The International Baccalaureate Program is open to all highly motivated and successful 11th and 12th grade students at Lee High School and presents a varied and rigorous program of studies. IB is a comprehensive, integrated program of studies that places as much value on knowledge acquisition (teaching the student to analyze and apply knowledge) as the coursework (preparing the student for the exams and assessments). This proven program prepares students for success within the university experience. College officials often praise the I.B. Program for a concentration on independent thinking skills, depth of analysis, and writing skills. IB courses present options for students to pursue a mixture of major interests (higher level courses) and less major interests (standard level courses).

The Lee International Baccalaureate program continues to thrive due to the dedication, hard work and talents of the Lee students, community, and staff. In May 2003, 274 students took 549 I.B. exams. Since that time, every year, more than 300 Lee students (predominately seniors) sit for approximately 700 I.B. exams. Additionally, 26 students earned the full IB Diploma in Lee’s first class of IB Diploma graduates, 2003. Currently, 40 to 60 Lee students in each class are full I.B. Diploma Candidates. As with other Fairfax County Public Schools, Lee students succeed at a very high rate with these advanced level exams. Generally, 80 – 85% of Lee IB Exams approach a score that would be considered for college credit by most universities. Truly, these success rates are a credit to our school-community. We hear it time and time again from our community – “Lee IB students are well-prepared and are doing so very well at the college level.”

The International Baccalaureate Organization supports our will to improve. After the results of May tests are posted, Robert E. Lee High School receives from IBO a detailed class-by-class report that analyzes all the separate scores for each student in that class. If we wish, all exams as marked can be returned us for consideration as we work to improve, each and every year. These unique and detailed reports give us the resources to improve and provide Lee students with the best opportunities for successful learning within these college-level, advanced classes.