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.

Last year, the International Baccalaureate coordinators of the Mid-Atlantic region made a move to lobby the Virginia legislature to improve the university recognition policies of our IB courses. Although good scores on the IB "higher level" exams have provided our graduates with college credit, the IB "standard level exams" have not been universally recognized to receive college credit. State Bill 209 was introduced in late 2009 and passed in April 2010. The text of the bill can be seen here. Here are three key points that universities must now ensure and report back to the Virginia legislature:

  1. They have to review their recognition policies and make sure that IB policies are at least equal to AP policies.
  2. They must decide on credit that would be awarded to an IB Diploma.
  3. They must consider standard level IB exams in their policies.

IB Testing Fees Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Publications

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

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