As part of our ongoing commitment to providing equitable, rigorous and sustainable academic programming across Leander ISD, we are moving forward with a consolidation of the district’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme to a single high school campus: Leander High School. This decision follows an extensive review of enrollment trends, student access, staffing capacity and the program’s long-term financial sustainability and viability.
Overview of the Plan
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Leander High School will serve as the sole IB Diploma Programme (DP) campus for Leander ISD. The transition will occur in a phased approach to ensure current students can complete the program at their original campus as previously communicated, while allowing new students to transition smoothly to Leander High School. All current 10th- and 11th-grade IB students (incoming juniors and seniors in Fall 2025) can complete the full Diploma Programme without interruption at their home campus.
Implementation Timeline
In Fall 2025, all 9th- and 10th-grade students currently attending or planning to attend Vandegrift High School will have the opportunity to transfer to Leander High School early to continue with their IB DP coursework, or may remain at Vandegrift High School.
IB Students who enter their Junior year in Fall 2026 will begin their IB coursework exclusively at Leander High School.
IB Students who enter their Senior year in Fall 2026 will remain at Vandegrift and complete the IB DP at Vandegrift.
In Fall 2027 (School Year 2027–2028), all incoming IB students will transition to Leander High School to begin preparation for the Diploma Programme.
This completes the full consolidation of the program to a single site.
Transfer Timeline by Grade-Level Breakdown
| Grade Level in Fall 2025 | Years Completed at Home Campus | Transfer to the Remaining IB Campus | Final Year IB is offered by grade level at the closing campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th grade (Class of 2026) | 4 years (graduate in Spring 2026) | No transfer (graduate at home) | Spring 2026 |
| 11th grade (Class of 2027) | 4 years (graduate in Spring 2027) | No transfer (graduate at home) | Spring 2027 |
| 10th grade (Class of 2028) | 1-2 years at home campus (9th-10th grade) | Can transfer as early as fall 2025, but must transfer fully by Fall 2026 | Spring 2026 |
| 9th grade (Class of 2029) | 0-2 years at home campus(9th) | Can transfer as early as fall 2025, but must transfer fully by Fall 2027 | Spring 2026 |
Rationale
Access: Centralizing the program ensures more students have access to a full and robust IB experience, including course offerings, co-curricular support, and teacher expertise.
Program Quality: Concentrating resources at one campus will enhance program fidelity, teacher collaboration, and student outcomes.
Sustainability: This approach aligns with strategic goals for long-term program viability and financial efficiency, avoiding the duplication of under-enrolled classes across multiple campuses.
Support for Students and Families
Transition Planning: Beginning in Fall 2025, we will provide individualized counseling, campus visits and family information sessions to support students’ transition to Leander High School.
Transportation: District-provided transportation will be available for eligible students residing outside the Leander High School attendance zone.
Student Choice: Students entering the IB programme in Fall 2025 will be given clear communication regarding their options for completing the program at their current campus or transitioning to Leander High School starting junior year, accompanied by guidance from UIL.
Next Steps
Communications to impacted families and students will begin in June 2025.
We recognize the importance of this program to many students and families and are committed to ensuring the transition enhances both access and quality. Thank you for your continued support as we work to align our academic offerings with Leander ISD’s values and vision.
