International Baccalaureate (I.B.)

As with any other HCPS specialty center, any student interested in attending the program may apply.

As with any other HCPS specialty center, any student interested in attending the program may apply.

The Fairfield program welcomes applications from fifth grade students who are zoned to attend Jacob Adams, Arthur Ashe, George Baker, Chamberlayne, Cashell Donahoe, Fair Oaks, Glen Lea, Harvie, Highland Springs, Laburnum, Montrose, Harold Ratcliffe, Sandston, Seven Pines, Varina and Henry Ward elementary schools. Current sixth and seventh graders zoned for Fairfield, Elko, John Rolfe and L. Douglas Wilder middle schools are also welcome to apply.

The Moody program welcomes applications from fifth grade students who are zoned to attend Colonial Trail, Dumbarton, Echo Lake, Glen Allen, Greenwood, Holladay, David Kaechele, Lakeside, R.C. Longan, Longdale, Nuckols Farm, Rivers Edge, Shady Grove, Short Pump, Springfield Park, Maude Trevvett and Twin Hickory elementary schools. Current sixth and seventh graders zoned for George Moody, Brookland, Holman, Hungary Creek, Pocahontas, Quioccasin and Short Pump middle schools are also welcome to apply.

The Tuckahoe program welcomes applications from fifth grade students who are zoned to attend Ruby Carver, Crestview, Jackson Davis, Charles Johnson, Gayton, Maybeury, Pemberton, Pinchbeck, Ridge, Skipwith, Three Chopt and Tuckahoe elementary schools. Current sixth and seventh graders zoned for Tuckahoe Middle School are also welcome to apply.

• What does IB teaching and learning look like?
  • The International Baccalaureate programs focus on teaching and learning through rigorous student-centered strategies that encourage inquiry, global perspectives and development of the whole child.  These practices are the foundation of each unit, and students will engage with IB learning throughout each class daily.  This includes but is not limited to collaboration, problem solving, reflection, skill building, real world connections, student choice, differentiated instruction, student-led activities, multiple forms of communication, student demonstrations of learning, IB assessments, feedback, teacher and peer support, and an array of resources.
• Where are our authorized HCPS IB World Schools?
  • Middle Schools: Fairfield, G. H. Moody, and Tuckahoe offer the Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 6-8 (MYP Years 1-3)
  • High Schools: Henrico and J.R. Tucker offer the IBMYP grades 9-10 (MYP Years 4-5) and the IB Diploma Program (grades 11-12)
• What subjects will my student take in the IBMYP?
  • All IBMYP middle school students will take courses in the Arts, Design, Individuals & Societies, Language Acquisition, Language & Literature, Mathematics, Physical & Health Education, and Sciences. Additional HCPS courses may be available. 
• I am the parent/guardian of an IB student.  How can I learn more specific details about the program, such as IB assessments and scoring, Service as Action, and the IB Learner Profile?
  • Your school’s IB coordinator, administrative team, school counselors, and teachers will offer a variety of opportunities to learn more about IB.  These may include parent nights, principal’s coffees/chats, resources on Schoology, and on the IB tab of the school’s website.  Please feel free to reach out to your child’s IB coordinator with any specific questions.
• Who participates in the middle school IB Middle Years Program?
  • The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) has  designed a comprehensive middle years curriculum specifically to nurture and support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth of any student between the ages of 11-16.    Any fifth-seventh grader residing in Henrico County has the opportunity to apply for the middle school IBMYP during the assigned window, regardless of where they live within the county.  
  • Students who want to participate in the IBMYP but do not directly live within an IB World School middle school feeder pattern must apply in order to be considered for the program.   
  • All students residing within an IB World School middle school feeder pattern  (Fairfield, Moody, Tuckahoe MS) automatically will take IB courses that match their academic level,but they must apply in order to have a chance of being accepted to the full IB program with all privileges.

