International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate©(IB) is a non-profit educational foundation founded in 1968.  Its mission is to create a better world through a high-quality education.  The IB offers four highly respected programs of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn, work and succeed in a rapidly globalizing world.

The International Baccalaureate® 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 organization 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. 

The Mission of the International Baccalaureate

The Four IB Programs:  

The Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)

The Middle Years Programme (IB MYP)

The Diploma Programme (IB DP)

The Career-related Programme (IB CP)

To learn more about IB please watch the videos below or visit the IB website:  

• What is an IB education
• Connect to IB
• The IB Learner Profile
• International Baccalaureate website

Specialty Program locations are determined based on district needs and may be relocated as those needs evolve.

Students in Grades 8 and 9 that reside within Prince George’s County may apply online for the IB DP via the PGCPS IB website, International Baccalaureate (IB) or the county’s specialty program website during the first quarter of the school year.

Applications are submitted digitally along with three teacher evaluations, grade reports, and an essay demonstrating one of the IB learner profile traits. Once the application is evaluated by the team of IB Coordinators, students will receive a letter in the mail indicating the decision. Transportation will be provided only to the students’ IB zoned high school upon acceptance into the program. Parents and students are not permitted to choose which IB program they would like to attend as transportation is based upon the documented address in ParentVUE.

The Diploma Program is offered at the following schools: Frederick Douglass, Laurel, and Parkdale High Schools. View School Finder to determine if you live in the boundary of the boundary school programs or to identify the IB Boundary High School based on your address in ParentVUE.

Prince George’s County Public Schools is pleased to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, an academically challenging and balanced course of study that prepares students for success at college and life beyond.

Students who apply to this highly challenging program should be able to demonstrate

• a strong ability, aptitude, and genuine interest in learning;
• an intellectual curiosity and self-motivation;
• the highest academic and personal integrity; and
• an aspiration to become a member of a community of lifelong learners.

These qualities have proven to help students achieve academic success

• Completion of Foundations of Algebra in Middle School
• Completion of World Language I in middle school;
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 in current English, world language, social studies, science, and mathematics classes;
• Attendance in the ninetieth percentile.

A complete application will include

• three (3) teacher recommendations
• grade reports from seventh and  first quarter of eighth grade
•   documentation of extracurricular activities and student service-learning; 
• a written personal statement.

Complete the entire application packet and include all documentation for evaluation.  Type or print your responses to each section.  Please note that the number of seats available for the program is limited and submitting an application is no guarantee of admission. Submit one application per student (either an electronic or paper application).  

TAG Continuity and Access to the IB Diploma Program

Students in grade 8 identified as TAG could receive continuity into the IB program without submitting an application if they meet the following criteria: 

• Continuity to IB Program means that TAG Center students, who successfully completed the criteria below, are eligible to participate in a district IB DP without having to complete an application packet.

  Requirements for TAG Continuity

  • completion of TAG Center Middle School Program;
  • 3.0 unweighted GPA in Core Courses (Grades for all of 7th grade and first quarter of 8th grade in these classes: English, Mathematics, Science, and US History); and 
  • Level 1 of World Language (preferably Spanish, French, or Chinese) and Math 8 Honors or higher.
  • TAG students who meet these requirements have a guaranteed placement into the preparation phase for the IB DP in 9th and 10th grades.
  • No continuity exists for formal entry into the IB DP for 11th and 12th grades. 

TAG students that do not meet these requirements are encouraged to complete the IB Application.

You may contact the IB Programme program Coordinator, by email at academics.IB@pgcps.org with questions or concerns. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme?

An academically challenging and balanced course of study, that prepares students for success in college and life beyond.  The mission of the program is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. 

IB Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university course that demands the best from both motivated students and teachers.  This sophisticated two-year curriculum covers a wide range of academic subjects and has stood the test of time for over half a million students in 138 countries since 1968.  IB Diploma Programme graduates are welcomed by the world's leading universities.

What are the benefits of the IB Diploma Programme?

• Higher university and college acceptance rates for IB graduates than for total population applicants
• Increased scholarship and grant opportunities
• A college level academic program that transitions students to university and college standards
• Interdisciplinary instruction to encourage international-mindedness
• Fostering of lifelong learning
• Teacher  development using IB strategies

Universities recognize the outstanding qualities of IB Diploma Programme students.  Typically, diploma holders are ready to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community.  They demonstrate a capacity for in-depth study while maintaining a broad perspective of the different subject areas.  They are able to ask challenging questions but also know how to research a topic and express their opinion.

How is the IB Diploma Programme structured?

To prepare for the program in grades 11 and 12, freshmen and sophomores take Honors/Pre Diploma Programme classes in English, social studies, and science along with appropriate mathematics and foreign language courses. 

How do students apply for the IB Diploma Program?

Eighth grade students may obtain an application from any PGCPS Middle School Guidance Department, from the IB Coordinator at Diploma Program sites.

Please use the link below to register for the IB Summer Bridge;

2026 IB Summer Bridge Registration Form

Note: The link to register for the IB Summer Bridge program will be available in the Spring.