Loudoun County Public Schools Celebrates International Baccalaureate Authorization

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) announces the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) has authorized Heritage and Loudoun Valley high schools as International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. Heritage High School and Loudoun Valley High School will be the two schools in LCPS to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The International Baccalaureate program offers IB courses that encourage the development of  the IB Learner Profile. IB is geared towards empowering students to take ownership of their learning while helping them develop future-ready skills to make a difference in an ever-changing world. 

"I am beyond thrilled about this authorization and proud of Division and Loudoun Valley High School and Heritage High School. The addition of IB to LCPS will open doors for our students as they continue on a path of college, career or service," said Dr. Aaron Spence, LCPS Superintendent. "There are countless opportunities with this IB program and its future; I am eager to see our students thrive academically and personally."

Implementing the IB DP is aligned with the LCPS Strategic Plan to expand opportunities for Multiple Accessible Pathways to Success through diverse programming. The IB Programme will be fully implemented in 2025-2026 with the first class of IB Diploma candidates. Staff will visit all LCPS middle schools to speak with grade 8 students about the program, as well as hold community information meetings in November and December.  

Achieving IB authorization is a rigorous and lengthy process. Schools must complete two extensive applications during various stages and prepare for an onsite authorization visit from an IB-certified team, similar to an audit. Schools are responsible for training teachers to understand the program and implement the framework during the process. Schools that are approved join a worldwide community of over 5,000 schools in 157, including locations like Paris, London, Lima and Tokyo.

Founded in 1968, IB is a nonprofit foundation that offers challenging educational programs for students aged 3 to 19 to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The organization's efforts to establish challenging international education programs and rigorous assessment encourage students worldwide to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand other people with their differences.

For more information about the IB Diploma Programme at Heritage and Loudoun Valley, please visit the Heritage High School website or the Loudoun Valley High School website.

Published November 9, 2023