Centennial, Alpharetta High Schools Win IB Certification

ROSWELL, GA — Two high schools in North Fulton County have recently been approved as International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. Alpharetta and Centennial are now classified as IB Diploma schools, meaning they will offer core curriculum classes in the theory of knowledge, creativity, activity and service, the school system said.

For students who choose to participate, the program will require an essay, or a research or service project. For some colleges and universities, participation in an IB Diploma program can earn college credit, and has been shown to boost college acceptance by 22 percent, FCSS argues

To implement this program, teachers will be given additional training and access to IB resources, including workshops, networking, and development training (For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here).

For Centennial, the IB process started in June 2017, though the School Governance Council began discussing the idea in 2013. The SGC believes that the worldview focus of the curriculum, including thesis and service components, will be a good fit for the Centennial community. Now that they have been accepted, IB classes will begin this fall.

“I participated in the IB experience during my high school post-graduate year abroad and actually took the Theory of Knowledge course,” said Centennial Principal Kibbey Crumbley. “For students pursuing the rigorous IB diploma, taking the Theory of Knowledge course will be a definite highlight.”

Alpharetta applied for IB candidacy in the spring of 2016. Starting in the 10th grade, students can choose to pursue an IB path, and must have good disciplinary and academic records, as well as teacher recommendations.

Image via Fulton County School System