International Baccalaureate School

I used to work in an IB school, and plan on sending DD to one when she starts kindergarten. Simply put, the International Baccalaureate system in internationally recognized and transferable--so that, for instance, if you move to London, or Bucharest, or your kid decides to go to university in Australia, the curriculum and diplomas will be recognized. As you may (or may not) know, many countries have significantly higher standards for high school graduation/college admittance than the US does. For example, in many European countries, college-bound students go to high school until they are 19, doing what is there considered high school work until then (with none of this AP, concurrent enrollment, CLEP business--it actually takes you until you are 19 to fulfill all of their high school requirements). In Switzerland, where I worked in the IB school, an American Associate's degree is considered to be the equivalent of the Swiss Maturite (the HS diploma required for admission to a public university). This is another way of saying, if you want to go to college in Geneva, a standard American high school diploma won't get you in.

The result of all of this is that, in order for an IB school's curriculum to be recognized internationally, it has to be significantly more rigorous than a standard American public school. In the US, most IB charter schools are required to accept students regardless of ability--so while some people think that IB schools are geared towards gifted and talented kids, this is not necessarily so. However, you should expect high standards and expectations for all kids--as I would tell my students, I will work with you as much as you need, we will get you extra tutoring if necessary, but you are required to "get" this material and meet these standards. If you choose to send your kid to an IB school, you should expect them to learn a lot, and work a lot (particularly in the high school years). The academics are, in my view, excellent, and IB diplomas are looked at very favorably by most colleges. For example, I went to an Ivy League university that did not accept AP credit, but WOULD give college credit for an IB diploma, letting you start as a sophomore. Obviously, this is a long way off from elementary school, but the standards start from the beginning. The IB school DD will go to starts the first foreign language (Spanish or Mandarin) in kindergarten, the second foreign language (whichever you didn't pick the first time) in 3rd grade.

I would say whether or not you choose to go with an IB program depends on your priorities. If you want strong academics, and are willing to be involved with your kid's education (helping with homework, etc.), then it can be great. It does take some commitment, though, and might not be best for every family. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

My brother went to Sturgis High School in Hyannis MA. It too, is a BA high school. BA high schools demand a lot more of their students - it is like a high school, but only for honors students. If a child enrolls in the BA program within the school, they can eliminate 2 years of college and still earn a BA in their field!

My daughter went to Marston's Mills East Horace Mann Charter Public School for several years. Then I made the mistake of putting her in a regular public school closer to home. BIG mistake - the school here isn't anywhere near as good as where she was. She is now homeschooled since I cannot get her back into the Charter (there is a waiting list and a lottery).

The biggest question is: Does your child like school? Do they excel in rigorous academics? If yes, they would do great!

IB is very tough. Our school does not have the program but another in our district does. If you have a chance to put your child into an IB program it is a great idea. Like Kate said they can come away with college credits.
If you have AP classes at your school look into the scores. THey should have them posted, and compare them to the IB school. IF they aren't that much different than your honme school is probably pretty good. AP classes allow students ot test out of certain subjects. Calculus, English, US history, World, History, there is a whole list of AP tests one can take. You do not need to take the class to test, but each test costs maybe $80 or so. A score with a 4 or 5 will give college credit, with a 3 will give possible credit depending on the school.
These classes are very challenging. THey are geared for the child who wants to excell in college and not take the mundane classes.

Meg explained it very well. I teach at an IB high school, but I don't know much about the elementary aspect of it. If you have questions about IB high schools, let me know. Good luck with your decision. :-)

IBS is awesome. If your child is an amazing student she will likely be accepted. This is an extremely intense and accelerated school. We have an IBS school here in Austin, it is L.C. Anderson HS. The students will receive many college credits if they pass with a certain grade and high scores on their exit exams.

There is a lot of research, foreign language and testing involved.
Find out if the school has a way to tour the campus and the IBS classes. It will give you a very good idea of what all is involved.

Here is a link. http://www.austinisd.org/academics/curriculum/gt/ib.phtml

The International Baccalaureate at L. C. Anderson High School is a comprehensive curriculum that responds to the need for greater challenge for highly motivated high school students. Designed and administered in over 120 countries and over 1000 schools by the home office in Geneva, Switzerland, the program encompasses internationally-based standards of achievement. Students complete IB assessments and take international exams in English, a second language, history, mathematics, science, and an IB elective; in addition, diploma students must take a Theory of Knowledge course (exploring how they know what they know); undertake independent research (a 4000 word extended essay); and participate in 150 hours of creative, action, and service activities (CAS). The program develops young people who think creatively and critically, who see the interconnectedness of all learning, and who strive to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.