Unique IB program still flourishes at Flathead High

The focus of the International Baccalaureate Programme is a rigorous curriculum with a world vantage point.

This year at Flathead High School, 355 students are taking one or more International Baccalaureate classes.

Since the program was established at Flathead in 2005, there have been 104 full International Baccalaureate diploma candidates.

“Students get a well-rounded picture of the world,” said Kelli Higgins, coordinator for International Baccalaureate at Flathead. “We encourage students to see their place in this world and how they can be a force for positive change.

Flathead has been the only high school in the state offering the International Baccalaureate Programme. That will change next year when Hellgate High School launches its own International Baccalaureate venture.

The International Baccalaureate Programme at Flathead is open to students of all abilities and grade-point averages. There are no prerequisites to enroll in International Baccalaureate courses.

“Students who are successful in IB are students interested in challenging themselves and not afraid to work at it. It isn’t just the smartest of the smart kids in IB,” Higgins said.

 Classes are a mix of seminar- and lecture-style instruction involving inquiry-based learning.

“IB work is project-based,” Higgins said. “There are less daily assignments and more long-term projects where students have the opportunity to really explore in-depth ideas or philosophies.”

The program involves three components: creativity (arts), action (athletics) and service (community service). The goal is to develop a well-rounded student, Higgins said.

Some students choose to just get class certificates by taking final exams, while others go for the full diploma.

One benefit is that the International Baccalaureate curriculum is internationally recognized, Flathead High School Principal Peter Fusaro said.

“Students in the IB program at Flathead High School are getting the same curriculum as students in Oregon or Europe,” Fusaro said.

To get the diploma, a student must take six International Baccalaureate courses in English, foreign language, history, science, math and an elective.

“It’s a credit to our staff how well-prepared students are,” Fusaro said. “There’s a 92 percent pass rate on IB exams” at Flathead High School.

Taking courses is free, however there are fees for exams.

This year, full diploma candidates paid $745, which includes an exam registration fee of $145 plus $100 per exam. Students obtaining certificates pay the registration fee each year they test.

Higgins said exams can be cost-effective because they may transfer as college credit or set students at sophomore status the first year of college.

“A student who takes the English exam is very likely to receive three to eight college credits for $245. It can be a great deal for students,” Higgins said.

Higgins said there are payment plans. There also is federal aid for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com