Academic Program

Student typing on laptop

Academic Program Overview

Building upon the traditions of the country’s best high schools, Northfield High School offers a progressive and diverse academic program that allows for exploration of personal interests and collaboration among students in a supportive, personalized learning environment.

The Northfield Way

Northfield Academic ProgrammingInternational Baccalaureate (IB) for All

Grades 9 and 10

All students take courses to complete graduation requirements and prepare them for *IB courses.

Additional elective

Embedded honors courses in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. All students take the same class and meet specific criteria within the course to earn honors credit.

Additional requirements including Advisement, Health, World Language, Fine Arts or CTE, PE

Grades 11 and 12

IB Diploma Student

Students complete IB courses to fulfill Northfield graduation requirements and IB Diploma Program requirements.

  • 6 IB Courses
  • Extended Essay
  • Theory of Knowledge Course
  • CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service)
  • Additional requirements and electives

IB Course Student

Students take at least two college-level courses through IB and select additional courses based on their personal goals.

  • 2 required IB Courses: 2 years IB Language and Literature and 1-2 years IB Math
  • Additional IB, CTE (Career & Technical Education), CE (Concurrent Enrollment), and AP courses
  • Additional requirements and electives

*IB courses are college-level courses where students engage in a series of authentic assessments that earn them college credit.

We provide this academic programming for students because we believe students deserve

Access to college credit through IB courses. By including all students in IB preparation in grades 9 and 10 as well as a minimum of 2 IB courses (2 years of IB Language and Literature and 1-2 years of IB Math), we ensure every student has access to college-level classes with high school level support. 

Rigorous and relevant coursework. The educational experience provided through IB courses is the best way to prepare students to  be highly critical consumers of information who can read, write, and navigate the world with confidence and compassion. IB students are more likely to be successful in and complete college.

A focus on skills and mindsets for college, career, and life.  A common thread through all courses is a focus on a global perspective and community-oriented mindset through critical, creative, ethical, and analytical thinking. These concepts permeate all courses whether they are IB courses or courses preparing students for IB to create a holistic approach to education.

Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts; plus, a World Language