For SCHS Newsletter

IB Application Process to Begin in January

The application process for next year’s INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PROGRAM will begin in January. Current sophomores interested in applying should listen to the morning announcements in early January for application due dates. (A phone message will also be sent to parents.)

The IB is an honors-level, two-year program of studies offered worldwide to highly motivated juniors and seniors. Students who participate in the full IB program may earn an international diploma in addition to the KCS diploma. Why should you become an IB student? Here are four good reasons:

  1. Great preparation for college! IB diploma candidates take courses in each of the major disciplines and are, therefore, ready for the challenge of college coursework.
  2. Smaller class sizes! Most sections of our IB courses contain no more than 20 students, allowing more individual attention.
  3. College credit! Many colleges within the state and around the country award college credit for successful performance in IB courses.
  4. An emphasis on THINKING! You’ll learn to form and defend your own views and to analyze critically! You’ll need these skills in college (and in life).

A Few Frequently Asked Questions

How is IB different from the honors program? The aim of IB is to develop “well-rounded” students; therefore, IB diploma students must take honors-level courses in each academic area (English, math, science, social studies). In addition, they must take a foreign language class each year. (Non-diploma IB candidates may select freely from among the offerings.)

Will I have much homework? Of course! You’re an honors student, and honors students have homework, whether they’re in IB, honors, or college classes! A better question is “will I be well-prepared for college?” YES!

Will I have a life apart from school work? Throughout the years, our IB students are involved in many activities, including band, forensics competitions, the Appalachian Children’s Chorus, JSA, quiz bowl tournaments, SCORCH (the SCHS/Capital High Orchestra), Youth Symphony, and various sports. One of the most important things you learn is to “juggle” many activities, another important life skill.

What IB courses are offered at SCHS? We currently offer the following IB courses: IB English (Literature); IB French; IB Spanish; IB History of the Americas; IB Biology; IB Physics; IB Chemistry; IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science; IB Computer Science; IB Math Studies; IB Mathematics; IB Visual Arts; IB Theory of Knowledge. In addition, we offer a few online IB courses, including IB Psychology, IB Mandarin, and IB Business Management. Almost all of the courses are two-year classes.

What should I do if I want to know more? Email Mr. Booten at OR check out the SCHS IB web site at or the worldwide IB site at .