Qualification Process

Students interested in attending an International Baccalaureate program school through Polk County Public Schools (at Bartow High School or Haines City High School), must complete an application during the Open Enrollment window. The Open Enrollment window for the 2026 – 2027 school year begins January 12, 2026, and ends February 20, 2026.

In addition to applying to the International Baccalaureate program, by marking it as their first choice in the School Choice application, students are required to meet certain testing requirements. During the School Choice application, students will select an available testing date, if required.

Click here to learn more about the PCPS School Choice Application Window Opens Jan. 12

 

Upcoming Prospective Student and Parent Nights

The International Baccalaureate Program schools will be hosting Student and Parent Information nights on the dates below. Please scroll down to see which school your student would attend based on their zoned high school to determine which location you should visit.

Student and Parent Information Nights

School Day of Week Date Start Time Location School Address School Phone Number
Bartow IB Monday 1/12/2026 6:00 PM BHS Auditorium 1270 S. Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 863-534-0194
Bartow IB Monday 1/26/2026 6:00 PM BHS Auditorium 1270 S. Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 863-534-0194
Haines City High (IB) Thursday 1/22/2026 6:00 PM HCHS Auditorium 2800 Hornet Dr, Haines City, FL 33844 863-419-3373

High School IB Programs

There are presently two high school IB sites in Polk County. A student’s residential address within the school district determines which IB high school the student could be eligible to attend. See below for a specific listing of schools. 

Bartow High School

(863)534-0194

Students zoned for the following high schools are eligible to attend the Bartow High IB Program (bhsib.polkschoolsfl.com):

  • Bartow High
  • Fort Meade High
  • Frostproof High
  • George Jenkins High
  • Kathleen High
  • Lakeland High
  • Mulberry High
  • McLaughlin Academy of Excellence
  • Formerly attendance zone for Lake Wales High

Haines City High School

(863)419-3371

Students zoned for the following high schools are eligible to attend the Haines City High IB Program (hchsib.polkschoolsfl.com/):

  • Haines City High
  • Auburndale High
  • Davenport High
  • Lake Gibson High
  • Lake Region High
  • Ridge Community High
  • Tenoroc High
  • Winter Haven High

Benefits of IB

IB is an acronym for International Baccalaureate. IB high schools use a specific rigorous curriculum that aims to develop and challenge inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.

IB schools strive to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB programs are different from other curricula because they:

  • Encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions
  • Develop independently or through government and national systems, incorporating quality practice from research and our global community of schools
  • Encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global context
  • Develop multilingual students

Students who meet high school graduation requirements and successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme will earn an IB Diploma.

District Expectations

Students are expected to adhere to all the academic, ethical and behavioral requirements described in the Code of Student Conduct. Depending on the location of a student’s residency, students and families need to be aware of the additional time commitment involved in utilizing district transportation.

Florida State Statutes

f.s. 1009.534 (1)(c):

A student is eligible for a Florida Academic Scholars award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and has been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma from the International Baccalaureate Office or an Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma from the University of Cambridge International Examinations Office.

f.s. 1009.535 (1)(b):

A student is eligible for a Florida Medallion Scholars award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and has completed the International Baccalaureate curriculum but failed to earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma or has completed the Advanced International Certificate of Education curriculum but failed to earn the Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma, and has attained at least the score required under f.s. 1009.531(6)(b) on the combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination, or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program.