International Baccalaureate
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.
The IB Diploma is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparation. IB Diploma recipients report that their involvement with the IB has given them the tools needed to succeed at college. Students comment on their sense of preparedness, self-confidence, research skills, and ability to manage their time. Even more important, they have developed a sense of the world around them and their responsibility to it.
Application Information
Specialty program applications will be accepted November 1, 2024-February 1, 2025.
Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.
Who can apply?
Raising 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
Learn More About the IB Program
Program Information
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.
GFHS IB Information
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.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs at Gar-Field High School offer students rigorous academic programs focused on international-mindedness and global connections.
While various levels of student participation are available, the IB Diploma Program (DP) centers around the full IB Diploma where students complete internal and external exams in six subject areas; complete a creativity, activity, and service portfolio, write a 4000-word extended essay; and complete a seminar course entitled Theory of Knowledge.
In addition to the IB DP, we offer the IB Career-related Program (CP). The IB CP centers around a certificate where students complete a service learning portfolio, complete a language development portfolio, write a reflective project, complete an approved career-related sequence of courses, and complete a seminar course entitled Personal and Professional Skills.
Participation in the programs range from student earning individual certificates in subjects of strength and interest to the full IB Diploma or the Career-related certificate. Juniors and seniors enroll in the IB DP courses that are externally moderated and assessed by the IBO.
Freshmen and sophomores participate in the IB Middle Years Program (IB MYP), a framework for instruction in all academic areas that provides opportunities for Advanced courses in preparation for the IB Diploma and Career-related Programs. Participation in the MYP ranges from students taking courses and subjects of strength and interest to taking the full range of Adv MYP courses in preparation for the full IB Diploma or the Career-related certificate studies.
Admin. Coordinator of International Baccalaureate: Brian Bassett, [email protected]
