Top 100 Best High Schools 2013 – International Academy – Newsweek – 30/100

International Academy

City: Bloomfield Hills
State: MI
School Classification: M, L
Grad Rate(%): 100
AP/IB Tests: 1.4
College Bound(%): 100
AVG SAT: 1957
AVG ACT: 29.4
SUBS LUNCH: 1
AVG AP SCORE:
NEWSWEEK SCORE: 3.82

The International Academy (IA) is a nationally recognized all International Baccalaureate public high school serving 1,300 students from fourteen Oakland County school districts and students living in surrounding counties. The International Academy is one school with three campuses: IA East in Troy, IA Okma in Bloomfield Hills and IA West in White Lake.

1020 E Square Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, United States

IB World School

The International Academy, or IA, is a high school located in Bloomfield Hills, Oakland County, Michigan, with additional campuses in White Lake Township, Michigan and Troy, Michigan. It is a public, tuition-free school of choice for students across Oakland County. Students are required to earn both high school and International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas. According to IA, 93% of the Class of 2012 earned IB diplomas, as compared to the world average that year of 78%.[1] According to an article from 2004, 88% of enrolled students go on to earn IB degrees.

As an authorized IB World School, the IA offers the Middle Years Program and Diploma Program to all students in grades nine through twelve. The IA provides a unique blend of rigorous academic standards, student-centered learning, and an emphasis on global citizenship. The IA has been ranked by Newsweek magazine as one of the top public high schools in America since 2003. Additionally, US News and World Report has ranked the IA the number one high school in Michigan for college readiness, the number one IB high school in the nation and the number one high school with an open admissions policy nationally. In 2013, 34 International Academy students achieved National Merit status representing 11% of the senior class. Nationally, less than 1% of students qualify for this honor.

The IB curriculum at the International Academy prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century. Through the dynamic MYP and DP courses, students utilize interdisciplinary connections and apply knowledge to new situations to solve issues of local and global concerns. Please select the “Curriculum” tab to learn more about the engaging courses offered at the International Academy.

It is the policy of the International Academy that no discriminatory practices based on gender, race, religion, color, age, national origin, disability, height, weight, or any other status covered by federal, state, or local law be allowed in providing instructional opportunities, programs, services, job placement assistance, employment or in policies governing student conduct or attendance. Any person suspecting a discriminatory practice should contact Lynne Gibson, principal, International Academy at lgibson@bloomfield.org or (248) 341-5900.

Students with disabilities are welcome to apply. IA will ensure, in collaboration with the resident district, that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) while attending the IA and are provided all regular or special education and related aids and services set forth in the student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan.

Recognition

IA was recognized by Newsweek as the top public school in the nation in 2003,[3] second in 2004,[4] second in 2005,[5] ninth in 2006,[6] seventh in 2007,[7] twelfth in 2008,[8] second in 2009, 25th in 2010, 20th in 2011, 5th in 2012, and 18th in 2013. Newsweek’s standings were based upon the number of IB (International Baccalaureate) or AP (Advanced Placement) tests that the school averaged per graduating senior. The IA’s high rankings are due to the full diploma program being required of all students, meaning they each sit for at least 6 IB exams in May of their senior year. Each senior therefore takes at least six IB tests (in addition to the Theory of Knowledge course; Creativity, Action, & Service hours; and Extended Essay requirements), giving the school a high average number of IB tests.
IA was recognized by the U.S. News as the second-best public high school in the nation in December 2009.[9] Again earning this #2 ranking in 2011.[10] The U.S. news used “quality-adjusted tests per student” as the criteria. The International Academy was also named the best public IB program in the country, with an “IB Diploma per Grade 12 student enrolled” rate of 90.4%.[11] According to IA, the Class of 2011 average SAT scores were 629 for Critical Reading, 675 for Math, and 643 for Writing. The average ACT composite score was a 28.9. In addition, 44 members (21%) of the Class of 2011 were named National Merit Scholars, 21 of whom were named Semifinalists and 23 of whom were named Commended Scholars.