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) often has different entry processes depending on whether students are applying or not, based on where they live within the county. Here’s why this might be the case:

1. School Policy and Capacity: Schools may have a limited number of spots available for the IBMYP due to resources, classroom availability, and teacher expertise. Therefore, they may need to select students based on certain criteria to ensure they can provide the best educational experience to those enrolled in the programme.
2. Interest and Commitment: Applying for the IBMYP often requires a demonstrated interest and commitment from students and their families. This ensures that students who are accepted into the programme are motivated and likely to thrive in its rigorous academic environment.
3. Academic and Personal Readiness: The application process allows schools to assess students academic skills and personal qualities necessary to succeed in the IBMYP. This might include reviewing previous academic performance, writing skills, and  teacher recommendations.
4. Diverse Student Body: Having both application-based and neighborhood-based entry creates a diverse student body within the IBMYP. This diversity enriches the learning experiences, bringing together students with different backgrounds, perspectives, and strengths.
5. Equity and Access: Schools may also consider equity and access when designing their admissions processes. By maintaining seats for students within the local neighborhood and from established feeder patterns for IB schools, they ensure that the IBMYP is accessible to a broader range of students, including those who may face barriers to applying.

It is important to emphasize that the application process is not meant to exclude students, but rather to ensure that the programme can effectively meet the needs of those enrolled. It’s also a way to maintain high standards and create a balanced and inclusive learning environment.

• How do students apply for the IB Middle Years Program at the middle school level?
  • Applications will be available in the fall to students currently attending 5th-7th grade (to enter the program the following year).  School counselors will support their applicants through the process, which includes three components: GPA, teacher recommendations, and a timed writing prompt. 
• If my child is zoned to attend an IB middle school as their home school, do they need to apply? 
  • Middle school students who live in the zone for an IB World School and want to take the most rigorous IB courses with full program privileges need to apply to the middle school IBMYP.
  •  Middle school students who live in the feeder pattern for an IB World School and do not apply for the program will still have a variety of IB courses taught at the academic level appropriate for the student’s needs. 
• Can Henrico Virtual Academy (HVA) students apply for IB?  
  • IB is not available within HVA,  but  students currently attending HVA in 5th-7th grade can apply to enter IB for the 2026-2027 school year during the fall 2025 application window.  Only the five IB World Schools are authorized to offer the program, so HVA students who accept an offer to attend the IB program must attend in person at their designated IB World School and will not be eligible to remain at HVA the following year(s).
• If my child was in the IB program last year but is not this year, can they return to IB?
  • Students who exited or declined the middle school IB program and continue to reside in Henrico County are eligible to reapply for 7th or 8th grade during the fall 2025 application window.  They will be in the same applicant pool as other students in the same grade level and IB world school zone.  
  • Likewise, If a child was accepted to the IB program last year but chose not to attend and continue to reside in Henrico County are eligible to reapply for 7th or 8th grade (respectively) during the fall application window.  They will be in the same applicant pool as other students in the same grade level and IB world school zone.  Admission is not guaranteed.
• What support is available if my child needs additional help with academics or social-emotional needs?
  • Each HCPS IB World School has a network of support for students, including teachers, the school’s innovative learning coach, an onsite IB coordinator, school counselors and administrators. Students can reach out to them through Schoology or during one-to-one class time. Families can email or call the school for assistance. 
• Will my child be challenged through rigorous lessons, projects and assessments?
  • Using new and traditional strategies, we will learn together through rigor, inquiry, collaboration, and compassion. This includes daily activities, hands-on projects, challenging HCPS and IB assessments, community involvement and more. We will continue to adhere to the IB Organization’s highest academic, social, physical and socio-emotional expectations as appropriate for each student.
• What will the expectations be for IB community service (Service as Action - SAA)? 
  • Service as Action (SAA) is one of the many exciting components of the IB Middle Years Program.  As students support their communities in meaningful ways, they also build relationships, feel the satisfaction of helping others, gain new perspectives, and develop new skills. IBMYP middle school students commit to serve at least 15 hours annually for the community by May, but it is the quality of the service being provided and its impact on our students and communities that matter most.  Using an online form in Schoology, students will record the details of their service activities and reflect on their experiences throughout the year.
• My child would like to continue IB in high school.  What is the process?
  • All current 8th graders are eligible to apply for the IB program and other specialty centers, ACE programs, and/or regional schools (Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, Code RVA) during the first semester application window. This includes students who have not participated in the IB program prior to this school year.  Visit Specialty Centers for specific details on the application timelines, requirements, informational videos, and more. 
• How will my child’s teachers know him or her well enough to write a recommendation for high school IB, other HCPS specialty centers, the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School or gifted identification?
  • Within site-based guidelines the high school applications traditionally have encouraged students to select the middle school teachers who will complete the recommendations. When appropriate, students would be able to request recommendations from sixth, seventh, or eighth-grade teachers.

