Home :: Academics :: International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

The mission of the Mount Vernon High School International Baccalaureate program is to provide highly self-motivated learners with a rigorous, comprehensive and compassionate course of study, preparing students for the challenges they will meet after high school. Interdisciplinary in approach with an emphasis on imagination and creativity, the IB curriculum focuses on the students' ability to analyze, think critically, problem-solve, and ultimately apply what they have studied.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognized by colleges and universities throughout the world and is indicative of outstanding preparation for successfully completing college level work. Since each institution of higher learning awards college credit at different levels, each student should contact the specific college or university in which he/she is interested to determine the amount of college credit that will be awarded for successfully completing an IB course or a full IB diploma.

IB Summer Assignments

IB English 12 - Students who need a new copy of the assignment will need to pick up a copy in the main office.

• Students Entering Higher Level Math 1
• Students Entering IB English 11
• Students Entering Pre-IB Biology
• Students Taking IB Art Classes

Publications

• Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate: Do They Deserve Gold Star Status?
• Good Marks for AP and IB: Experts Endorse College-Level Study Programs
• SCHOOLS and LEARNING: Despite IB Growth, College Credit Is Elusive
• The "Other" Advanced Program: IB Offers a Cross-Cultural Alternative to Advanced Placement
• University Credit for IB and AP Exams: Selected Virginia Institutions

IB Learner Profile

The IB learner profile is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. The learner profile provides a long-term vision of education. It is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose.

Please visit the IB Learner Profile to view a short video that helps to bring the learner profile alive.

Please visit the International Baccalaureate Organization for more information.

Please visit the FCPS International Baccalaureate Program for more information.

The successful IB student:

• is self-motivated and family supported
• desires to challenge him/herself intellectually and academically
• is a competent reader
• speaks and writes the English language clearly and effectively
• has adequate written and oral ability in French, Spanish or German
• possesses conspicuous analytical and critical thinking skills
• possesses or is willing to acquire good time and stress management skills
• is open to new ideas and tolerant of different beliefs
• participates in school and community activities
• is willing to handle the rigor and pace of a demanding academic curriculum

Does this describe you? If it does, perhaps you should consider entering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

For more information contact:

Dan Coast
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Coordinator
703-619-3137