New program may debut as soon as 2010
The incoming freshman class of 2010 and the graduating class of 2014 will not only have our current class options, but the International Baccalaureate (IB) program will also be added to their list of choices. Standley Lake is currently in the process of applying to become Jefferson County's second IB school.
IB students will have the opportunity to gain college credit during high school. Almost all colleges accept this credit; in fact, it is more widely accepted than Advanced Placement (AP) class credits.
Students will spend freshmen and sophomore years in pre-IB and their 2 remaining high school years in the IB program.
About 50 students a year, 200 over the course of 4 years, will be accepted to join Standley Lake's future IB graduating class of 2014.
Currently, Lakewood High School is the only IB school in Jeffco. They accept open enrollment from students throughout the district.
"[Standley Lake's application process] will be similar to Lakewood," said Principal Todd Engels. Lakewood sends applications to 8 th graders in Algebra 1 or higher and then individually interviews them.
Normally, students living near our school would have to be transported to Lakewood every day to participate in IB. they would now be able to attend Standley Lake.
"It enhances opportunities for kids," says Assistant Principal Vickie Hillberry.
IB is like a schedule full of AP classes. "Full-time AP," says Mr.Engels, "taught at a fairly high level."
Non-IB students will not be affected. AP and Honors classes will still be offered.
-Stephanie Paulino, staff writer, freshman