The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end, the organization works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Southside High School is the oldest IB program in the state of South Carolina and 1 of 4 IB schools in Greenville County. The IB program at SHS is unique in that the IB Diploma Programme pairs Advanced Placement (AP) courses with many IB courses, allowing students to maximize the number of potential college credits they can earn. In the last 30+ years, Southside High School students have attended some of the most prestigious universities in the United States and around the world. Last year students SHS IB students earned nearly 500 hours of college credit and enrolled in some of the best universities in the country including, Columbia, Emory and, Brown Universities, The Royal Military College of Canada, The University of North Carolina, North Carolina A&T, The University of South Carolina, Clemson University and many others.

IB Diploma students study 6 academic disciplines, 3 or 4 at the Higher Level (HL) and 2 or 3 at the Standard Level (SL).  Course selection must include one class from each of the following categories: (1) Language and Literature; (2) Language acquisition; (3) Individuals and Societies; (4) Experimental Sciences; (5) Mathematics; (6) Arts / Elective. An outline of course progression can be found on the “Matriculation Chart” link. Please note, course offerings may differ based on the graduating class.

Students also complete the DP core, which includes Theory of Knowledge (ToK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). Both the ToK and EE components of the DP core are addressed in coursework taken in the 11th and 12th grades. The CAS requirement is addressed individually in the 12th-grade year. The DP core stresses developing critical thinking, research, communication, and social skills.

All subjects (except CAS) are assessed using a system of internal and external assessments. IB students take a series of externally assessed exams at the end of the year (May) which cover the material course. These exams are scored by external examiners appointed by the IB. Students also complete internal assessments (IAs) which are scored and administered by their teacher. More information regarding the assessment process can be found in the IB Handbook.

• IB Handbook
• Extended Essay Handbook
• TOK Handbook
• Assessment Calendar
• CAS Handbook
• IB Assessment Policy
• IB Admission Policy
• IB Inclusion Policy
• Parent Complaint Procedures
• SHS Academic Integrity
• World Languages Policy
• Matriculation Chart

Students have the option to complete certificates in individual subjects if they do not want to pursue the entire IBDP. Students may complete as many individual certificates as their schedule will allow. If a student is completing an individual course certificate they are required to take the appropriate exam in that area.

Students who live in the Southside attendance zone do not need to apply to the IB program. Students who zoned for another school in GCSC or out of district should apply for admission through the GCSD Magnet Application Process. The Magnet Application and deadlines can be found under the “Magnet Information” link. For further information, please contact:

Dr. Julie McGaha, Magnet, and Innovative Program Coordinator 

• Email: jmmcgaha@greenville.k12.sc.us 
• Phone: 864-355-8714
• Fax: 864-355-8794
• Tatiana Shea, Principal 

Address
Southside High School
6630 Frontage at White Horse Road Greenville, SC 29605