The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a comprehensive, rigorous two-year course of study for highly motivated students in grades 11 and 12, culminating in a diploma that is recognized and respected by universities worldwide. IB students are provided a balanced education that promotes international understanding and appreciation. The IB Program emphasizes the development of the whole student physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. Through their participation, IB Diploma Candidates acquire the skills and discipline required to be successful both in college, and in the highly competitive world beyond.
Students interested in the IB Programme should communicate with their counselor at NCHS prior to the start of the student’s freshman year. The IB Diploma Programme requires 7 courses per year to earn the diploma. Courses will be taken in 6 areas: Language, World Language, History, Science, Math, and the Arts. Students will also take Theory of Knowledge and be required to complete CAS (creativity, activity, and service) experiences and an Extended Essay.
English I Advanced
Physical Science Advanced
US History Advanced
Algebra I or Geometry
Spanish or French
Freshman P.E.
English II Honors
Scientific Research and Design
Modern US History Honors
Geometry and/or Algebra II
Spanish or French or Russian
IB Language A I (English)
IB History I
IB Biology or IB Chemistry or IB ES&S
Pre Calculus or IB Math or IB Math Studies
IB Language B (Foreign Language)
Theory of Knowledge
IB Language A II (English)
IB History II
IB Biology II or IB Chemistry II or science elective
IB Math or IB Math Studies or Calculus
IB Language B (Foreign Language)
Theory of Knowledge
Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). The IB Diploma is recommended for high achieving students who score in the 80th percentile or above on standardized tests.
Partial International Baccalaureate
If the full diploma combination does not meet a student’s needs or circumstances, they may choose to complete and test in any number of individual IB subject area courses. Honors Diploma An Honors Diploma is awarded at graduation in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.
The Honors Diploma is awarded to students who earn a minimum 4.25 Cumulative Hathaway Grade Point Average from the first semester of 9th grade through the second semester of 12th grade.