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School Choice Open Enrollment

Salem Middle School

Dekalb County Schools

IB Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the International Baccalaureate Program?
International Baccalaureate is an internationally recognized non-profit educational program with a rigorous curriculum. International Baccalaureate features a global focus and emphasizes inquiry based learning, creative problem solving, hands-on projects, and community service.
What is the history of International Baccalaureate?
International Baccalaureate, founded by educators in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968, was created to provide a high-quality educational program for international families. Its consistent applicability and value for students of all backgrounds have led to adoption by schools all over the world. Only schools that have been thoroughly vetted by the International Baccalaureate Organization can earn official designation as International Baccalaureate World Schools.

Currently, there are 3,086 schools in 139 countries. There are 50 International Baccalaureate World Schools in Georgia.
Why is International Baccalaureate a good fit for Salem Middle School?
The rigorous International Baccalaureate gives Salem students a competitive advantage in this increasing global economy. The International Baccalaureate program also allows Salem to remain competitive by offering a world-class education.

The international Baccalaureate program builds on Salem’s mission to provide an encouraging and nurturing environment that empowers every student to maximize his or her social and academic potential and become life-long participants in our global society.

International Baccalaureate is highly regarded throughout the U.S. and the world. The Middle Years Program makes middle school transition easier into the International Baccalaureate Diploma program at the high school. An International Baccalaureate diploma allows students to earn college credit and advanced standing at many colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad.

How will International Baccalaureate affect Salem’s Curriculum?
International Baccalaureate does not replace anything in the current curriculum. Students will continue to learn traditional subjects, meeting all state standards. International Baccalaureate enhances the current curriculum and provides a consistent focus and approach to learning throughout the middle school years. For example students throughout their middle school years will be encouraged to develop the ten attributes of an International Baccalaureate Learner: Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Thinker, Communicator, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-taker, Balanced, and Reflective.

All subjects will become more interconnected and enriched, and will be taught with a more global outlook. Our students and our community will benefit from a greater emphasis on cultural awareness and community service.

What is Salem currently doing to promote the attributes of the International Baccalaureate Learner?
Each month a boy and girl from each team who consistently displays the featured attribute of the month is selected by their team teachers to represent the team for a month. The counseling department invites the students and their parents to an awards breakfast with the principal.

For more information, please visit www.ibo.org.