Unfortunately, there are some misconceptions concerning the IB Diploma Programme. Below are some claims that are made about IB and responses to these claims.
CLAIM: IB Programmes are non-academic "fad" programs and many colleges and universities will not accept IB courses as fulfilling undergraduate requirements for admissions.
RESPONSE: IBO is celebrating its 50th year of offering high level, rigorous academic programs to over 2,400 schools in 129 countries. Over 800 universities in the United States alone recognize the IB Diploma as a mark of academic excellence. Such universities include all the Ivy League schools, Johns Hopkins University, MIT, Georgia Tech, Stanford University, every US Military Academy (West Pointe, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy), Georgetown University, among many others. SRHS has placed 36 students into the Military Academies since 1998—the most in the State of Florida. A Military Academy, free to the student, is estimated to be worth well over $400,000.
CLAIM: The IB Diploma is not accepted in every state or college/university. IB Diploma students MUST attend "IB college".
RESPONSE: There is no such thing as an "IB college". In fact, the IB Diploma Programme is recognized in every state and recognized internationally. Colleges and universities want IB students because IB students are well-prepared for the academic rigors of college. IB Diploma students take exams each year in May; these same exams are given to other students around the world. Students in China, Europe, Africa, South America, etc. are taking the same exams, albeit in different languages. Furthermore, these IB exams are sent to IB examiners around the world for grading. Each IB examiner has to qualify for marking exams. Periodically, IB sends "seed" exams to the examiner to ensure the examiner is in the established range for scoring the exam. This ensures consistency throughout the world.
CLAIM: IB students cannot earn college credit for IB courses taken in high school.
RESPONSE: IB students earn many college credits based on their exam scores. IB exams are scored 1-7; a score of 4 or higher is considered passing. Earning an IB score of 4 awards the student with a minimum of 3 college credits. Scoring a 5-7 awards the student with a minimum of 6 college credits. Not all universities award college credits for IB exams passed, however, these same universities do NOT provide college credit for AP exams passed. Typically, IB students attending a public college or university in Florida will earn between 21-36 college credits. To earn a Bachelor's degree, students must earn 120 college credits; many SRHS IB students enter Florida colleges and universities with enough credits to be considered a "sophomore". The attachment on this page details what an IB student passing an IB exam can earn at Florida public colleges and universities. Courses highlighted in yellow are courses offered at SRHS.
CLAIM: Once you start the IB Diploma Programme, you cannot get out. You must stay in the Diploma Programme throughout high school.
RESPONSE: The IB Diploma Programme is quite rigorous and challenging. On occasion, IB Diploma students find the program too difficult and exit the program. Just like any other student, IB Diploma students have the option to switch programs. If a student chooses to exit the Diploma Programme, the student will exit at the midterm (December) of their junior year or at the end of their junior year. If a Diploma Programme student exits the program in the senior year (or during the junior year), then the student will be required to meet the graduation requirements established by the State of Florida Department of Education. Students who enter the senior year in the Diploma Programme rarely exit the program. However, exiting the program is an option available to the student.
CLAIM: IB students do not have time for extracurricular activities (athletics, band, choir, NJROTC, etc.)
RESPONSE: IB students at SRHS are THE most involved students on the SRHS campus. IB emphasizes that students be "well-rounded" in academics and extracurricular activities. IB students are required to work on both their academic strengths and weaknesses unlike other advanced programs.