International Baccalaureate: A Unique, Whole-School Approach
Hillsboro is the only high school in the state of Tennessee authorized to offer three International Baccalaureate programmes.
All freshman and sophomores at Hillsboro participate in and benefit from the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Many students begin the MYP at one of Hillsboro’s two middle grades feeder schools, J. T. Moore and West End Middle.
The MYP is a challenging but inclusive framework that encourages students of all interests and academic abilities to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. Throughout their final year of the MYP (10th grade), students complete a self-directed research project on a topic of their own choosing.
MYP Coordinator: Joyce Claassen (joyce.claassen@mnps.org)
The Diploma Programme (DP) is an internationally recognized curriculum designed to challenge highly motivated students and prepare them for the rigor of highly selective universities. Through the DP, Hillsboro is able to develop students who:
- have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge
- flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically
- study at least two languages
- excel in traditional academic subjects
- explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique theory of knowledge course
Participation in the DP at Hillsboro is open to all but recommended only for students who have a strong work ethic and are certain they want to attend college. For more information about IBDP at Hillsboro, click here.
DP Coordinator: Missy Humphrey (sharon.humphrey@mnps.org)
For a growing number of Hillsboro students, the Career-related Programme (CP) offers a perfect blend of rigor and relevance. The CP consists of:
- at least two DP courses
- the CP core (Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning. Reflective Project, Language Development)
- career-related studies in AGHS or AIBC
CP students receive an excellent foundation to support their further studies as well as ensure their preparedness for success in the workforce.
CP coordinator: Shelly Wilkinson (shelly.wilkinson@mnps.org)
Specialized Academic Programs: AVID and ISR
Motivated students may elect to participate in one of two specialized programs throughout their four years at Hillsboro. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an established, national program designed for students in the academic middle who may need extra support and resources to become college ready (click here to learn more about AVID). The Interdisciplinary Science & Research (ISR) program, a partnership between MNPS and Vanderbilt University’s Center for Science Outreach, is for students who are willing and able to pursue science at a high level (click here for more information about ISR).
For information about graduation requirements and course offerings, please visit the counseling website, hhscounseling.com.