For families exploring advanced academic opportunities, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program often rises to the top of the list. Known around the world for its rigorous curriculum and focus on developing globally minded learners, IB challenges students not only to master subject matter but also to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with their communities. Designed to prepare young people for success in college, career, and life, the program emphasizes inquiry, research, and service – skills that reach far beyond the classroom.
“IB is more than just classes; it’s an opportunity for students to grow into globally minded, resilient people who are prepared for college, careers, and life,” said Sanders Benkwith, the IB Coordinator for the Diploma Program at Hillside High School. “The program opens doors and creates experiences that shape our students far beyond the classroom.”
The IB program was founded in 1968 in Switzerland by a group of educators who wanted to create a global education for students who were living abroad. This group created the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and the IB Diploma Programme, which is for high school students. The goal was to create a program where students could learn the knowledge and values needed to contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world, rather than passively absorbing uninspiring and ineffective lecture-based teaching.
With time, the program grew and expanded its reach.
THREE LEVELS FOR LEARNERS
In Durham Public Schools, the IB program is available in elementary, middle, and high school. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is at E.K. Powe and Burton elementary schools, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a five-year program that begins at Shepard Middle School and continues through Hillside High School, and the Diploma Programme is available at Hillside.
“Students say the IB program challenges them and pushes them to be better learners, and alumni often share how well prepared they felt for college,” Benkwith said. “Many also talk about the close-knit, family-like community that comes from learning together in a small group.”
In addition to the focus on student agency to drive curiosity and responsibility for their own learning, the IB program provides enhanced learning opportunities. Starting in the elementary program, students can learn one of three languages: French, Mandarin, or Spanish. Later, students take on advanced coursework, a research project, and service projects.
“Unlike other academic programs, IB has a component of service embedded in all levels,” said Laura Parrott, Director of Advanced Academics. “At the PYP level, students identify a need, plan and implement an action, then reflect on the learning process and the impact of their service. Students continue to participate in service throughout the MYP and DP programs. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) in the Diploma Programme and Service as Action (SA) in the Middle Years Programme develop personal growth, empathy, problem-solving, and social responsibility in students.”
The IB program teaches students Approaches to Learning (ATL), which are lifelong learning skills that help students become self-regulated learners. ATL includes five core categories: thinking, research, communication, social skills, and self-management.
EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY
“The IB program positively affects students at Shepard by exposing them to cultures, experiences, and courses that they might not be a part of in another school,” said Dr. Yolanda Williams, the IB Coordinator at Shepard. “Our school places emphasis on community, family, academic excellence – regardless of background – and helping others.”
The program not only helps individual students but helps the community.
“The IB program fosters a community of diverse thought and learning,” said Amy Sanchez, the IB Coordinator at Burton Elementary. “Collaboration among students, staff, and families fosters an inclusive school community.”
All families in Durham County have the option to enroll in an IB program. There are attendance zones around all four IB schools. Those who do not live in those attendance zones still have the option to attend an IB program by enrolling in the annual application lottery, which typically opens in January. Results are usually announced the first week of March.
“Having been a part of the Hillside IB program for over a decade, I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding educational experiences for which I am involved,” said Keshetta Henderson, the MYP IB Coordinator at Hillside. “It’s not just about academics – it helps students grow into thoughtful young adults who want to make a difference. I’ve seen so many students become more confident and curious, and they learn to handle challenges with resilience. It further helps students to exceed their own expectations while providing strong support systems to ensure their success. A smile always crosses my face when they return to campus exclaiming how glad they were that they motivated themselves to keep going and how useful IB has been to them in the long run.”
Families who are interested in IB programming should explore their school options at https://welcome.dpsnc.net.