ARCHBISHOP CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL APPROVED TO OFFER THE I.B. DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate Organisation has announced its approval this week for Archbishop Carroll
High School to offer the I.B. Diploma Programme. The I.B. Diploma Programme is known as one of the
most academically ambitious courses of study available to high school students. Of over 27,000 high
schools in the United States, only 640 are authorized to offer the program.
“We believe in the strength, leadership and academic promise of our students. The examinations which
students take throughout the program will be scored internationally and will enable Carroll students to see
how their performance compares to some of the best university-bound students in the world,” said Dr.
David Stofa, Principal and CEO.
This approval is the culmination of a rigorous two-year application process. Those participating in I.B. will
take six, two-year long classes that emphasize rigorous preparation, critical thinking, and an international
perspective. I.B. students will also complete an extended essay, take a two-semester epistemology course
called the Theory of Knowledge, and complete 150 hours of creativity, action and service activities, such as
arts, sports and Christian service. “I’m excited,” says sophomore Aspen McCoy, who, like over forty of her
fellow tenth graders, has been taking preparatory coursework for the program. “I.B. challenges me at my
highest level.”
Carroll began the process of exploring and preparing for the I.B. curriculum in 2006. “The I.B. Diploma
Programme will enable Archbishop Carroll to extend the college preparatory education it already provides
to students. We found I.B.’s emphasis on critical thinking consistent with our pedagogy, and its goal that
students work to create a better world in keeping with our Catholic mission of social justice,” said Ms. Beth
Blaufuss, Vice Principal for Academic Affairs.
Over 35 parents helped with the application process, along with students, teachers, administrators, board
members and benefactors. The application involved the preparation of our curriculum and facilities,
extensive documentary reviews by the I.B. Organisation, and a two-day site visit by an international team.
We have been particularly aided in this effort by the support of board member Vincent Sheehy.
Archbishop Carroll High School is a coeducational college preparatory secondary school under the
direction of the Archdiocese of Washington. Since its founding in 1951, this Catholic school has established
a solid record of academic achievement based upon its college preparatory program. Archbishop Carroll
High School seeks to develop leaders through a values-centered education focused on meeting the
challenges of building a just society.
For more information, please contact:
Beth Blaufuss
Tel. (202) 529-0900 x135
mblaufuss@archbishopcarroll.org