“One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its structure and quality. It’s a coordinated program, well established, well known, and well respected. We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific.”

- Christoph Guttentag, Director of Undergraduate Admission, Duke University


Ridgeview IB

Ridgeview High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which is chartered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in Geneva, Switzerland. IB is a very rigorous, two-year program of curriculum and service that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary students during their last two years of high school, by providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to learning. In addition, students take intensified courses in Grades 9 and 10 in English, foreign language, social studies, science, and mathematics, called Ridgeview Pre-IB, in preparation for the rigorous college-level curriculum of the Grades 11-12 IB Diploma Program.

The primary objective of the IB Program is to provide a world-class education that prepares students with the intellectual, social, and critical perspectives necessary for college and the rest of their lives. The IB curriculum emphasizes and promotes a persistent curiosity, critical analysis and creative synthesis in a broad range of subject areas. Students earn a full IB Diploma by passing internationally set and graded exams along with internal assessments in six subjects, and in addition, completing an original research requirement (Extended Essay), completing the Theory of Knowledge course, and fulfilling the creativity, activity and service component (CAS). For more detailed information on IB see: www.ibo.org as well as the IB Diploma Programme Brochure.

The Diploma Program at Ridgeview High School

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Ridgeview allows students to participate in an internationally recognized course of study that is recognized by colleges and universities in over 100 countries. The liberal arts curriculum prepares students for the challenges of college like no other high school program. Students exercise their intellectual rigor through elevated international standards while relating their academics to the realities of the world beyond the classroom.


Serving as a school-within-a-school at Ridgeview High School, the IB diploma program provides motivated students with an opportunity to pursue a rigorous university preparatory curriculum, which equally fosters social and emotional growth. The program promotes balance, while emphasizing self- reflection, community involvement, and an enlightened worldview.


Broken down into preparatory IB in grades 9 & 10 (pre-IB) and IB (grades 11 & 12), this diploma program stresses education of the “whole person.” The course of study utilizes international standards and is based on an integrated curriculum that provides for multiple forms of learning techniques and assessments.


The diploma program at Ridgeview is committed to continuous improvement. With a faculty steeped in program fidelity and expertise, a strong, involved IB Parent Booster Program, and leadership structures that promote collaboration and shared decision-making, we have consistently surpassed our own program goals and world averages.

Being an IB Student

The primary objective of the IB program is to provide a world-class education that prepares students with the intellectual, social, and critical perspectives necessary for college and beyond. The rigorous curriculum, the original research requirement, and the service component are designed to produce well-rounded and well-educated citizens who can read and think critically, write persuasively, speak articulately, and manage extremely demanding schedules. Nease IB students manage to balance a challenging academic program with service, athletic, creative and leadership activities, and are consistently recognized for their energy and enthusiasm.


Being an RHS IB Student means:


  • Challenging and exciting classes, focusing on writing, thinking, communicating, and experimenting;

  • Rigorous and comprehensive education based on a global perspective;

  • A commitment to community and human welfare;

  • High standard of teaching required by the IB program;

  • Possibility of entering college with advanced standing, enhances the student’s chances of admittance;

  • High expectations of students and development of full academic potential in all areas of study;

  • Participation in a community of scholars;

  • Opportunity to earn a universally recognized, world-class credential;

  • Emphasizes the philosophy of applied knowledge rather than mere book learning;

  • Appreciation of Cultural Perspectives

  • Raising of Educational Standards/High Expectations

  • Compete in International Arena and Universally Recognized

  • Participate in sports, clubs, and community service activities. We have IB students who are football players, cheerleaders, volleyball players, soccer players, cross country and track runners, etc. Our IB students are represented across many academic and social clubs at our school, and they are involved in chorus, band, and theater.