As a parent, you care about ensuring your child is prepared for college after graduating high school. A recent study found that 55% of parents who currently send their children to public schools would want to send them to private schools. One of the best ways to help your child prepare is to enroll them in an International Baccalaureate Program, or IB program. Here’s everything you should know about this academic structure.
The History Behind the IB Program
The International Baccalaureate Program was originally designed in the 1960s in Switzerland. The primary focus of the curriculum was to help prepare students for success at university and in their life beyond school. It primarily targeted students aged 16 to 19, though that age has since been adjusted down to freshman students in high school. This type of diploma is internationally recognized as an indication of the student’s cultural awareness and knowledge development.
The Courses Studied During an IB Program
During an IB program, there are six primary courses that a student must study. Those include language and literature, arts, language acquisition, individuals and societies, math, and science. There are two different types of requirements for the class, depending on whether it’s a standard level or higher level course. A standard level requires at least 150 hours of instruction, while a higher level one requires at least 240 hours of instruction.
Which Students Can Benefit from Participating in an IB Program?
Students who are currently overseas or students who plan on studying abroad can most definitely benefit from an IB program. This is highly beneficial for students who plan on attending a 4-year college directly out of high school, as they can earn college credit from completing IB courses.
As a parent in the Redmond, WA area, you may be looking to enroll your child in a school that offers an IB program, as it is one of the best ways you can set your child up for success in college and beyond. If you’re looking for a private institution that offers an International Baccalaureate Program, we invite you to tour our school and learn more about Willows Preparatory School. We look forward to providing you with more info about our exceptional curriculum, staff, and facilities!