Parent Resources

• Visit International Baccalaureate Organization for information on the IB programs, curriculum, philosophy, and more.
• Visit your IB World School online and click the IB link:
  • Fairfield M.S.
  • Moody M.S.
  • Tuckahoe M.S.
  • Henrico H.S.
  • J.R. Tucker H.S.

• What does IB teaching and learning look like in high school?
  • The International Baccalaureate programs focus on teaching and learning through rigorous student-centered strategies that encourage inquiry, global perspectives and development of the whole child. These practices are the foundation of each unit, and students will engage with IB learning throughout each class daily.  This includes but is not limited to collaboration, problem solving, reflection, skill building, real world connections, student choice, differentiated instruction, student-led activities, multiple forms of communication, student demonstrations of learning, IB assessments, feedback, teacher and peer support, and an array of resources.  The Diploma Program and Career-related Program (CP) include all of these elements as well as features uniques to each school.  For the DP, this includes additional focus on the formal Internal Assessments (IAs) throughout the year and the IB international examinations in May.*  The Career-related Program (CP) also focuses on academic development, as well as theoretical knowledge, and hands-on experience that prepares students for higher education and heir chosen career paths. 
• Will students take the full set of  IB subject areas, including electives?
  • Yes, high school IB students will take the same courses required by the International Baccalaureate Organization and the Virginia Department of Education.
  • MYP subject areas: Arts, Individuals and Societies, Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physical and Health Education, & Sciences
  • DP subject areas: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Required electives (Arts or Psychology). Additional HCPS courses may be available.
  • CP subject areas: at least two of the IB Diploma courses listed above, along with a two-year Career and Technical Education sequence that can result in industry certification
• Will my child be challenged through rigorous lessons, projects and assessments?
  • Using new and traditional strategies, we will learn together through rigor, inquiry, collaboration and compassion. This includes daily activities, hands-on projects, challenging HCPS and IB assessments, community involvement and more. The IB Organization has a consistent philosophy and high standards globally. We will continue to adhere to their highest academic, social, physical and socio-emotional expectations. 
• What are the IB Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) expectations? 
  • Ongoing participation, documentation, and reflection are a continued commitment to the program and are a requirement to earn the HCPS IBMYP record of achievement as well as the IB Diploma. Students will continue to have opportunities to explore and select their own CAS experiences. The school’s IB team also will provide support for goal setting, implementation, and reflections on CAS experiences  as appropriate.   
• How can my children get help from their teachers?
  • Teachers will be available for students during class and other teacher-specified times. Students can also contact teachers with questions, concerns and ideas through Schoology’s message feature. 
• How will I be able to communicate with the teachers?
  • Each school hosts a Back to School Night in September to help families meet the teachers and better understand expectations in each class.  Watch for emails from your child’s school for specific dates, times, and formats.  Parent/teacher conferences will also be available on specified evenings. In addition, you can reach out to your child’s teachers by email or phone if you need to speak with them or  set up an appointment throughout the school year.   
• What is the process for completing and presenting the Personal Project?
  • In the spring, your IB coordinator and the Personal Project coordinator shared with students a timeline for completing the Personal Project by fall of this school year. Students and families will continue to get additional information through class, Schoology, ManageBac and/or emails. 
• Will IB have Diploma Program (IBDP) exams for May 2026? 
  •  IB has returned to the traditional May examination sessions and protocol, including in-person examinations, and unaltered assessment expectations to determine final results that impact achievement of the IB Diploma
