Is IB for me?
The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging, fast-paced set of courses for students who love to learn and want to prepare for college and beyond. It is used in schools around the world and builds skills colleges value: critical thinking, strong writing, time management, independence, and understanding multiple perspectives. Its goal is to help students learn how to learn, analyze complex ideas and understand global issues, which makes the move to college smoother. Families may encourage a student to join, but students who thrive are motivated, curious and ready to challenge themselves.
Students who fit Hoggard's programme typically:
- Are curious and excited to learn new things.
- Have a strong academic record, especially in honors classes.
- Will take on challenges similar to first-year college expectations.
- Can complete independent research such as the Extended Essay, which prepares them for college-level writing.
- Take part in projects that build leadership, creativity and community involvement.
- Show honesty, responsibility and personal integrity.
- Have strong attendance and stay engaged in learning.
The bottom line: IB builds the confidence, habits and academic skills colleges look for, and prepares students to thrive once they are in college, not only to get in.
IB Diploma Success Rate
IB Diploma success rate by graduating year
AP vs IB: What's the Difference?
| Category | Advanced Placement (AP) at Hoggard HS | International Baccalaureate (IB) at Hoggard HS |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy & Goals | College-level courses offered in high school to give students a taste of college rigor; focus on mastery of subject content and exam performance. | Holistic, college-level courses, rooted in international-minded education; focus on academic rigor, research, critical thinking, inquiry, and developing the whole student (knowledge, skills, attitudes, values). |
| Program Type | Individual courses; students select AP courses independently. | Cohesive diploma program (IB DP) with required core components plus six varying subjects; students complete the full diploma (6 IB classes+core) or certificates (2-4 IB classes) are possible. |
| Curriculum Structure | Flexible; students may take 1–10+ AP courses across subjects. Each course is standalone. | Structured; students take courses from six groups (Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts) plus Core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), Creativity/Activity/Service (CAS). |
| Depth vs Breadth | Focus on depth in individual subjects; exam-based mastery of content. | Emphasizes breadth across multiple disciplines with depth in Higher Level (HL) subjects; integration across subjects encouraged. |
| Assessment | Primarily end-of-year standardized exams (multiple-choice + free response); some courses include internally assessed components (labs in sciences). | Combination of internal assessment (e.g., oral, lab work, essays, projects) and external exams; writing-based, analytical, and reflective work valued. |
| Skills Emphasized | Subject-specific knowledge, analytical skills, test-taking strategies. | Critical thinking, research, writing, reflection, interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, time management, and international-mindedness. |
| Workload & Timeframe | Each AP course over 1 semester (not year) workload depends on the number of courses taken. All AP classes test in April/May. | Offers Full IB Diploma: 1-2 years (Grades 11–12), with integrated curriculum and mandatory core components. IB classes test in April/May. |
| Teaching & Learning Approach | Teacher-centered instruction with content delivery; exam preparation-focused; inquiry is optional. | Inquiry-based, student-centered learning; emphasis on discussion, reflection, projects, and independent research. |
| Global Recognition | Widely recognized by U.S. colleges; high scores may grant college credit or advanced placement. | Recognized internationally; prepares students for universities worldwide; diploma carries weight for holistic admissions that may grant college credit or advanced placement. IB DP is acknowledged on CommonApp |
| Flexibility | High; students choose subjects freely; can take one or multiple courses. | Moderate; students follow structured program; full diploma requires commitment across disciplines and core, while certificate offers more flexibility |
| Student Profile / Best Suited For | Students aiming to strengthen college applications, gain credit in particular subjects, or explore interests selectively. | Students seeking rigorous, well-rounded preparation for college, strengthen college applications, development of research and critical thinking skills, and international perspectives. |
| Assessment Frequency | At the end of the year (exam); some courses include labs/projects. | Continuous assessment through internal assessments, essays, projects, presentations, and external exams. One exam does not determine overall mark/grade. |
Summary
- AP is flexible, depth-focused, and exam-centered. Students can pick subjects individually to suit interests or college plans. Hoggard’s AP exam pass rate is 57% (US News and World Reports, May 2025)
- IB is holistic, structured, and skill-focused, requiring interdisciplinary work, research, and reflection. It develops academic and personal skills alongside content knowledge. Hoggard’s IB exam pass rate is 92% (US News and World Reports, May 2025)
Key takeaway: AP is specialized and exam-driven, while IB is a program that is integrated and reflective, with emphasis on learning how to learn.
