International Baccalaureate

A secondary school program seeking to create well-rounded and socially concious graduates. The Middle Years Program (MYP) precedes the Diploma Program (DP), with MYP encompassing the first two years of high school and DP consisting of the last two. IB boasts rigorous classes, community service requirements (CAS), a required 4000 word essay, a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class, and exit exams which determine whether or not a student earns their IB diploma. Most students maintain a love/hate relationship with the program, both realizing that they are getting a great education and hating the immense workload and high stress environment. The students are somewhat isolated within the school, leading to the development of a unique culture. Stress or work levels are often used as bragging materials, with the most overworked or stressed individual recieving admiration from their peers. There is no mold that all IB students fit, but overachievers are the most common. However, all share the belief that Advanced Placement (AP) classes are for slackers or those who are less intelligent.