Beyond the classroom: Explore the IB Diploma at upcoming Info session

If there is anything to be said about the education options for students in the Mat-Su, it is that there are options. From the dozens of Career and Technical Education programs to the correspondence and homeschool programs, to the Middle College program at Mat-Su College, there is something for every student in the Borough.

For students seeking a rigorous form of learning, the International Baccalaureate (IB) offered at Palmer High School may be an option to consider.

The IB program at Palmer High School is the only IB school in the Mat-Su Borough, and is the oldest such program offered in Alaska, allowing juniors and seniors the opportunity to challenge themselves academically, earn potential college credit, and still enjoy a traditional high school experience, creating lifelong thinkers.

IB classes are taken during a student's junior and senior year, offering motivated students an opportunity to grow and accelerate their academic skills, potentially earn college credit, and promoting student engagement and growth through community service, all while students enjoy a traditional high school experience.

The IB program started in 1968 in Switzerland with a group of teachers at the International School of Geneva. Since then, it has spread worldwide and has over 6,300 different programs in America. The IB began at Palmer High School during the 2000-01school year as a choice to give students a different learning option.

IB classes at Palmer High are selective classes with a motive of creating lifelong learners. There are two levels of the program are available to students to participate in the IB program:

--Full participation in the full IB diploma program. IB Diploma Candidates follow a rigorous academic pathway across six different subjects while also engaging in a variety of extracurricular activities and objectives.

--Become an IB Scholar. Any student can customize their high school experience and take IB classes of personal interest with the potential of earning college credit after successful completion of the course and exam. Click here to find more on the IB classes offered at Palmer High.

For students and families considering the IB program, there is going to be an informational meeting for prospective students on January 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Palmer High Theater.

Along with a brief overview of what the program is and options within it, there will also be a spotlight on alumni and current students. The meeting is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about it, which an emphasis on providing information for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students to gain a better understanding as to what their options are and how they can prepare for them.

To learn more about the PHS International Baccalaureate Program, please visit www.phs.matsuk12.us/departments/international-baccalaureate