IB Diploma Candidates and IB Certificate candidates (students taking one more IB courses but not attempting the full IB Diploma) are enrolling in rigorous academic courses. Students are treated like college students and the teachers trust the students to complete the work in the manner of a college student. Meaning, the responsibility is the student's and the student's alone. Jay Mathews of The Washington Post argues that taking one ore more IB course prepares students better for the university experience than any other courses offered at the high school level.

PreIB and IB courses at J.E.B. Stuart High School

The intention of these courses are to "decisively engage" each student's intellectual and creative potential and to mentally prepare the student for the university level. The philosophy of Fairfax County Public Schools and J.E.B. Stuart High School is to make the International Baccalaureate program available to all those who want to challenge themselves as students and prepare themselves for college. There are no official entrance exams for the PreIB or IB courses. However, there are strongly recommended conditions that both the parent and the student should be aware:

• Self-Motivation - By entering into a PreIB or IB course, the student must be willing to meet the challenge of the course.
• Making Intelligent and Realistic Choices - The student and parent should carefully decide what extra-curricular activities the student can or can not achieve while engaging in the PreIB and IB course load.
• Teacher Recommendations - The student should have positive recommendations from the teacher of the course that is previous to the PreIB or the IB course in which the student wishes to enter (i.e. PreIB English 9 recommendation to PreIB English 10).
• Reading Level - The student must be able to read at or above grade level in order to succeed in the PreIB and IB courses. If the student is reading below grade level, the courses will be that much more difficult.
• Grades - While there is no set GPA requirement, it is recommended for the student to have a "B" or higher in the course prior to the next level.

Helpful Hints for the PreIB and IB Student

• Attend Class Every Day
  • PreIB and IB classes are more demanding and challenging than regular classes
  • Teachers cover material faster and it is harder to make up material
  • We understand if you must miss a class, please talk to your teacher to get make-up material
• Be Prepared
  • Always have your notebook, textbook, pens/pencils, and materials in class every day
  • Do all of the assignments - summer, homework, classwork, and projects
    • Once you fall behind, it will be that much harder to catch up
  • Do not expect "extra credit" to help boost your grade
• Ask Questions
  • One of the most important characteristics of the IB program is that the student is in charge of their learning
  • Teachers are only the facilitators, not the sole dispensers of knowledge
• Form Study Groups with your friends
  • Learning with friends sometimes offers different insights/views to a topic and may help you understand it better!
• Keep an Up-to-Date Calendar
  • Being an IB Diploma Candidate requires organization and time management
  • Use your JEB Stuart "Agenda" Book, Use your cell phone calendar
  • Keep track of deadlines, assignments, and due dates
• Review your notes
  • Always review your notes before class, before tests, before quizzes
• SLEEP!!!
  • IB students are notorious for not sleeping, but sleep is important! IB students do not function well if they do not have enough sleep. Make sure to get enough sleep before school, tests, and IB Exams.
• Exercise! Activities!
  • IB students are filled with a lot of stress and hard work. Exercise and activities will help alleviate the stress. It is important to have outlets - a team sport, an activity, a community organization, etc. Stress also causes a student to not sleep!
• Make Time for Fun
  • The PreIB and IB courses are difficult, challenging, and rigorous. If the student maintains, the courses will yield great rewards. However, there is more to life than IB. You will burn out before you finish. Balance IB, activities, and life.