Everett Schools Prepare for IB Program Launch in 2027

More than 50 Everett Public School students have committed to joining a new International Baccalaureate program when it launches in the fall of 2027, regional superintendent Pete Misner told the school board Tuesday. About 30 of those students have already enrolled in a preparation seminar class, Misner said.

The work to bring the program to the district began in 2025, when school staff and teachers started training and building course material for the classes. District officials said this week the application process with the International Baccalaureate organization is nearing completion. Approval from the organization, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland, could come as early as January 2027.

Misner told the board that 11 teachers and counselors at Cascade High School have completed official training for the program. The district plans to bring on additional staff as the program grows. IB representatives visited the school earlier in October to meet with students and administrators.

Cascade High School Principal Michael Takayoshi said the school was selected for the program because of its location near the geographic center of the district, its available building space, and its existing dual language program. He also noted the school sits in a part of Snohomish County without an IB program; the closest schools offering IB are in Edmonds and Kenmore. Takayoshi said the district will provide transportation for students within its boundaries who want to attend Cascade High for the program.

The International Baccalaureate diploma program allows students to take individual advanced classes, similar to AP classes. Students seeking the full IB diploma must complete six courses across 11th and 12th grade covering a range of disciplines, along with volunteer service and an extended essay. The program is free, and Takayoshi said it is open to all interested Everett Public School students as well as students from outside the district.

The district has scheduled six information sessions about the program, each starting at 6 p.m. The first takes place Nov. 12 at Eisenhower Middle School, followed by Nov. 17 at Gateway Middle School, Dec. 3 at Heatherwood Middle School, Jan. 19 at North Middle School, Jan. 21 at Evergreen Middle School and Feb. 25 at Cascade High School.