If you’ve got a teenager and want to learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) degree program, now’s your chance to ask questions and discover this dynamic program.
The IB program is designed to give students a challenging, liberal arts education from a global perspective in preparation for college study.
Paula Desmond-Mistretta, the IB coordinator at Ridgeway High School, says most of the parents whose teens attend "like to be challenged. It's for highly motivated students who love learning, reading, and writing."
For students to be eligible, they must be in the 70 percentile of reading/math TCAP scores and have all As and Bs (one C is allowed) on semester report cards. A good school attendance record is also expected.
Three high schools in the Memphis area offer the IB degree: Bolton, Germantown, and Ridgeway High. In addition, several elementary and middle schools are IB Candidate schools, where students study from a similiar curriculum; these include Balmoral Elementary, Oak Forest Elementary, and Ridgeway Middle School.
To learn more details about the IB program, go to Germantown High School's IB website.
INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, November 29 • Bolton High School, 7323 Brunswick Road, Arlington. The program begins at 6 p.m. Parents and students will learn about the IB curriculum and application process. The session will be held in the Bolton Stagelight Theatre.
Tuesday, December 4 • Germantown High School, 7653 Old Poplar Pike, Germantown. The session will be held in the Poplar Pike Playhouse (GHS auditorium) and begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 10 • Ridgeway High School, 2009 Ridgeway Rd. Program starts at 6 p.m. in the school auditorium. There will be a presentation by the principal and the IB Coordinator along with parents, students, and teachers. Featured will be a video with former students sharing how the IB experience helped them in college. Contact: Paula Desmond-Mistretta, 416-1802
Thursday, January 17 • Ridgeway Middle School, 6333 Quince Rd. (this IB Candidate school is up for authorization in Spring 2013). Program starts at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Performances by the band, choir and orchestra. Student work will be displayed. Teachers will be tour guides. Each team will have students in their classrooms to speak about IB. The IB Coordinator from Ridgeway High School will also be present.
Thursday, January 17 • Balmoral Ridgeway Elementary School, 5905 Grovesnor Ave. (this IB Candidate school is up for authorization in Spring 2013). An open house is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon, and 4 to 6 p.m. Parents will be able to tour the school. There will be a brief informational PowerPoint presentation highlighting academic focus of the IB program.
Thursday, January 17 • Oak Forest Elementary School, The school will host its open house from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.