The International Baccalaureate (IB) at Norcross
Norcross High School is proud to be an IB World School. We are one of the only schools in Gwinnett County to offer this globally recognized curriculum, which focuses on developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people.
A Two-Tiered Approach to Excellence
At Norcross, the IB experience is built into the fabric of our school through two distinct stages:
Grades 9 & 10: The Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- Inclusion for All: Every freshman and sophomore at Norcross is part of the MYP. This is a continuation of the program started at Pinckneyville and Summerour Middle Schools.
- The Framework: Rather than just memorizing facts, students learn through "Global Contexts," helping them connect classroom lessons to real-world issues like sustainability, identity, and innovation.
- Personal Project: In 10th grade, students may complete a "Personal Project"—a self-directed exploration of a topic they are passionate about.
Grades 11 & 12: The Diploma Programme (DP)
- Rigor: For juniors and seniors, the IB Diploma Programme is one of the most rigorous college-preparatory tracks in the world.
- College Acceptance: IB graduates are often accepted into elite universities at higher rates and frequently enter college with significant credits already earned.
- Flexible Participation: Students can choose to be Full Diploma Candidates (taking all subject areas plus the "IB Core") or Course Candidates (taking up to specific IB classes in subjects they love).
Why Choose IB?
- Critical Thinking: IB students don’t just learn what to think; they learn how to think.
- Global Recognition: The IB diploma is recognized by the world’s leading universities as a mark of highest academic achievement.
- Community & Service: Through the "CAS" (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirement, students are encouraged to grow as individuals outside the classroom.
Next Steps: Your student will automatically be enrolled in the MYP during the registration process. If you are interested in the Full Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th grades, our IB Coordinator is available to help you map out necessary prerequisite courses starting in 9th grade.
International Baccalaureate