International Baccalaureate Programs
What is International Baccalaureate?
The International Baccalaureate Program (IB) is a global leader in international education—developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Its programs empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in the global community.
Four GCS high schools and one elementary school offer IB programming to their students. The IB coordinator and school counseling department at each IB school can provide more information about IB course availability and registration. Please see the links to each school's website to learn more about each school's unique program of study.
Primary Years Program (PYP)
The PYP is offered at Fork Shoals School. All students who live in the Fork Shoals attendance zone, as well as those who attend on School Choice (Change-in-Assignment), are eligible to participate in the PYP.
The PYP offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that builds conceptual understanding.
The PYP prioritizes people and their relationships to build a strong learning community.
The PYP encourages learners to take responsibility and ownership of their learning in order to make a difference in their own lives, their communities, and beyond.
Diploma Program (DP)
The DP is offered at Greer High School, Travelers Rest High School, and Woodmont High School. All students who live in the attendance zones of these schools, as well as those who attend on School Choice (Change-in-Assignment), are eligible to participate in the DP.
The DP is also offered as a magnet program at Southside High School. All students who live in Southside's attendance zone may participate in the DP, but those who live outside of Southside's attendance zone must apply and be accepted for admission via magnet application.
The DP aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge - students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
The DP is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprised of theory of knowledge (TOK); creativity, activity, and service (CAS); and the extended essay (EE).
The DP encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research, and undertake a project that often involves community service.
Who Should Enroll in the IB Diploma Program?
The IB Diploma Program is open to any student in Grades 11-12 in Greenville County's four IB high schools. It is important to note that prerequisite courses for IB begin Grades 9-10. Students should talk with their teachers and school counselors if they are interested in taking individual IB courses or pursuing the full IB Diploma.
The DP is an academically challenging and balanced program of education. It addresses the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being of students, and is respected by universities across the globe.
The DP is committed to developing students according to the IB Learner Profile - students who respect themselves, others, and the world around them.
learner-profile-en.pdfBenefits of the Diploma Program
IB students are encouraged to think critically and solve complex problems.
IB students take responsibility for and guide their own learning.
The IB program is recognized globally and can lead to some of the highest ranking universities around the world.
IB students are encouraged to be culturally aware and develop proficiency in a second language.
IB students are able to engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world.
Additionally, similar to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, IB courses receive the highest credit possible on the SC Uniform Grading Scale, and most domestic and international universities grant students credit, placement, or both for qualifying DP exam scores.
