Everett to Launch IB Program at Cascade High School

The school district plans to debut an International Baccalaureate diploma program for students in the fall of 2027.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stack of books on a desk, representing the new educational program in Everett. — Everett Public Schools is developing an International Baccalaureate diploma program at Cascade High School, aiming for a fall 2027 curriculum launch. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Everett Public Schools is currently moving through a multi-year application process to establish an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program at Cascade High School. The district aims to have the curriculum ready for a fall 2027 launch, providing a new advanced educational pathway for students across Snohomish County.

Why it matters

The program is designed to expand access to internationally recognized coursework within a new part of the county, utilizing the central location and space available at Cascade High School. By offering this curriculum, the district hopes to provide more rigorous academic opportunities for local families.

Eleven teachers and counselors have already completed official training for the program. The district currently has 30 students enrolled in a specialized preparation seminar, with 50 students total committed to the program upon its debut.

The players

Everett Public Schools

The public school district serving the city of Everett and surrounding areas of Snohomish County.

Cascade High School

The designated location for the new International Baccalaureate program due to its central geographic location.

International Baccalaureate

A global educational foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland, that authorizes and oversees diploma programs.

The details

The district is preparing for the new curriculum by developing course materials and training staff in coordination with the International Baccalaureate organization. Officials confirmed that transportation will be provided for students within the district to reach Cascade High School, ensuring geographic accessibility for all eligible residents.

Work on the IB program began in 2025.
IB representatives conducted a site visit in October 2026.
Official approval is expected by January 2027.
The program is projected to launch in the fall of 2027.

Culture Shift

Everett's integration of the International Baccalaureate program reflects a broader trend of districts adopting globally standardized academic frameworks to differentiate local high school offerings. This shift highlights a push toward international curriculum models to prepare students for college-level work.

Families can expect the district to offer transportation services for students from across the district to attend the program at Cascade High School. Interested parents should monitor for upcoming information sessions to understand how the new curriculum will alter their student's daily course load.

The takeaway

The move toward an International Baccalaureate model provides students with a globally recognized credential that can impact future college admissions. Residents interested in the program should look for upcoming district-hosted information sessions to help determine if this rigorous curriculum is the right fit for their household.

What happens next

The district expects to receive official approval for the program from the International Baccalaureate organization by January 2027, followed by the planned launch in the fall of 2027.