International Baccalaureate®

The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

The IB continuum of international education for 3-19 year olds is unique because of its academic and personal rigour. We challenge students to excel in their studies and in their personal growth. We aim to inspire a quest for learning throughout life that is marked by enthusiasm and empathy. The IB aspires to help schools develop well-rounded students with character: students who can respond to challenges with optimism and an open-mind; students confident in their own identities; students who make ethical decisions; students who join with others in celebrating our common humanity; students who are prepared to apply what they learn in real world, complex and unpredictable situations.


The IB offers high-quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision. An IB education is informed by the values described in the learner profile and:

  • centers on learners – the IB’s student-centered programmes promote healthy relationships, ethical responsibility and personal challenge 

  • develops effective approaches to teaching and learning – IB programmes help students to develop the attitudes and skills they need for both academic and personal success 

  • works within global contexts – IB programmes increase understanding of languages and cultures, and explore globally significant ideas and issues 

  • explores significant content – IB programmes offer a curriculum that is broad and balanced, conceptual and connected. 

IB learners strive to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. These attributes of internationally minded people represent a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond intellectual development and academic success. The IB Continuum of International Education: Education for a Better World, ibo.org

The Primary Years Programme (PYP): preparing students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning The PYP is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, as well as transdisciplinary skills, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry.

South Smithfield Elementary School, an IB PYP Candidate World School

The Middle Years Programme (MYP): preparing students to be successful in school and to be active, lifelong learners The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of learning which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and to the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement, qualities that are essential for life in the 21st century.

Smithfield Middle School, an IB MYP Candidate World School

Smithfield-Selma High School, an IB MYP Candidate World School

The Diploma Programme (DP): preparing students for success in higher education and life in a global society The DP is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.

Smithfield-Selma High School, an Authorized IB DP World School

The IB Career-related Programme (CP): preparing students to follow their chosen pathways in life The CP incorporates the vision and educational principles of the IB into a unique programme specifically developed for students who wish to engage in career-related learning. The CP’s flexible educational framework allows schools to meet the needs, background and contexts of students. Each school creates its own distinct version of the CP.

Smithfield-Selma High School, an IB CP Authorized World School

The IB Continuum of International Education: Education for a Better World, ibo.org

If you would like to learn more about any of these IB program from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), click on one of the models above. If you would like to learn more about the program at a particular school, click on the link for each school or contact the IB Coordinator at the school.

South Smithfield Elementary School

Smithfield Middle School

Smithfield-Selma High School

For more information about IB, visit www.ibo.org or contact
KevinDaughtry@johnston.k12.nc.us, Director of Special Programs