FAQ
What are the advantages of the IB program?
The IB Middle Years and Diploma Programs give students a competitive edge for admission to college, and the programs are particularly advantageous for students pursing admission to high-end colleges. While other programs expose students to rigorous, college-level courses, the IB MYP and DP also focus on creating learners who are balanced, caring, reflective, knowledgeable, principled, and open minded; learners who can question, think, communicate, and take intellectual risks. The development of the learner as a whole is important in IB; academic ability is not enough. The MYP and DP require students to serve their community in meaningful ways, understanding that experiential learning is as important as textbook learning. IB Diploma Program students start college having completed examinations in six rigorous subjects, critically examined their learning through Theory of Knowledge, completed at least 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service, and completed a maximum 4000-word Extended Essay research paper. In addition, students earn college credit for many of the IB examinations they take; in some cases, IB students have earned enough credit to achieve sophomore status when entering college.
In short, the IB program produces students who are more prepared for college, who have better credentials for admission to high-level colleges, who may have earned enough college credits to start as a sophomore, and who may earn more academic scholarships, depending on college attended and scores on IB exams.
What is the difference between AP and IB?
AP Program
Developed by the College Board
Any number and choice of courses may be taken
Examinations scored 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest)
AP score is based on examination taken on one day
Most AP courses taken in grades 11 and 12
Preparation for AP classes through Honors-level courses in grades 9 and 10
AP course grades earn 1 quality point on the GPA
AP courses completed in one school year
IB Program- Diploma Program
Developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization
At least seven courses must be taken, from specific subject areas (English, second language, history, science, mathematics, elective, Theory of Knowledge)
Examinations scored 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest)
IB score based on internal assessment (class project or paper graded by teacher, reviewed by IB) and external assessment (exam, typically taken in two sessions on two different days)
Diploma Program courses taken in grades 11 and 12
Preparation for IB courses through IB Middle Years Program and/or Honors classes in grades 9 and 10
IB course grades earn 1 quality point on the GPA
Most IB courses completed over two school years (earning 1 quality points on grade each year)
Focus on growth and development of whole person (via Theory of Knowledge, CAS, internal assessments)
Theory of Knowledge course required
Experiential learning via Creativity, Activity, Service requirement
Who should I do if I have questions?
Questions about scheduling—your child’s counselor or the IB coordinator (Mrs. Sallie Davis)
Questions about grades—your child’s teacher (first) or counselor
Questions about service—the IB coordinator
Questions about IB requirements—the IB coordinator
Questions about the Personal Project- MYP Support Coordinator- Ms. Lamay