1. What is the International Baccalaureate Program and why was it begun?

The IB Program is a college prep program that leads to examinations for which high school students may earn advanced placement and/or credits upon entering college. 

The IB Program was begun by UNESCO, an arm of the United Nations, to accommodate the children of diplomats who, because of their varied educations in many different countries, had difficulties applying and being admitted to colleges. UNESCO wanted a series of examinations created that would be acceptable for entrance into any university in the world. When this was accomplished, the need for a curriculum to prepare students for the examinations was apparent. There are currently over 900 IB Diploma Program Schools in over 90 countries worldwide.

Learn more about the IB programme at www.ibo.org

2. What is the difference between IB and AP?

AP or Advanced Placement is an American program offering exams in individual subjects for which students may earn advanced placement and/or credits upon entering college.

The IB Diploma program is a total package: courses and exams in six subject areas plus a course in Theory of Knowledge, a 3600-4000 word independent research paper, and 150 hours of community service, sports, and activities during the final two years of high school.

AP courses are survey courses, they ask a students to learn information about a large number of topics within a course and the exams are predominately multiple choice.  International Baccalaureate courses teach a smaller number of topics chosen by the IB trained teacher for that subject.  The IB exams have no multiple choice questions and in many cases require the student to take an oral exam in front of a panel as part of the exam.  The IB philosophy encourages students to learn material from many different angles in order to acquire a deep understanding of each subject.

3. When do IB students begin taking IB courses? 

The IBO does not permit IB students to take IB courses until eleventh and twelfth grades. In order to prepare for the academic rigor of the eleventh and twelfth grade IB courses, during grades 9 and 10, IB students take AP courses, Pre-IB courses, and some Honors courses.  The Pre-IB and Honors courses are taught by IB trained teachers and the curriculums have been modified to prepare students for the International Baccalaureate curriculum they will take in 11th and 12th grade.

4. When do IB students begin taking the IB Examinations?

The IBO only allows IB students to take up to two Standard Level exams at the end of the junior (11th) year; Higher Level exams are only allowed at the end of the senior year; there are no exceptions permitted.

5. How do colleges view the IB Programme?

College admissions officers from the Ivy League to south Florida have said that the IB Diploma Program is the best college prep education available.

A recent research study done by one of the professors at the University of Florida showed that IB students finished their undergraduate work in fewer years, with higher grades, and with fewer problems, than other honors students.

6. How do I know if my child is eligible for the Plantation High Magnet Program?

Eligibility requirements for incoming 9th grade students are:

• Student that are zoned for Plantation, South Plantation, Western and Cypress Bay schools.
• 7th grade FCAT Reading score of 4 or 5
• Passing EOC exams if applicable
• Middle School GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Students coming from private or out of state schools will be required to submit official transcripts in lieu of FCAT scores.
• Incoming 10th and 11th grade students who wish to apply to the program should contact the IB Coordinator directly for application instructions.
• Students who fall short in one area should apply and your application will be reviewed by the IB Coordinator.
• If your FCAT or GPA fall below minimum eligibility requirements after 8th grade, your acceptance to the program may be revoked.

7.  How do I apply to the Plantation High Magnet Program?

The Magnet window opens from December 1st- February 11th.  You can visit the Broward School website and apply online.  Even if this is your home school you must apply for the magnet.