International Baccalaureate degree: Tough, but well worth it

MILLBROOK — When the International Baccalaureate (IB) program was first offered by Millbrook High School in September of 2017, 15 students enrolled: 14 females and one male. When that first class graduated on June 21st, just seven girls graduated with their IB degrees, proudly wearing the cords associated with the program. Millbrook started the process of preparing for the program during the 2014-15 school year, with an application process that involved two site visits, an intense program review and training for teachers and administrators.

The coordinator of the program is Georgia Herring, high school social studies teacher, and she, with Sarah Sullivan, library-media specialist, presented six of the seven IB students at a March Board of Education meeting.

The students presented individual research projects that they have conducted over the course of their two years enrolled in the program. They were asked how the program had impacted their studies and their lives.

Most of them said they found the program taught them to be individual thinkers, to carry out research and to write about their research.

It wasn’t easy, and some had misgivings. Eight of the original students dropped out. But those who remained think their participation in the IB Program will help them get into good colleges.  They also appreciate that they now have some experience in doing presentations, a must in college and in many careers. 

The required extended essay is also expected to prove helpful in preparing papers for college. The program is credited with helping develop students who excel physically, emotionally, ethically and intellectually through providing skills to encourage depth and breadth of knowledge. 

Students who are not enrolled in the IB diploma program may take IB courses; many have done so, and say they’ve  gained confidence for future schooling and careers. Some said they wanted the challenge of the IB courses, but chose not to immerse themselves in the program as they had other interests, in music, sports, etc. 

Started in 1968, the nonprofit program’s goal is to create a better world through education. It encourages obtaining a balanced education and facilitating geographic and cultural mobility, promoting international understanding and pursuing life-long learning.

Millbrook was only the second school to undertake this rigorous program in the county; Red Hook has facilitated the program for several years.