How to apply
Interested in Hoggard's IB Programme? The Pre-Diploma Programme follows the NHCS Signature Programs common application process and timeline.
Applicants are reviewed on their grades over the past two years, EOG/EOC scores, teacher recommendations and a video submission. Applications for grades 8-10 for the 2026-2027 school year were open January 18 to February 15.
There are two pathways at Hoggard, IB Certificate and IB Diploma. IB Diploma classes begin in grade 11 and run through grade 12. See Required Courses for each pathway.
Application video prompt
Scoring rubric
Signature Program Night / Timeline
Hoggard IB Signature Program Night Slides 12/4/25
NHCS Special Programs Timeline 2025-2026 (26-27 AY Cohort)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 23 | Bilingual Special Programs Letter distributed (by email or mail) to all 8th-grade students |
| October 27+ | MS Counselors show Specialty Options Overview video to all 8th-grade students |
| November 2 | Bilingual Connect 5 reminder call @ presentations on 11/10, 12, 13 |
| November 3-21 | Middle School Visits |
| November 9 | Bilingual Connect 5 reminder call @ presentations on 11/10, 12, 13 |
| November 10 | Parent Presentation: Minnie Evans Center (Veterans Park), 6:00-7:30 p.m. |
| November 12 | Parent Presentation: Roland Grise Middle School, 6:00-7:30 p.m. |
| November 13 | Parent Presentation: Holly Shelter Middle School, 6:00-7:30 p.m. |
| November 13+ | MS counselors meet with students on best fit for programs |
| November 30 | Bilingual Connect 5 reminder call @ in-house presentations |
| December 1-11* | Individual schools host an in-house program night (see list below) |
| December 14 | Virtual Q&A Informational Session, 6:00-7:00 |
| January 11 | Programs post prompts |
| January 11 | Bilingual Connect 5 reminder call for prompts and application opening January 18 |
| January 18 - February 15 | Application window is open (all components due by 11:59 p.m., February 15) |
| January 24/31/February 7 | Bilingual Connect 5 reminder call @ application deadline |
| February 8 | Application deadline for all programs, 11:59 p.m. |
| February 20 | Teacher recommendations due |
| February 27 | Programs complete scoring process |
| March 2 | NHCS enrollment window opens |
| March 2 | NHCS Open Choice application window opens |
| March 4-6 | Supervisor of Special Programs reviews program acceptances. |
| March 9 | Programs will receive confirmation of their selections by 4:00 p.m. |
| March 13 | Initial letters emailed with time for confirmation from students/families (due by 3/19) |
| March 15 | Bilingual Connect 5 reminder call to notify families of programs acceptance (first round) |
| March 20 | Second letters emailed with time for confirmation from students/families (due by 3/26) |
| March 22 | Bilingual Connect 5 reminder call to notify families of program acceptance (second round) |
| March 30 | Program leads submit final updates to acceptance lists for student transitions to high school (Schools with an application for upperclassmen should add a second tab of accepted students to the spreadsheet) |
| March 31 | Program leads report any review requests to Jean Hall. Program leads will provide all application information for student reviews including, transcript/grades, completed rubric, attendance data |
| April 1-2 | Central Office team meets to ensure application process was followed for any review requests |
*Individual programs’ in-house presentation nights (all begin at 6:00 p.m.):
- December 1 - Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA-Tech) (auditorium)
- December 2 - Wilmington Early College High School (BB&T Auditorium)
- December 3 - Laney STEM (media center)
- December 4 - Hoggard International Baccalaureate (cafeteria)
- December 8 - New Hanover Lyceum (cafeteria)
- December 9 - Ashley Marine Science Academy (MSA classroom)
- December 10 - Isaac Bear Early College High School (UNCW - Morton Auditorium) (6:15 start time)
- December 11 - Career Readiness Academy at Mosley (media center)
From “2025-2026 Timeline - NHCS Special Programs”. Open the original document.
Moving from Pre-DP to the full Diploma
When a 10th-grade Pre-DP student wants the full programme, a personal meeting with the IB DP coordinator is scheduled to discuss academics and career goals. The coordinator reviews the transcript, standardized scores, performance in Hoggard's Pre-Diploma cohort and teacher recommendations. If the student, parents, teachers or coordinator have concerns about fit, they discuss interventions and strategies or explore alternate plans.
Reasons a student may not continue include, but are not limited to:
- Not completing prerequisite courses.
- Academic misconduct.
- Conduct that does not reflect the IB Learner Profile.
- Course grades showing non-mastery in honors or AP-level courses.
Open Choice Pre-IB students who choose to exit are reassigned to their districted school and must reapply for Open Choice to keep attending Hoggard. Any decision about joining the IB DP must be approved by a parent or guardian, shown by signing the student's course request form, which is completed in the spring of the preceding year.