Fairfax County Schools sets a mission of “high academic achievement that provides each student with the academic and professional skills and knowledge needed to be a productive citizen of the 21st Century.”

• I.B. encourages access for a wide range of student goals within its comprehensive program. Students can take Higher Level and Standard Level courses. I.B. provides a “good fit” for student strengths and a successful transcript of advanced course experience. Students can follow the full I.B. Diploma plan.

• I.B. emphasizes critical thinking skills, inquiry skills, writing skills, and the process of knowledge acquisition. This “critical learner” approach is praised by educational leaders and the university community.

• I.B. examiners are typically college professors or leaders in a field. A typical I.B. student will have at least three separate work samples that are examined by three different internationally located examiners. Student achievement is evaluated through multiple assessments of student work, not a single test. The I.B exams offer critical questions and a written format.

• I.B. integrates oral performance into all disciplines. This is important preparation for both communication skills and the university experience. In turn, this training enhances the writing growth of each student.

• I.B. teachers are trained educators. I.B. training experiences range from required sessions at national training sites and local networking sessions to a “cutting edge” on-line curriculum network. The interlocking qualities of Pre-I.B. and I.B. teachers provide support across Robert E. Lee High School for improved academic skills and greater access to academic opportunities.

• I.B. provides feedback to the Lee I.B. program. Every year, each teacher receives feedback on student results, standards, and assessment strengths and weaknesses. I.B. schools have the resources to improve student achievement.