The official link to the 2025-2026 magnet schools' application will be open November 14, 2024 and remain open through January 31, 2025 here: https://applytomarionschools.com
Students who are not currently enrolled in Marion County Public Schools but are interested in applying to the IB at Vanguard will need an MCPS-assigned student number to complete the online application. For more information about how to obtain this, visit the School Choice Office at 1614 SE Fort King Street in Ocala, or click here: https://www.marionschools.net/enrollment. 
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Vanguard High School is a magnet program, meaning students come from all over the tri-county area to attend the IB at Vanguard. If you have questions about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact our IB Office at 671-4908, or email our IB Coordinator, Mrs. Stephanie DeVilling at [email protected].
Admission is based on student achievement, grades, and attendance from previous school years' records. Students in Vanguard's Pre-IB program are given the opportunity in grade 10 to decide whether or not they would like to continue in the IB Diploma Program for grades 11 and 12.
Students who are not currently in Vanguard's Pre-IB program are given the opportunity to apply during the magnet school application window set by Marion County Public Schools. Any/all students who choose to pursue the IB Diploma and who have poor/failing grades are supported and guided by his/her school counselor and the IB DP Coordinator to make sure he/she understands the academic rigor the IB DP affords.