International Baccalaureate (IB) is a program offered to juniors and seniors at Dakota Ridge High School, and on November 19th from 6:30-7:30 p.m., the school is inviting 8th, 9th and 10th grade students and their families to learn more about IB’s mission, opportunities and benefits.
The IB program aims to develop young, intelligent minds that face the world with an intellectual perspective. It emphasizes the growth of inquiry, knowledge and critical thinking, as well as broadening holistic education and intercultural understanding.
According to DRHS IB the IB pathways offered at Dakota Ridge are the IB Diploma or IB Certificate. These pathways are only offered at three other Jeffco high schools. Benefits of earning the diploma consist of tuition savings, employment and college demand prep, broad and balanced curriculum, and recognition for participation in a program that is widely hailed by American and international universities. The certificate option offers similar benefits as well as college credit, only without the commitment of doing the full diploma pathway.
Despite an increased workload, students will gain college credit and skills that improve international prospects and outlook. Students who take IB courses might agree that the curriculum is more advanced but brings a connection personally, academically and globally.
“A lot of the classes are connected topic, group, and world wise,” DRHS IB student Sara Strauss said.
To learn further about the benefits of joining the IB program, anyone can attend the IB info night located in the DRHS Library.
“IB Info Nights are by far the best way for students and families to learn about the IB program,” IB coordinator Holly Davis said. “It’s the best way for students and families to hear about the program from a variety of perspectives, and it also gives students and families a chance to ask lots of questions.”
