Sciences
Stanton College Preparatory School
International Baccaulaureate Program
What is the
IB Program?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous, two-year, pre-university liberal arts course of study that meets the needs of highly motivated and academically oriented 11th and 12th grade students. Designed as an interdisciplinary curriculum, the IB program allows the student to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical and experimental situations.
Stanton has one of the largest and most successful IB programs in the nation. Many IB graduates are attending highly selective universities. The students who earn the IB diploma enjoy many educational advantages.
Advantages of Earning the IB Diploma
-
Students participate in one of the most challenging pre-university courses of study available in the world.
-
Students receive a universal education recognized and accepted at the world’s leading institutions.
-
Students prepare for problem-solving from a global perspective.
-
Students have advanced placement and course credit in many prestigious colleges and universities.
-
Students are eligible for the Bright Futures Scholarships.
IB COURSES
Click on a picture to learn more and
view 3-D footage of the school location.
World Languages
Stanton offers four foreign languages: Spanish, Chinese, Latin, and French.
Math
Stanton has a wide variety of math courses beginning with Geometry and culminating with Calculus BC.
Science
Stanton offers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
English &
Theory of Knowledge
In Theory of Knowledge, students explore the philosophical branch of Epistemology.
Sixth Subjects
Every IB student takes a sixth subject. The options include: Psychology, Philosophy, Film, Music, Visual Arts, Theatre, and Computer Science.
History
The History progression is:
AP World History (Freshman)
AP European History (Sophomore)
AP US History (Junior)
IB Contemporary History (Senior).
What do IB Students say about the Program?
International Baccalaureate
(IB)
Students who attend Stanton must decide whether to enroll in the IB or AP program.
-
Potential IB students are selected from a group of eligible applicants based solely on merit.
-
If admitted, the student will remain in the IB program throughout their 4 years at Stanton, because their acceptance into the program is what holds their seat at the school.
-
The IB program is an international program that includes an integrated approach to learning that students all over the globe are learning at the same time.
-
Both AP & IB courses are weighted.
-
IB has some specialized curriculum elements:
-
a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class;
-
an Extended Essay (EE), and
-
Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS).
-
-
There is a particular focus on college-level writing and oral examinations in the IB program.
Advanced Placement
(AP)
Students who attend Stanton must decide whether to enroll in the IB or AP.
-
The AP program is a part of the Magnet program. Acceptance is based on the magnet lottery, where names are drawn and your chances for being drawn are influenced by a set of factors.
-
The AP program is designed based on American-style educational precepts. It is meant to prepare students for college-level courses and earn them college credits.
-
Every AP test that a student passes potentially translates into a college credit for that class. Those credits are dependent on the scores the college or university in question accepts.
-
Both AP & IB courses are weighted.
vs.
FAQS
-
How do I apply to the IB Program?
Families apply by submitting an application on the Parent FOCUS portal. The application is evaluated by the High School Accelerated Program (HSAP) office. You can find all details about the process at the following link: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/22949
-
Who is the ideal candidate for the IB Program?
The IB program is a challenging academic curriculum. A self-motivated student who would like to experience an educational track that will help them develop independent learning skills. He/She/They will analyze subject areas at a college level that will put them on an accelerated course for college or university.
-
How do I handle the stress of an academically challenging program?
There are no magic answers. The best way to manage the stress is to plan your time knowing that a large piece of it will be spent on academic endeavors. Time is already precious, so the parts that are not dedicated to academics are precious. You will have to choose where you would like to spend that extra time. The good news is that CAS is a core component of IB, and that portion of the curriculum is a part that each student designs for him/herself.
-
How can my parent(s)/guardian(s) best assist me as I matriculate through this program?
First, parents are encouraged to manage their expectations. This is a curriculum that may present opportunities that your student does not perform well with at first. Allow space for failure knowing that it is not the final answer. Also remember that your student still needs you. The manner in which you assist may be different than previous iterations, so be flexible.
-
When do I formally begin IB?
IB classes formally begin at the start of your Junior year. This is when students will be required to start working on their EE, CAS hours and will be enrolled in TOK. Although there are Pre-IB courses for subjects such as language, it does not formally start until junior year.
-
What is the role of my Guidance Counselor vs. the IB Coordinator?
Students can go to the guidance office with any questions about scholarships, college applications, questions about schedule changes, or even just to rant about a bad day. Guidance counselors are assigned by last name and students will be assigned to one of four guidance counselors for the duration of their time at Stanton. The IB Coordinator handles all IB-specific concerns including: questions about the IB curriculum, registering for IB tests, approving and turning in CAS hours, IB ceremonies, acting as liaison between IB and students, and even post IB diploma questions.