International Baccalaureate Cluster in High Point
The High Point neighborhood is extremely fortunate to be part of an International Baccalaureate “cluster”. Our children have the unique opportunity for an IB-based public school education from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Beginning with High Point Elementary, to Ridgeview Charter Middle School and Riverwood International Charter High School, we are currently (2026) the only cluster (PreK - 12) in all Fulton County Schools.
As a result of this special distinction, we have families who decide to reside in our neighborhood specifically for this program. Typically, outside the US, the IB program is only available in private schools. Parents are delighted and surprised to participate without additional tuition or applications required, and to see their children immersed in the program for their entire education years.
About the IB program
Founded in Geneva in 1968, the IB program has become a benchmark for quality education worldwide, focused on critical thinking and personal development. The IB umbrella supports 3 age-defined programs:
Primary Years Program, PYP for US elementary grades PreK - 5 with automatic enrollment
Middle Years Program, MYP for US middle and high school grades 6 - 10 with automatic enrollment
Diploma Program, DP for US high school grades 11 - 12, students must apply
Each of our three schools have gone through a separate and rigorous process to earn IB approval to offer these programs.
PYP grades K-5
All students enrolled in High Point Elementary are automatically enrolled in IB. PYP develops inquisitive children who learn through hands-on experiences. While our elementary school teachers are told “What” to teach by state- and county-determined curriculums, the IB program provides them with tools for the “How” and “Why” , enabling them to teach the required curriculum through a different lens. Click here to learn more about PYP.
MYP grades 6-10
All Ridgeview and Riverwood students in grades 6-10 are automatically enrolled in MYP. As a bridge to the Diploma Program, these years focus on preparing students for a lifetime of learning and the importance of being a well-rounded “good” human. MYP continues the PYP approach of learning by doing, and encourages students to question, participate and engage, versus traditional “sit-and-get” teaching. Click here to learn more about MYP.
DP grades 11-12
Unlike PYP and MYP, students must apply to the Diploma Program (due to the intensive requirements, it’s not the best fit for everyone). DP continues the mission of developing students’ ability to see “the big picture”. They’re taught to think critically, ask questions and, above all, be curious. The results for college-bound seniors are impressive – based on this study published June 2024, the US national average of high school graduates enrolling at 4-year institutions is 43%, while DP recipients’ average is 76%! Click here to learn more about DP.
Benefits of the Cluster Model
With the current decline of nationwide enrollment and education resources, cost-saving advantages of the cluster model include resource sharing and joint training for teachers. Also of note, all our teachers receive specific IB training, which improves teaching skills and leads to better morale and enthusiasm as they watch their students react and grow in this environment.
More importantly though, our children benefit from smoother transitions as they grow up in the cluster. Our IB cluster has been implemented in staggered steps – Riverwood began in 1999, Ridgeview in 2010, and High Point Elementary in 2018. This evolution led to faculty awareness of the “before and after” effects. Teachers noticed changes as students received more IB exposure at younger ages, with more engagement, motivation, and even excitement. Remarkably, students begin to have higher expectations of the classroom experience as they progress through IB education.
Impacts for our neighborhood
One of the tenets of IB is community participation. PYP and MYP aim to increase students’ awareness of their community, from local to global and all points in between. DP curriculum requires students to complete independent research and a project that often involves community service.
DP graduates have a better awareness of civic and community responsibilities. Their IB education has taught them respect and caring of diverse cultures, and encouraged a desire to create a better and more peaceful community. This leads to more engaged citizens, and reenforces the founding principles of the city of Sandy Springs: public safety and neighborhood protection.
Conclusion
Our unique access to the International Baccalaureate cluster provides our children with significant advantages and sets them up for success in college, career and life. The IB program is an invaluable resource to High Point families, at our very fingertips.