How do the number of students graduating with IB or AP diplomas compare?
Comparing the number of IB diploma students with the number of AP diploma students is comparing apples and oranges. The differences between the two programs are significant. In fact, there is no AP diploma. The College Board, which administers AP exams, stopped offering an AP diploma four or five years ago. At that time, FCPS said it would continue recognizing students who take a specified number of AP courses and exams with an AP certificate. However, the requirements for the AP certificate are very different than the requirements for an IB diploma. To earn an AP certificate from the Fairfax County Public Schools, a student must have taken an AP course in five different disciplines and make a score of not less than a three on each exam. Exams are evaluated and scored by AP examiners. The International Baccalaureate Organization of North America oversees the IB diploma program in the U.S. In grades 9 and 10, students declare their intent to pursue an IB diploma. In grades 11 and 12 the
