[3] Okma previously taught economics at Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School.

[5] Okma retired from his position as principal at the end of the 2008-09 year, though he continues to work as an IB consultant for other districts.

IA was recognized by Newsweek magazine as the top public school in the nation in 2003,[7] second in 2004,[8] second in 2005,[9] ninth in 2006,[10] seventh in 2007,[11] twelfth in 2008,[12] second in 2009, 25th in 2010, 20th in 2011, 5th in 2012, 18th in 2013, 9th in 2014, and 8th in 2015.

Newsweek's standings were based on the number of IB (International Baccalaureate) or AP (Advanced Placement) tests that the school averaged per graduating senior.

The IA's high rankings are due to the full diploma program being required of all students, meaning they each sit for at least 6 IB exams in May of their senior year.

IA was recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as the second-best public high school in the nation in December 2009.

[18] According to IA, the Class of 2018 average SAT scores were 659 for Evidence-based Reading and Writing, and 721 for Math.

At the end of the school day, many students stay to participate in after-school clubs, extra classes (jazz band or full orchestra), or meet with teachers and friends.

Students typically only participate in activities at their home high schools that the International Academy does not offer, including sports teams and marching bands.

[25] Districts which send students to the Central Campus include Avondale, Bloomfield Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clawson, Lake Orion, Rochester, Royal Oak, Walled Lake, Waterford and West Bloomfield.

The Farmington and Oxford districts have recently chosen to leave the IA consortium in order to start their own IB programs.

[29] Their experience is similar to that of students on the Central Campus, with the exception of fewer options in foreign language (Spanish and French only).

[30] IA has set up an Eastern campus in Troy, in the former Baker Middle School building.