Local IB Students Outperform Peers Across The Globe

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Students in Hillsborough County Public Schools’ International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes are celebrating one of their most successful years ever, with diploma rates for each of the four programmes above 95 percent. National and global IB diploma rates generally hover between 67 and 76 percent.

This is an especially impressive feat considering the challenges these students were faced with, including distance learning and reaching all IB standards despite a national pandemic. IB learners at Hillsborough High School saw a 14 percent jump in their diploma rate, up to 96 percent. That is one of the highest diploma rates in the school’s history. Other highlights include:

• King High School saw its third consecutive year with a 95 percent IB diploma rate or higher.
• Robinson High School had a 96 percent IB diploma rate, making this seven consecutive years at 90 percent or higher.
• Strawberry Crest High School delivered the highest IB graduation rate in the county at 99 percent. This IB Programme has had a rate of 98 percent or higher since 2016.

“In a typical year, these results are beyond exceptional. However, considering the challenges of this past school year with COVID-19 and distance learning, these results shine even brighter. I am proud of all four of our IB Programmes for excelling despite difficult circumstances,” said Bob Cox, supervisor of magnet programs.

The IB Diploma Programme allows students to take advanced, rigorous courses and earn the IB Diploma, a recognition that is highly regarded by colleges and universities across the nation.

“This is a tremendous feat that reflects not only our outstanding students, but the IB educators and administrators who continuously support our learners to reach new academic heights every single day. Our entire district celebrates this incredible honor and acknowledges the rigorous workload and dedication that these students demonstrate in order to earn this achievement,” said Superintendent Addison Davis.

This press release was produced by Hillsborough County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.