What is IB?

At Choctawhatchee High School

At Choctawhatchee High School, we have the Florida PreIB Programme (for 9th and 10th graders) and the Diploma Programme (for 11th and 12th graders). During their 9th and 10th grade years, Florida Pre-IB Students will ease their way into the full Programme by taking 1 to 2 AP classes per year, along with their Honors-level Florida PreIB classes. During their 11th and 12th grade years, students are members of the full IB Diploma Programme, and will take 5-6 IB and AP classes per year. Students in their last two years will take IB classes in all subject areas, with some choice as to which specific area they choose (for example, students may choose IB Chemistry or Biology to fulfill their IB Science requirement.)

What makes IB different?

The IB Programme is different from other pre-university programs because of its focus on creating well-rounded, community-involved students who have a strong global mindset. Unlike AP, where students can “pick and choose” to take classes in areas of strength, IB students will take IB classes in all areas, with some choice as to which subjects they take and whether they take these subjects at a standard or higher level. IB students will take four years of a foreign language as well. Finally, they will complete a Community, Activity, and Service (CAS) project of their design and execution, and will write an Extended Essay (EE) on a topic of their choice. All 11th- and 12th- grade IB students across the globe will take Theory of Knowledge, a fascinating elective in which they ask themselves the question, “How do we know what we know?” and examine the nature of knowledge itself.

What are the benefits of IB?

The IB Programme helps students to become the best versions of themselves academically. IB graduates report that they are fully prepared to face all of the challenges that college will present to them, can manage their time wisely, and take on large projects without worry. Most US colleges and universities accept IB credit in the same way that they do AP, so IB students generally arrive at college with a good deal of transferred coursework. Students in IB get to take control of their learning and investigate topics of true interest to them, with the facilitation of a faculty that is eager and prepared to help them meet their goals. Finally, the IB Programme at Choctaw is a close-knit group, where students and teachers feel like a family, and support each other throughout the high school years.

What kinds of students are in IB?

All kinds of students can find their place in the IB Programme. Students do not need to be the “best of the best” academically to thrive here. We find that students who are truly interested in learning, naturally curious, and community-minded excel in IB at Choctaw. There is room for everyone, and we are glad that you’re here!

Want more information?

Visit the International Baccalaureate website.