Agoura High's First International Baccalaureate Students Graduating

The very first group of students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program, introduced at two years ago, will be graduating this Friday.

Universal High School Diploma

Like the advanced placement (AP) classes offered to high school students, the IB program is focused on quality education while emphasizing global perspectives. Students take courses in the areas of English, a second language, history, math, visual arts and environmental systems and societies. Three of the six courses are taught at college level.

With headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the IB diploma program started in 1968. It is currently in place in 2,200 schools in 141 countries.

Principal Larry Misel discussed the appeal of the two-year program currently open to juniors and seniors. “It’s a rigorous, more world-based and more humanities-based program that bestows a widely accepted universal high school diploma,” he said.

Unique Appeal

According to Misel, the IB program aims to draw students who are not being reached by the traditional college preparation or AP classes.  “It definitely attracts a different kind of student,” he said of the internationally recognized program that is more writing and critical thinking-based.

While there is a lot of comparison to the more test-based AP classes, the IB classes have a unique concentration. “The focus is much more on the process of learning in a less standardized manner,” said Andrew Staiano, IB program diploma coordinator.

Students not on the IB diploma track can still “mix-and-match” classes, according to Staiano. 

However, the rigors are enough for either program that usually students choose one or the other, said Misel.

Such was the case for Nina Fisher, one of the 16 IB diploma candidates, who wanted more challenging classes. “I like the IB classes, because they’re more discussion and interaction-based.” Fisher has been accepted to New York University (NYU) this fall.

“It was a lot of work, but I definitely got a lot out of the classes I took,” said the teenager, who thinks the IB program has prepared her well for NYU’s two-year liberal arts program. She also has her sights set on medical school.

An IB parent echoes Fisher’s sentiments. “I’ve never seen my son work this hard,” said Peggy Palmer, the mother of a junior who is also in the program.

“It’s outstanding because it encourages critical thinking,” said Palmer, who also co-chairs the International Baccalaureate Parents’ Association (IBPA), the fundraising arm of the program.

It costs about $50,000 a year to run IB, with the footing approximately half the bill. IBPA helps make up the difference with a variety of fundraisers throughout the school year.

Going Places

There is no application process to get on the program. “We have an open policy, and anyone can try a few classes,” said Misel.

According to Staiano, while a large number of colleges and universities worldwide recognize the IB program, parents and students still need to contact the schools of their choice to find out what their policies are. “Some will give sophomore standing or offer scholarships,” he said.

This year’s IB diploma candidates will be heading to such colleges as USC, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, Loyola Marymount University, NYU, Tulane University and University of Quebec in Montreal, among others.

With almost 300 students signed up for next year, taking one or more classes, Staiano’s excitement is evident. “It’s growing quickly and we hope the interest continues,” he said.