FAQs
What is the application process?
The Pre-Diploma Programme follows the NHCS Signature Programs common application and timeline. The full outline is on the Apply page and the NHCS Signature Programs page.
How are students selected?
Pre-Diploma applicants are scored on a rubric covering middle school grades, rigor of courses, standardized test scores, middle school attendance and a personal video. Teacher and character recommendations are also reviewed.
Must an IB student take a foreign language?
Yes. The Diploma requires studying a second language throughout high school. Hoggard currently offers IB French and Spanish.
Is Group 6 (Arts) both Dance and Visual Arts, or can you choose one?
Students choose one course from each of the six groups. IB allows a Group 6 substitution from another group for students not interested in the arts.
How are students chosen if assigned to a different high school?
The assigned school is not considered for Diploma-pathway applicants. An accepted student who elects to attend can apply for Open Choice enrollment, which is granted as long as the student stays in the programme. A student who exits is reassigned to their assigned school and must reapply for Open Choice, with no guaranteed space.
How does the curriculum differ from the traditional Hoggard curriculum?
Hoggard offers CTE, Honors, AP and IB courses. IB programmes are different because they: encourage students to think critically and challenge assumptions; develop independently of government and national systems, drawing on research and a global community of schools; encourage consideration of local and global contexts; develop multilingual students; and promote development of the whole learner rather than specialty knowledge in one course. More information is at ibo.org.
What is the acceptance rate?
Hoggard is prepared to offer 85 seats to each incoming freshman class, to applicants who earn a qualifying score.
How is it like or unlike AP or Honors?
IB and AP are both rigorous, weighted, university-prep courses and the highest level a student can take in high school. IB focuses on learning subjects deeply within an interdisciplinary curriculum; AP is faster-paced and encourages learning as much as possible about a subject in a short time. The IB Diploma also adds the Core (TOK, EE, CAS). See AP vs IB.
What percentage of Diploma candidates receive the Diploma?
Hoggard reports a 100% graduation rate for every graduating cohort. Diploma success rates by year are shown under IB Diploma Success Rate.
Do students stay all four years, and what is required to stay?
The intent is for students who enter the 9th-grade Pre-IB programme to continue all four years and enter IB, as a certificate or full diploma candidate, in 11th grade.
Can you earn college credit?
Qualifying scores on IB assessments can count toward required courses at universities; policies vary by university. IB courses are not dual enrollment, but some IB students also earn dual enrollment credit, so each schedule is unique. See College Credit.
Are art classes offered?
Yes: IB visual arts, dance and theatre.
Is the programme fully on campus?
Yes. Students can apply and enter in 9th, 10th or 11th grade.
How many students can get in?
Up to 85 placements per rising freshman cohort, for qualifying applicants.
Is Pre-IB open to students outside Hoggard's district?
Yes, through Open Choice Enrollment. Open Choice Pre-DP students who exit at any point are reassigned to their districted school and must reapply for Open Choice to return.
What should out-of-district students focus on for Pre-IB requirements if not enrolled?
Pre-IB requirements should be completed before entering the Diploma Programme; see the Pre-IB required courses.
Are the classes college level?
Yes. Like AP, IB courses are an advanced, college-level curriculum.
IB Evaluation Report 2025
Every five years, the IB Organization evaluates each IB school to check that it aligns with IB programme standards and practices. In October 2025 the IB evaluated Hoggard's IB Programme.