Advanced Placement (AP) & International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs

The IB Diploma Programme is High Point Central's magnet/School Choice program, offered to give students from High Point access to a globally recognized and valued high school diploma.

Our IB Programme is

• an authorized IB World School (re-authorized Spring 2024)
• staffed by IBO-trained educators
• the most rigorous course of study available on our campus
• open to any high school student whose home school is High Point Central High School, Southwest Guilford High School, or Andrews High School, by application. 

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was created in the 1960s to establish a pre-university credential that would provide international recognition for globally mobile students. It is a rigorous course of study for high school juniors and seniors that provides a liberal arts curriculum from a global perspective. The students are expected to perform on a university level and sit for exams that are developed and assessed on an international standard.

The Diploma Programme requires students to take courses in six major areas of study.

All Diploma candidates must also take the Theory of Knowledge course which explores the relationship between the various disciplines and encompasses the development of philosophy, civilization and culture. The Theory of Knowledge course is central to the aims and objectives of the International Baccalaureate Programme.

All Diploma candidates must prepare and submit an Extended Essay of 4,000 words. The topics for this paper, selected from one of the six course areas, are intended to be specific enough to allow the student to do some serious research, reading, and thinking and general enough to allow students some flexibility in interpretation, analysis and content.

Please contact the IB Coordinator (David Williams williad2@gcsnc.com) to schedule a conversation, presentation, or tour. 

 

An IB student is one who is committed to his or her education and willing to work towards a higher level of learning and thinking. Students wishing to come to HP Central must live in the attendance zones for HP Central, Southwest Guilford, or Andrews High School. Students from Davidson County may apply as well, though enrollment fees apply for these students. Interested students must fill out a short application, submit teacher recommendations and transcripts, and be willing to enroll in and successfully complete the prerequisite courses.

Successful IB Diploma students are those who put academics first. They are self-motivated, organized and disciplined.

 

The IB Diploma Programme challenges students across the curriculum. The candidates are measured against an international standard. Students become accustomed to managing their time and their assignments, and more cognizant of the world in which they live.

Many students will receive college credit hours based on the scores they earn on their Higher Level exams; however, that is not the purpose of IB. IB Diploma candidates will find that college and university admissions officers are very interested in prospective IB candidates because of their preparation in high school. IB Diploma candidates are the first students accepted at many colleges and universities and are very competitive in being awarded scholarships.

Additional information on this topic is available on the IB Organization's websites at www.ibo.org under information.

One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay, an independent, self-directed researched ess of 4,000 words.  The essay is mandatory for all students.

Exams are administered by schools worldwide on set dates in May each year.  Exams are typically 2–3 hours and include:

• Multiple-choice questions 
• Free-response items such as essays, problem solving, document-based questions and oral response 

The exam fee is covered by Guilford County Schools, however, please note:  Students who fail to attend their exams will be charged a $15.00 no show fee.

The International Baccalaureate Programme is a two-year course of study that takes place in the 11th and 12th grade years. 

Students are encouraged to apply as rising 9th graders or rising 10th graders. Students who are accepted at these times will enter into our Pre-IB track. These students will be given schedules that include all prerequisites for the full IB Diploma Program, which takes place in 11th and 12th grades. 

Rising 11th grade students can also apply to the IB Program at HPC, and if accepted, will enter directly into the Diploma Program. 

The files below are intended to help guide students and parents in choosing appropriate classes for each year as a member of either the pre-IB track, or the IB Diploma Program. 

If you need more information, or assistance in verifying your plan, please contact Mr. Williams. (williad2@gcsnc.com)

IB Diploma Programme subject outlines: 

• • IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
  • IB Creativity Action Service (CAS) - policy guide on this website
  • IB Extended Essay (EE) - policy guide on this website

• Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature Language A:

  Group 2 Language Acquisition General Language B:

  Group 3 Individuals and Societies

  Group 4 Sciences

  Group 5 Mathematics

  Group 6 The Arts

  CORE Courses:

  • IB English Literature HL
  • IB French SL/HL
  • IB Latin SL/HL
  • IB Spanish SL/HL
  • IB History of the Americas HL 
  • IB Philosophy SL
  • IB Psychology SL
  • IB Biology SL/HL
  • IB Chemistry SL/HL
  • IB Physics SL
  • IB Mathematics SL
  • IB Mathematical Studies SL
  • IB Art SL

As you research options for the 2025-2026 school year, you will see information that Guilford County Schools' School Choice window has already closed. While that is true,

HPC's International Baccalaureate Program has no seat limit, and can accept applications at any time! APPLY NOW for 2025-2026!

GCS uses SchoolMint to manage the application process. Please visit this page: SchoolMint / SchoolMint - Online Student Enrollment (gcsnc.com) to learn more and sign in to begin your application!

Most of the application is straightforward information (name, address, date of birth, etc.), but there are a couple of parts where we hope you will show us why you would be an excellent addition to the HPC IB Herd.

You will be asked two short answer questions. Please try to answer the questions as best you can; think about your answers and explain yourself completely. Each short answer question should be answered in 250 words or less.

You will be asked to choose between two essay prompts. Again, please answer completely and show that you have thought through your responses. Only answer one of the essay questions! Your essay should be 500 words or less.

You will be asked for email addresses for 3 teachers who will agree to write a recommendation for you. Check with the teacher first to make sure they agree, and be CERTAIN to enter the email address correctly. The SchoolMint system will send an email directly to the teacher with the recommendation form.

If you have any questions, please email Mr. David Williams (williad2@gcsnc.com) for assistance.

