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Benefits of IB

IB is an acronym for International Baccalaureate. IB high schools use a specific rigorous curriculum that aims to develop and challenge inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.

IB schools strive to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB programs are different from other curricula because they:

  • Encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions
  • Develop independently or through government and national systems, incorporating quality practice from research and our global community of schools
  • Encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global context
  • Develop multilingual students

Students who meet high school graduation requirements and successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme will earn an IB Diploma.

Application for IB Programs Opens November 10

Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be accepted November 10 through January 12, 2021, at 4:00pm EST. Parents must apply online through Parent Portal.
 
In order to qualify for this high school program, all interested current 8th grade students must apply ­during Open Enrollment, and qualify for a seat by signing up for, and scoring high enough on, a district test to be administered in January 2021. Available district testing dates are listed below. After completing an application, the parent/guardian will be able to select and reserve a specific test date and location through their Parent Portal account.

Important: Before beginning your application, please ensure that all student information, including your address, is listed correctly in Parent Portal.  An incorrect address may result in your application being delayed or denied.  To correct your information, please contact your child’s school. If you do not have a parent portal account, please follow the instructions on the Parent Portal page to create one.

Application Instructions

ALL STUDENTS MUST APPLY AND REGISTER FOR A SPECIFIC TEST DATE DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT, PRIOR TO TESTING — NO WALK-UPS.

Test Date Testing Location Time Students Should Arrive to Check In Approximate Time Students Will Be Released
Saturday, January 9, 2021 George Jenkins HS 8:15am 12:00pm
Saturday, January 9, 2021 Haines City HS 8:15am 12:00pm
Saturday, January 16, 2021 Bartow HS 8:15am 12:00pm
Saturday, January 16, 2021 George Jenkins HS 8:15am 12:00pm
Saturday, January 16, 2021 Winter Haven HS 8:15am 12:00pm
WEDNESDAY, January 20, 2021 Haines City HS 2:30pm 6:00pm
Saturday, January 23, 2021 Bartow HS 8:15am 12:00pm
Saturday, January 23, 2021 George Jenkins HS 8:15am 12:00pm
Saturday, January 23, 2021 Winter Haven HS 8:15am 12:00pm
Saturday, January 30, 2021 Bartow HS 8:15am 12:00pm
Saturday, January 30, 2021 Winter Haven HS 8:15am 12:00pm

High School IB Programs

There are presently two high school IB sites in Polk County. A student’s residential address within the school district determines which IB high school the student could be eligible to attend. See below for a specific listing of schools.

If you have any questions regarding the IB programs at either Bartow High School (863-534-7400) or Haines City High School (863-419-3371), please contact the respective high school.

Bartow High School

Students zoned for the following high schools are eligible to attend the Bartow High IB Program (bhsib.polk-fl.net):

  • Bartow High
  • Kathleen High
  • Lakeland High
  • George Jenkins High
  • Mulberry High
  • Fort Meade High
  • Frostproof High
  • And those living in the former attendance zone for Lake Wales High.

Haines City High School

Students zoned for the following high schools are eligible to attend the Haines City High IB Program (hcib.polk-fl.net):

  • Haines City High
  • Ridge Community High
  • Lake Region High
  • Winter Haven High
  • Auburndale High
  • Tenoroc High
  • Lake Gibson High

District Expectations

Students are expected to adhere to all the academic, ethical and behavioral requirements described in the Code of Student Conduct. Depending on the location of a student’s residency, students and families need to be aware of the additional time commitment involved in utilizing district transportation.

Florida State Statutes

f.s. 1009.534 (1)(c):

A student is eligible for a Florida Academic Scholars award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and has been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma from the International Baccalaureate Office or an Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma from the University of Cambridge International Examinations Office.

f.s. 1009.535 (1)(b):

A student is eligible for a Florida Medallion Scholars award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and has completed the International Baccalaureate curriculum but failed to earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma or has completed the Advanced International Certificate of Education curriculum but failed to earn the Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma, and has attained at least the score required under f.s. 1009.531(6)(b) on the combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination, or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program.