Tavares High introduces new International Baccalaureate program for juniors, seniors
Juniors and seniors at Tavares High School will have a chance to get a step above the rest with the implementation of the international baccalaureate program — a first for Lake County.
As the name suggests, the program is internationally recognized around the world, offering students an academically challenging curriculum that is highly respected by the nation’s top universities.
“It took us two years to get the grant for this program and we are very excited to get it started,” Tavares High School Principal Jacob Stein said. “We really just wanted to give more opportunity for students, and this one has strong college advanced placement and one that our Ivy League schools look for.”
The program is designed for students ages 16 through 19. Those who accept the challenge will undertake higher level courses within six subject groups: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts. Each of these will be intertwined through the three core elements: the theory of knowledge; a 4,000-word extended essay; and a creativity, activity or service project.
Additionally, students must take at least three higher level courses, which takes about 240 teaching hours, as opposed to the average 150-hour standard level courses.
To receive the IB diploma, students must pass the final exam with a high enough score to qualify for this honor. Upon passing, it will fulfill the requirements for the state of Florida Bright Futures scholarship.
“It’s dedicated to growing the whole student,” Stein said. “It’s not just about the coursework, but how to implement it and prepare them for the world ahead. We have mentors and task advisers in place to give all the support we can.”
Tavares currently has 35 students signed up for the inaugural program. With an average of 340 students per graduating class, that’s about 5 percent.
State news: Great Wolf Lodge has set date to open in Southwest Florida, bookings start now
Stein said that students in 9th and 10th grades can begin preparing for this program by increasing their number of honor classes.
For those students interested in accelerating right into the workforce after high school, Stein is hoping to add the IB career-related program in the future.
The first day of classes for Lake County schools is Aug. 10.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: International Baccalaureate programs debuts at Tavares High School
