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International Baccalaureate Programs

The IB continuum of international education is unique because of its academically challenging and balanced approaches to teaching and learning. We challenge students to excel in their studies and in their personal growth. We aim to inspire a quest for learning throughout life that is marked by enthusiasm and empathy. The IB aspires to help schools develop well-rounded students with character: students who respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind; students who are confident in their own identities; students who make ethical decisions; students who join with others in celebrating our common humanity; students who are prepared to apply what they learn in the real world, complex and unpredictable situations.

Levels of IB Participation at GFHS

Gar-Field High School offers a rich selection of over 20 different diploma-level courses across the six subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. Participation can range from students earning individual certificates in subjects of strength and interest to completing the full IB Diploma or the Career-related Certificate.

Full IB Diploma

The IB Diploma (DP) is the most academically rigorous program offered at Gar-Field with internal assessments and final examinations that prepares high school juniors and seniors for success in higher education and life in a global society. The IB Diploma focuses on a holistic education that not only provides flexibility in the opportunities for an in-depth study of subjects of interest, but it also requires students to push themselves in subjects outside of their strengths and interest. Students receive an official IB Diploma upon completion of the program.

Requirements:

  • 3 HL Courses and 3 SL Courses spanning all 6 subject groups (English, World Language, Social Studies, Science, Math and Art).
  • Arts courses can be replaced by a second social science, computer science, a second experimental science, or a third language.
  • Completion of the IBDP Core including TOK class taken senior year, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service.

IB Career-Related Program

The IB Career-Related Program (IBCP) is a unique program that combines the academic rigor of Diploma level IB courses while also allowing students to specialize in a career-related pathway. This option allows more flexibility than the IB Diploma Program and students receive an official IBCP Certificate upon completion of the program.

Requirements:

  • 2 Diploma Program Courses (One must be a two-year course).
  • Completion of an approved Career Pathway (Two related CTE courses, one junior year and one senior year).
  • The Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) course (the class meets after school and during lunch once a month junior year and is a full, weighted credit class on your schedule senior year).
  • Completion of the IBCP Core including Language development portfolio, 50 hours of service learning, Personal and Professional Skills course, and Reflective Project.

Gar-Field IB Scholar

The IB Scholar program is a locally awarded recognition for students at Gar-Field who show commitment to the IB Program but who are not interested in pursuing the IB Diploma or the IBCP.

Requirements:

  • Examination in at least 4 DP courses over the two years.
  • TOK.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service.
  • Because the IB Scholar is a local PWCS distinction, colleges and universities will see these students as "IB Course" students. 

IB Course Student

Course students are students who choose to take one or more IB courses in their area(s) of strength and interest, but do not wish to be part of a larger IB Program. Course students still receive official score reports from IB for the classes in which they examine.

PWCS IB MYP Certificate

The PWCS IB MYP Certificate is a locally awarded recognition for students at Gar-Field who show commitment to the IB Program by taking AdvMYP (above grade level) or higher courses in all available subject areas: English, W. Language (or Spanish for Fluent Speakers), Social Studies, Math and Science.

Requirements:

  • AdvMYP courses in all available subjects.
  • Participation in Service Learning.
  • Successful completion of the Personal Project.
  • A fine or performing arts course during 9th and/or 10th grade (Art, Theatre, Band, Orchestra, or Choir).

MYP Course Student

Course students are students who choose to take one or more AdvMYP courses in their area(s) of strength and interest, but do not wish to be part of a larger IB Program.

Application Information

Specialty program applications will be accepted November 1, 2026-February 1, 2027.

Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.

Who can apply?

Rising 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students who attend one of the following schools:

  • Colgan HS
  • Forest Park HS
  • Freedom HS
  • Gar-Field HS
  • Hylton HS
  • Potomac HS
  • Woodbridge HS

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must be:

  • In good academic standing - passing 5 classes (same as athletic eligibility)
  • In good attendance standing – not chronically absent (ie, not missing 10% or more of school)
  • In good discipline standing – no discipline record in the past 12 months for fighting, vapes, disrespect/classroom disruption, vandalism. No discipline record ever of assault/battery, sexual assault or harassment, arson, weapons, or drugs/alcohol.
  • Students with an IEP, 504 Plan, or other documented support needs who are applying to the IB Program are strongly encouraged to participate in a transition planning meeting involving representatives from the student's current school, the IB Program, and special education staff. The purpose of the meeting is to review program expectations, discuss any required accommodations or supports, and develop a plan to promote student success and safety within the program. Participation in this meeting is intended solely to facilitate appropriate support planning and does not determine eligibility for admission.

Learn More About the IB Program

Information Meeting Details

  • November 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at Gar-Field HS
  • January 27, 2027, 6 p.m. at Gar-Field HS 

Transfer Program

Students participating in this program will transfer to the program location for all courses and activities.

Express bus transportation is available to accepted students living outside the program location boundaries through Specialty Program Transportation.

IB at GFHS

Gar-Field High School was authorized to offer the Diploma Programme in 2000, Middle Years Programme 2002, and we became one of the first 50 IB World Schools to offer the IB Career-Related Programme in 2016. We offer a large open-access IB Diploma Program in North America with over 280 students examining each year in 22+ subjects. We have successfully handled IB transfers from students at IB schools throughout the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Our staff includes educators that have been selected by the IB to serve as examiners and workshop providers. Our school is relevant in the IB World School community, hosting the yearly IB Mid-Atlantic College Fair along with coordinators and heads of school workshops and meetings over the years.

Learn more about Specialty Programs in PWCS

Specialty program applications will be accepted November 2, 2026 - February 1, 2027.