International Baccalaureate (I.B.) courses, higher level and standard level, are a program of studies developed by the Lee Faculty that meets the standards of the F.C.P.S. and the International Baccalaureate Organization. The courses represent advanced, college level study and prepare students for the exams in May. Additionally, each I.B. course has requirements that student work samples be sent to international examiners. Each student’s results are scored on a 1-7 basis. Scores of “4” or higher are considered “successful scores” by Fairfax County Public Schools. Colleges consider I.B. courses favorably when making admissions decisions. College decisions as to “Honors Programs” and scholarship offerings often rest on the advanced level work within a student’s high school transcript. Additionally, based on each college’s policy and each student’s major department, students can earn:

• College course credit for I.B. scores – typically requires a score of “5, 6, or 7;”

• Course Placement Credit – allowing students to skip the introductory level(s) of that course sequence;

• Sophomore Standing – typically requires the Full I.B. Diploma or numerous higher level I.B. courses;

• Typically, I.B. Higher Level courses are considered for college credit and course placement. Standard Level course credit considerations vary widely depending on the policies of each college.

Almost all I.B. courses are weighted .5 on that course’s G.P.A. The exceptions is Math SL I. Keep in mind that I.B. Chemistry I and I. B. Physics I are actually “honors” courses, not full I.B. classes.

See the list of I.B. Course offerings and suggested course sequences. There are twenty of theses courses available here at Robert E. lee High School.

I.B. courses are taken during the eleventh and twelfth grades. I.B. assessments and exams are submitted in May at the end of the course sequence. Most standard level courses are one year in length, and all higher level courses are two years in length.

This varies from student to student. This decision is a family and student centered decision. The desired level of academic rigor and the college aspirations come into play here. The more selective colleges, such as the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary, have many applicants who present strong backgrounds with high S.A.T. scores and a high G.P.A..

The full I.B. Diploma is considered by many university officials as the most rigorous program of studies available. The full I.B. Diploma begins in the junior year and requires the completion of these requirements:

• Six I.B. exams – 3 higher level and 3 standard level, or 4 higher level and two standard level;

• Theory of Knowledge course (junior year);

• Complete 150 hours of creativity, Action, and Service – please note that most community, church, and school activities count;

• Complete an extended essay (maximum 14 pages) on a topic of choice.

We are well prepared to handle any transition from the middle school to the high school program of studies. Generally, a student should continue the same academic trend as he/she moves into the ninth grade. Honors classes in the middle school are very much like Pre-I.B. at Lee. That has proven true over the years. If your son/daughter has been successful with “honors” at the middle school, then continue on with “honors”, which is Pre-I.B., at Lee. Additionally, if you feel that your son/daughter is ready to perform at the “honors” level, then select Pre-I.B. for the coming year. Be sure, your student will be supported as he/she moves forward.

Yes, according to set F.C.P.S. regulations, a parent can place a student at Lee for the I.B. curriculum. According to F.C.P.S. records, Lee has led the way as parents continue to choose Lee for academic reasons and the I.B. Program.