HISTORY OF IB IN HENRICO

 

History of the HCPS IB Program

 

History and Background of Our Program

In 1995, Henrico County Public Schools was authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to initiate a Middle Years Program (MYP) in grades 6-10 and a Diploma Program (DP) in grades 11-12. Years 1-3 (grades 6-8) of the MYP were established at Moody Middle School. MYP years 4-5 (grades 9-10) and DP years 1-2 (grades 11-12) were to continue at Henrico High School. To date, both MYP programs have successfully been reauthorized after the self-study process and site visit in October, 2010. Henrico HS Class of 2011 was the tenth class to complete all seven years of this combined program.

 In 2008-09, we initiated an expansion into two additional middle schools, Fairfield and Tuckahoe, and one additional high school, JR Tucker. All new sites were designated IB MYP World Schools in 2010. JR Tucker has completed the application process to become a Diploma Level IB World School for 2011. Henrico High will undergo a self-study for reauthorization of its diploma program in 2011-12. All five sites are members of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference of IB World Schools (IBMA) and continue to participate in regional, national and international exchange, sharing, and training.

Program Maintenance

In order to achieve and maintain the status of IB World School, HCPS IB sites must maintain Standards and Practices as well as philosophy, organization and curriculum as outlined by IBO. These standards include IBO teacher training on multiple and continuing levels, review of curriculum, and teacher review of and reflection on results. Our teachers have served as trainers, subject scorers, and program evaluators on the local, national and international level. The Programs are required to have formal assessment, honesty, special needs, and language policies to ensure that all students are treated fairly and ethically.  The schools must also foster an international atmosphere of tolerance and global awareness. All schools must successfully complete a self-study and undergo reauthorization every five years.