International
Baccalaureate
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I.B.
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Frequently asked IB questions
Q. What is the International
Baccalaureate Program?
A. IB is a rigorous, liberal arts
program that offers a top-level education and possible college
credits. It's like a European education in that students study
required subject, then sit for exams to show how much they've
achieved. If the students do well enough on their exams, they earn a
special diploma, in addition to their regular high school
diploma.
Q. Who should consider the IB
program?
A. Students should consider the IB program
if:
- They like
an academic
challenge
- They
desire to excel
-
They are successful in school - across the
curriculum
- They
want to attend an Ivy League school
Q. How does a student get into the IB
program?
A. Students interested in the IB program must apply
to be in the Preparatory Program in November of their eighth grade school
year. The IB Coordinator travels to middle schools in November to
present information to eligible eighth graders. There is also an
evening informational meeting for parents. At that time,
applications are available. All applications mustbe received by the
SFHS IB Coordinator by January 15.The Prep Program comprises the ninth and
tenth grades. During Prep, students learn knowledge and skills they
will need in the IB years - eleventh and twelfth.
Students are accepted into the Prep Program based
on the following achievements:
- A cumulative
3.0 GPA in middle school
- 85 percentile or
better on standardized testing
- Passing marks
on the math and reading FCATs.
Students must also provide a writing sample.
Q. What advantages does the IB program
offer?
A. The IB offers students the following
advantages:
-
Excellent preparation for university
challenges
-
Respect from college admissions
offices
-
Possible college credit, depending on exam
scores
- Bright
Futures Scholarship at 100% for Diploma
holders
-
"Private school education" in a public school
setting
- A
program coordinator to oversee all aspects of the program
and
communicate with both students
and parents
- An
academic challenge both in the student's strengths and
weaknesses
Q. Can I go to the program if I'm not
zoned for South Fork? And if so, is there transportation?
A. Yes, you can come to IB even
if you're not zoned for SFHS. IB is offered only at South Fork and the
opportunity is open to any student who lives in
Transportation is
provided in the morning via a shuttle bus - students ride their regular
bus to
Q. We've heard that IB students "have no
life". Is that true?
A. IB students are in every
club in school and all the sports. They are in band, journalism, debate,
weightlifting, football, tennis, robotics - you name it, IB is
represented.
When this question arises, students and parents should
consider the facts: the IB program is more than 20 years old in
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