What to know about Corpus Christi ISD's IB diploma program
The International Baccalaureate diploma program is an exclusive program in CCISD. It is only offered at Ray High School.
The IB diploma program is particularly useful for students who might be interested in studying internationally after high school, as well as for those interested in higher education.
The program is rigorous and academically challenging, and gives students the opportunity to earn college credit in high school that is recognized by institutions around the world.
Unlike other college-credit course options in CCISD, like AP or dual credit that are based on a class-by-class basis, the IB program for high school juniors and seniors offers an “IB diploma.”
About 60 seniors and 66 juniors are currently in the IB diploma program.
The IB exams necessary for a full IB diploma cost a total of $714.
“We allow families to pay that over time, or they can pay all at once,” Hamilton said. “There’s a lot of different options. For those who are financially strapped, if they ask for help, generally we provide help.”
Students in the gifted and talented program at Windsor Elementary School and Baker Middle School participate in an IB curriculum program. By 11th grade, they can enter the IB diploma program, which includes the opportunity to earn college credit through IB exams.
"Any student in the Coastal Bend who wants to challenge themselves can apply into the program,” Ray High School IB coordinator Lorinda Hamilton said.
CCISD is the only area district offering an IB program. To apply, students can submit their academic transcript and write a letter explaining why they are interested in the program, Hamilton said.
“We want any student who is willing to learn the skills that 100% prepare them for college and university,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said it’s best to apply and get started in IB programs as early as possible, but students have applied in 10th grade and joined the diploma program.
“IB, in my opinion, is for every student,” Hamilton said. “It’s best practices that inquiry learning and that conceptual learning. It’s not so much just learning facts. You have to figure out how those facts go together.”
IB students take five or six years of Spanish, English, experimental sciences, art and math classes.
“You learn how to do academic research,” Hamilton said. “In English, you’re given a piece of prose or poetry and you learn how to do a commentary and analyze it. In history, there’s what’s called a historical investigation and you learn how to cite and do all the academic research and the skills you’re going to need in order to be successful in college.”
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: What to know about Corpus Christi ISD's IB diploma program
