Fairfax County Public Schools announced on Apr. 20 that nearly 400 students earned the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, while an additional 76 students received the IB Career-related Certificate in 2025.
The announcement highlights student achievement in two rigorous academic programs that aim to prepare participants for higher education and future careers. The IB Diploma Program is a two-year course of study for juniors and seniors, involving six subject group courses, internal and external assessments, exams, a Theory of Knowledge course, a creativity activity service project, and a lengthy extended essay. Students who completed this program attended Annandale, Edison, Justice, Lewis, Marshall, Mount Vernon, South Lakes High Schools as well as Robinson Secondary School.
The IB Career-related Program also spans two years for juniors and seniors but focuses on combining career interests with academic study. Participants complete at least two IB courses alongside a career-focused sequence and other requirements such as assessments, exams, service learning projects, world language development activities, and an ethical dilemma reflective project related to their chosen field. Mount Vernon and South Lakes High Schools had students who earned this certificate.
According to Fairfax County Public Schools officials: “The IB Diploma and Career-related Programs aim to develop students who are internationally-minded, knowledgeable, and compassionate lifelong learners prepared for higher education and the world of work.”
A full list of diploma recipients from each school was provided by FCPS along with information about the structure of both programs. Additional details about the International Baccalaureate offerings are available online through FCPS resources.