• Will my child have the opportunities to complete the full curriculum in each subject area in order to be prepared for the IBDP internal assessment and the external exams in May?
  • HCPS IB World Schools will adhere to the IBO’s guidelines and expectations for completing the required curriculum.
• Will students take Theory of Knowledge (TOK)?  
  • Yes, IBDP candidates will take TOK in 11th and 12th grades.
• What support will be in place for students to complete the Extended Essay? 
  • In the spring, the IB coordinator and the Extended Essay coordinator(s) shared with students a timeline for completing the Extended Essay.  Students and families will continue to get additional information through Schoology, ManageBac or emails. 
• How will IB teachers ensure that students complete their work with integrity and in accordance with the Code of Academic Honesty?
  • Academic honesty is an expectation for all HCPS students. The HCPS Code of Conduct defines and prohibits cheating, plagiarizing, falsification, unauthorized use of technology and false accusations. The IBO places further emphasis on its requirements and the consequences of dishonesty. The IB faculty at each school will provide additional details for students on the serious nature and consequences of integrity violations, which can include removal from the program and/or loss of opportunity to submit work toward the IB Diploma. HCPS’ testing platforms provide security for certain types of assessments, and the IB team continues format assessments in ways that discourage cheating, plagiarism and malpractice.  
• How do students apply for high school IB programs? 
  • All current 8th graders are eligible to apply for the IB program and other specialty centers, ACE programs, and/or regional schools (Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, Code RVA) during the first semester application window.  Visit Specialty Centers for specific details on the application timelines, requirements, informational videos, and more.
• Can Henrico Virtual Academy (HVA) students apply for IB?  
  • IB is not available within HVA, but  students currently attending HVA in 8th grade can apply to enter IB for the 2023-2024 school year during the fall 2025 application window.  Only the five IB World Schools are authorized to offer the program, so HVA students who accept an offer to attend the IB program will not be eligible to remain at HVA the following year(s).
• If my child was in the IB program last year but is not this year, can they return to IB?
  • IB courses at the high school level are connected intricately to the next year’s course.  Therefore, a student who exited the high school IB program for the 2021-2022 school year and continues to reside in Henrico County will need to contact the IB Specialist, April Craver, before the close of the fall specialty center application window to determine eligibility for re-evaluation.  If the circumstance allows it, the student will need to reapply and qualify to enter the program in 2026-2027.  Readmission is not guaranteed.
• If my child was accepted to the IB program last year but chose not to attend, can they return to fill that seat?
  • A student who was accepted to the high school IB program last year but chose not to attend will need to contact the IB Specialist, April Craver, before the close of the fall specialty center application window to determine eligibility for readmission.  If the circumstance allows it, the student will need to reapply and qualify to enter the program in 2026-2027.  Readmission is not guaranteed.
• What support is available if my child needs additional help with academics or social-emotional needs?
  • Each HCPS IB World School has a network of support for students, including teachers, the school’s innovative learning coach, an onsite IB coordinator, school counselors and administrators. Students can reach out to them through Schoology or during one-to-one class time.  Families can use email or phone for assistance. HCPS has also developed a Schoology for Families course to assist families with online resources.

Parent Resources

• Visit International Baccalaureate Organization for information on the IB programs, curriculum, philosophy, IB’s COVID-19 updates and more.
• Visit your IB World School online and click the IB link:
  • Fairfield M.S.
  • Moody M.S.
  • Tuckahoe M.S.
  • Henrico H.S.
  • J.R. Tucker H.S.