut d'Economie Scientifique et de Gestion
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Virginia Tech University
  • Kenyon College
  • North Carolina State University
  • Elon University
  • University of Richmond
  • Northeastern University
  • Wake Forest University
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Washington and Lee University
  • Boston University
  • Washington College
  • Furman University
  • University of Georgia
  • University of South Carolina
  • New York University
  • East Carolina University

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