About Us
Washtenaw International High School (WIHI) and Washtenaw International Middle Academy (WIMA) are International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, part of the Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium (WEOC). Students who reside in Washtenaw County, or any county contiguous to Washtenaw, are eligible to participate in this academically-focused educational program collaboratively designed and led by community members, the nine Washtenaw County public school districts, and the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
Our Mission Statement
Prepare our students to become knowledgeable, inquiring, and reflective citizens serving as empathetic ambassadors committed to a lifetime of personal, local, and global enrichment in our integrated world.
Benefits
WIMA and WIHI are public and prestigious schools with a nationally and state level recognition for excellence in education. The pairing of the middle and high schools has proved to be a positive continuum where curiosity is unleashed, and innovation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to learning. The small school of 750 students is making a big impact by cultivating:
- Globally minded students that consistently outperform their state peers
- Innovation and empowerment
- Rigorous, inquiry-based instruction
- Leadership and critical thinking
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion
In addition to earning a high school diploma, all students at WIHI work towards achieving an International Baccalaureate Diploma regarded as the most rigorous and reputable high school curriculum in the world.
Documented Success
In less than a dozen years, WIHI and WIMA have secured a reputation of academic and leadership excellence among the 750 students in the program.
- WIHI is ranked #4 by US News & World Report for best public high schools in Michigan
- WIHI is ranked the #1 best public high school in Washtenaw County
- 100% of WIHI students graduate
- 100% of WIHI students are accepted to a college or university
- 100% of students are engaged in the IB diploma program
- 100% of students are offered full or partial scholarships to college
- WIMA and WIHI students are recognized as leaders (hyperlink “leaders”) for local and global initiatives
- A staff passionate about teaching and learning are known for their wealth of experience and expertise
Choosing the right school to secure student success is critical. Learn why parents and students give WIHI and WIMA high marks.
Becoming an IB School - Process & Timeline:
WIHI completed the authorization of an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program School in the spring of 2013. This process involved a series of steps that demonstrated our commitment to fully embrace the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program expectations. In included a extensive and detailed application form, a site visit from IB personnel, and additional demonstrations of commitment to the IB expectations.
In February of 2011 our school started the IB authorization process by submitting an interested school form. In April of 2011 the school submitted the application for candidacy form and fees. Our final visit took place in November of 2012.
In April of 2013, WIHI received it's notice of approval to be an Official IB Diploma World School.
Consortium School Governance:
Each of the participating districts joined the consortium though board action at the district level.
The Joint Steering Committee is the governing body for the consortium. This committee consists of the school principal and the superintendents from the participating districts and is responsible for:
- Approval of a balanced operating budget
- Appointment of the school director
- Establishment of policies and rules to govern the consortium
- Research and development of school curriculum
- Evaluation of school programs
- Establishment of duties and responsibilities of any advisory committee
- Responsibility to take actions to assure revenues cover costs
- Acquisition or installation of capital improvements
- Any other matters set forth in the consortium agreement. The joint steering committee has an advisory committee for personnel and one for budget.
In addition to the joint steering committee, school level leadership and advisory groups will be formed.
The School Day and Year:
The WIHI school day starts at 8:25am and end at 3:15pm. The school year is 185 days with the first day of school being in August and finishing in June. Freshman orientation is usually during the second week of August, however, please keep checking the calendar for updates.