FAQs - Frequently Asked Question

What if my child is not currently zoned to attend Richmond Academy?

Who will be successful in the IB program?

What is IB?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous college preparatory course of study for highly motivated high school students. The program features a comprehensive curriculum that contains both breadth and depth in its focus. The IB program of studies provides students of various linguistic, cultural and educational backgrounds with the intellectual, social, critical thinking skills, and perspective necessary for the adult world.

Successful IB students should be insightful problem analysts and solvers who reach considered conclusions about people, language, literature, society and the scientific forces of the environment. International Baccalaureate North America describes the program's goal this way:

"Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that make the richness of life."

Students should consider IB if...
        They wish to maximize their chances of being admitted to US or Foreign universities.
        They wish to receive the very best preparation for success in college.
        They enjoy the challenge of striving for a difficult, but attainable, academic goal.
        They want to engage in critical thinking, breadth and depth of study in core courses in an integrated curriculum that encourages them to be
        global citizens and lifelong learners.

What if my child is not currently zoned to attend Richmond Academy?
Any student who is a legal resident of Richmond County and meets the application criteria may enroll in the program. School bus service will be provided for any student coming from outside of their normal zone. Attendance at Richmond Academy is necessary in order to receive the special Pre-Diploma coursework in grades nine and ten that prepares students for the Diploma Program in grades eleven and twelve.

What is the IB curriculum?
Over a period of two years after careful preparation in grades 9 and 10, students will take three higher level courses and three standard level courses. For example, IB students frequently take their native language, history and biology at a higher level. They must study a foreign language and mathematics, but may study them at the standard level. Students also choose electives in such areas as art, music, Economics or psychology at the standard level. In many ways, this is similar to the college prep curriculum now being offered.

Three activities differentiate the IB program and are required of all candidates. Students must write an extended 4,000-word essay on a topic of their choice and will have faculty advisors who will guide them in this process. The essay will be graded by examiners from around the world. IB students have CAS advisors who assist them in completing 150 hours of volunteer work in their school or community where they demonstrate creativity, action and service to others. The third component that is unique to the IB program is a special course called Theory of Knowledge, which brings all the subjects studied together and is often the course IB students value most after graduation.

Normally, the Pre Diploma program is required for admission to the IB program.

Who will be successful in the IB program?
Students who are highly motivated to learn, are not afraid to work hard, are good readers and are willing to spend considerable time outside of school hours on academic work and community service are likely to be good candidates for the IB program. Students need not be identified as "gifted and talented," but must be ready to enroll in higher level courses, having passed Algebra I or its equivalent with a grade of at least 80%.

Return to IB Program Page