Hanover proposes Atlee High School IB center and new certificate pathway to broaden access

Hanover County instructional leaders told the board Aug. 11 they plan to 'rightsize' the International Baccalaureate program by consolidating diploma instruction at a new IB center at Atlee High School and by introducing certificate pathways so students at other schools can take IB courses on an every-other-day schedule.

"The proposal is that in addition to offering the diploma program, which is 6 classes plus the theory of knowledge course, the extended essay, and the creativity activity and service project, we offer a certificate pathway option," an IB coordinator said, describing a model that would allow students to pursue three or four IB courses without fully transferring their zone school.

Presenters said Atlee High School was identified as the future IB center because of transportation patterns and an existing IB diploma program; staff proposed opening the center in academic year 2028–29 with a hybrid year and a first graduating center class in 2030. The certificate pathway would permit students to attend IB courses on an alternate-day shuttle model while remaining enrolled at their home schools.

Officials argued the model would increase scheduling flexibility, grow course sections, and broaden the diversity of perspectives in small but intensive classes such as Theory of Knowledge. Board members asked for details about implementation, scheduling, and how rightsizing would preserve teacher leaders in existing schools; presenters said advanced-studies coordinators would be retained across buildings and that the division will bring course proposals and transportation plans back for further review.

No formal vote was taken; staff will return with course proposals and additional implementation details in coming months.