In the fall of 2005, Decatur City Schools began the application process to become authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) site. Seven Decatur schools have participated in IB training in order to implement all three of IB's internationally recognized Programmes: The Primary Years (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme.

Our two magnet schools, Benjamin Davis and Gordon-Bibb, are seeking authorization of the PYP for grades K-5. Brookhaven, Cedar Ridge, and Oak Park middle schools are seeking authorization for the MYP for grades 6-10 in conjunction with Austin and Decatur high schools. Austin and Decatur high schools are also seeking authorization for the IB Diploma Programme for grades 11 and 12.

On Monday, May 15, 2006, the Superintendent and principals of Austin and Decatur High Schools received official notice that the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme would begin in the fall of 2006.  This authorization comes after three years of intensive planning and Programme development and will establish Austin and Decatur as the only two high schools in North Alabama to offer this prestigious Programme.  For more information, follow the link to the Decatur Daily article. Click here for an artlcle from the Decatur Daily concering this approval.

The aims of the International Baccalaureate Programme are:  to provide rigorous and broad-based curricula and assessment, to maintain high academic standards common to schools worldwide, to allow students to develop individual talents, to foster critical and compassionate thinkers, to open the window between the classroom and the outside world, to foster a lifelong interest in learning as well as in becoming an informed and responsible citizen, to promote international understanding and a respect for the variety of cultures, and to facilitate university entrance around the world.