The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program is a rigorous, pre-university course of study designed for highly motivated juniors and seniors. The IB curriculum emphasizes how to learn, how to think, and how to reach considered conclusions on the many issues that will face students in the future.

The program is designed to establish a basic standard for international education and focuses on the education of the “whole person.” The program is based on the premise that academic training must provide students with the values and opportunities they need to succeed.

Diploma candidates must complete course work in six subject areas and pass exams in each. They must also take a course called Theory of Knowledge, write a research paper based on the study of an original problem, and complete an extracurricular requirement in three areas: creativity, action, and service. The IB programs works well with both the mission of the school and the existing Upper School curriculum. The IB emphasis on critical thinking, depth of learning, research, and writing skills underscores what is already occurring across the disciplines in Upper School. Some IB courses will be taught in conjunction with existing Advanced Placement, Honors, and regular courses.

The IB program offers committed students who are organized, who manage time well, and who are serious about learning the opportunity to earn this internationally recognized diploma in addition to their Charlotte Country Day School diploma. In some cases, IB diploma recipients may be awarded sophomore status in colleges and universities.