International Baccalaureate Program


Enrichment

$8 million
Total number of academic scholarships awarded to 26 students in the Class of 2025 IB Program


1995
The year Good Counsel started the IB Program, first among all Catholic high schools in the area



Michael Curtin

AP/IB Coordinator
mcurtin@olgchs.org
240-283-3348



 

The most established program of its kind among all Catholic schools in our region, our IB Program distinguishes Good Counsel graduates for college consideration because it is globally recognized by top colleges and universities as one of the best available for highly motivated, high-achieving students.

The program consists of a two-year college preparatory course of study developing the whole student — intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

With a core curriculum consisting of six subjects that are applied over three areas of focus, students learn how to learn by reflecting on the nature of knowledge itself, completing independent research, and partaking in a project that oftentimes involves an immersive community service aspect that enriches the lessons.


Good Counsel offers IB studies in the following subjects:

HIGHER LEVEL
 
  • Biology
  • Economics
  • French
  • History
  • Language and Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Spanish
  • Theatre
  • Visual Arts
  • World Literature
STANDARD LEVEL
 
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • French
  • History
  • Information Technology for a Global Society (ITGS)
  • Latin
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Spanish
  • Sports Exercise Science
  • Theatre
  • Visual Arts
  • World Religions

What are GC students saying about their IB education?

The IB program has pushed me to think critically, manage my time well, and inquire about the world around me. It has taught me how to approach real-world problems with a global mindset." – Caden Branch '26

IB has taught me to not only ask ‘How?’ but to also explore the ‘Why?’ I’ve become a detective of ideas, learning to dig deeper and reflect critically on the world around me. IB has pushed me to dig deeper, to look beyond the surface, and to become more invested in understanding the world in a meaningful way. – Zimchikachim Aghazu '26