International Baccalaureate Program

The International Baccalaureate Programme (IBO) is a nonprofit educational foundation, motivated by its mission, focused on the student. The IBO is a recognized leader in the field of international education, encouraging students to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens. Founded in 1968, the program currently works with 1,889 schools in 124 countries to develop and offer three challenging programs to over 486,000 students aged 3 to 19 years.

The IBO Programme prepares students to meet the academic standards set by the International Baccalaureate Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Student are required to take weighted credit courses in world literature, modern foreign language, social sciences, experimental sciences, mathematics, and electives such as art and psychology. During their junior and senior years, students take comprehensive examinations in all six areas in addition to completing a course in Theory of Knowledge, writing an Extended Essay, and participating in at least 150 hours of volunteer activities.

The IBO offers three programs of international education for students aged 3 to 19, working in close cooperation with IBO World Schools. The three programs span the years from kindergarten to pre-university. The programs can be offered individually or as a continuum.

• The Primary Years Program for pupils aged 3 to 12 focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and in the world outside. ( This program is currently not offered in Clayton County )
   

• The Middle Years Program for pupils aged 11 to 16 provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills, achieved through embracing and transcending traditional school subjects. ( This program is currently not offered at Lovejoy and North Clayton High Schools )
   

• The Diploma Program for students aged 16 to 19 is a demanding two-year curriculum leading to final examinations and a qualification that is welcomed by leading universities around the world. ( This program is currently offered at Lovejoy and North Clayton High Schools )

Each program includes a curriculum and pedagogy, student assessment appropriate to the age range, professional development for teachers and a process of school authorization and evaluation.  The programs are available through 1,889 IBO World Schools in 124 countries. Currently, Clayton County has 167 students enrolled in the Diploma program offered at two high schools, North Clayton High School and Lovejoy High School.

Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.