• The Pre-IB & IB Track at HPC (choosing classes)
• Draelos Science Scholars Program
• 2023-2024 HPC IB Application Information
• GCS IB Diploma Programme
• HPC IB Academic Honor Policy
• HPC IB Assessment Policy
• HPC IB Extended Essay Student Handbook
• HPC IB Language Policy
• HPC IB Special Needs Policy
• IB Diploma Programme Subject Briefs
• IB Extended Essay Information
• International Baccalaureate Organization Website
• What is it? Who should do it? Common Questions Answered

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was created in the 1960s to establish a pre-university credential that would provide international recognition for globally mobile students. It is a rigorous course of study for high school juniors and seniors that provides a liberal arts curriculum from a global perspective. The students are expected to perform on a university level and sit for exams that are developed and assessed on an international standard.

The Diploma Programme requires students to take courses in six major areas of study.

All Diploma candidates must also take the Theory of Knowledge course which explores the relationship between the various disciplines and encompasses the development of philosophy, civilization and culture. The Theory of Knowledge course is central to the aims and objectives of the International Baccalaureate Programme.

All Diploma candidates must prepare and submit an Extended Essay of 4,000 words. The topics for this paper, selected from one of the six course areas, are intended to be specific enough to allow the student to do some serious research, reading, and thinking and general enough to allow students some flexibility in interpretation, analysis and content.

High Point Central High School is an authorized IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the 11th and 12th grades. From the IB aims and objectives, Central created its magnet school theme of Internationalism and Languages. All students enrolled in the honors classes at Central are exposed to the rigorous standards of the internationally recognized IB Diploma Programme.

The IB program’s philosophy is infused throughout all subject areas using the magnet school’s objectives:

1. Teachers will present curriculum to students through experimental, inquiry-based, interdisciplinary lessons.

2. Students will be required to think and reason at high levels and to ask and answer analytical questions.

3. Students will develop advanced research skills.

4. Students will master written and verbal communication of ideas.

5. Faculty and staff will stress the social, physical and cognitive well-being of each student to prepare them for involvement in community and extra-curricular activities.

6. Students will recognize the roles and responsibilities of being members of the international community.

7. Students and teachers will integrate cutting-edge technology into their work products.

HP Central’s magnet program is open to students whose home high school is High Point Central, Southwest Guilford, or High Point Andrews. Transportation is provided to magnet students by Guilford County Schools. Students at HP Central are taught the North Carolina Standard Course of study for each course, but with a global focus.

For more information on joining our IB programme, contact the IB Coordinator, David Williams (williad2@gcsnc.com)

Class of 2025-2026 will become the 28^th Class of International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipients at High Point Central High School

“In 1968, the IB Diploma Programme (DP) was established to provide a challenging and comprehensive education that would enable students to understand and manage the complexities of our world and provide them with skills and attitudes for taking responsible action for the future. Such an education was rooted in the belief that people who are equipped to make a more just and peaceful world need an education that crosses disciplinary, cultural, national and geographical boundaries.

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

Informed by these values, an IB education:

• centers on learners

• develops effective approaches to teaching and learning

• works within global contexts

• explores significant content. Working together, these four characteristics define an IB education” (ibo.org).

For more in depth information, please visit : http://www.ibo.org/globalassets/digital-tookit/brochures/what-is-an-ib-education-en.pdf

At High Point Central in the early 1990’s,  group of educators under the leadership of Mr. Bill Collins, Principal and Dr. Scott Culclasure began the rigorous authorization process to become an IB World School. In order to qualify, schools had to align their educational philosophy with that of IB, design an internationally minded curriculum, hire qualified staff, and ensure a budget was available to maintain the program.

One final step were visits from IB as well as other IB World School. High Point Central’s own Mr. Begeal, who was IB Coordinator at Rocky Mount HS, participated in the visit that led to authorization.

In 1996 High Point Central became IB World School 0875. To put this in perspective, in 2016, there are 4, 536 IB World Schools in over 150 nations authorized to offer the Diploma Program (DP) across the globe. In the United States there are 1,742 IB World Schools, in North Carolina 65, and in Guildford County just four. High Point Central is one of the oldest and most established programs.

The IB Program enjoys a successful reputation for rigorous and challenging classes. High Point Central graduates join impressive statistics that 98% of DP students are retained after the first year of college and that 95 of DP students enroll immediately in a four-year college.

High Point Central is also proud that scholarships earned by DP students include the Trinity Scholarship (all expenses paid to Duke University), the Morehead (all expenses paid to UNC Chapel Hill), the Morehead Cain (renamed Morehead), The Coca Cola Scholarship, and many others.

In additions some of the ID students earn enough college credits to completely skip freshman year classes or start at much higher levels.

 

Principals

1. Bill Collins                                              1995-1997
2. Helen Lankford                                      1997-2001
3. Joe Yeager                                             2001-2004
4. Dr. Cassandra Carr                                2004 (2 months)
5. Revonda Johnson                                  2004-2010
6. Jerry Simmons                                       2010-2011
7. Robert Christina                                     2011-2015
8. Dr. Bryan Johnson                                 2015-2017
9. Dr. Shelly Nixon-Green                          2017-2022
10. Michael Hettenbach                             2022-present

 

IB Coordinators

1. Scott Culclasure                             1993-2002
2. Sharon Haynes                               2002-2007
3. Rebecca Johnson-Kaserman         2007-2010
4. Katie Eckersley                               2010-2013
5. Susan Fleenor                                2013-2019
6. David Williams                                2020-present