by: Chloe Marshall

SANFORD – The International Baccalaureate program at Lee County High School is accepting applications for full diploma candidates and course selection students for the 2024-25 school year. 

IB is a programme for students ages 16 through 19.   Full diploma is the most rigorous course of study offered at LCHS. Course selection is less rigorous as a full diploma and very flexible. You can pick and choose which classes you think will best fit.

“The IB diploma is not a one size fits all path,” said Katie Brown, the director of the IB Programme at LCHS. “It is unique and tailored to each individual student based on their needs and goals.”

IB also has many benefits; Full diploma students also hone college level research skills through the writing and skills gained of their extended essay. Not only that, but IB is an excellent program for colleges and universities but it also allows students to form closer relationships with their fellow peers and also provides students the opportunity to be a part of a close knit community with other like minded students. 

“ At LCHS, our IB programme prides itself on our family/community learning environment which supports higher learning, growth, collaboration, and success,” Brown said.

One mandatory course for full diploma IB candidates is Theory of Knowledge. The Theory of Knowledge course, or “TOK” as students commonly refer to it, is a heavily discussion based course that focuses on how we know what we know. 

Another mandatory course is Creativity, Activity, and Service also referred to as “CAS”. CAS allows students to pursue their passions and reflect on areas where they are creative and participate in service and other areas that are unique to each student.

Brown encourages all students to consider the IB diploma, especially if they are four-year college bound. The deadline for this application ends on Jan. 31.

“There is a place in IB for every LCHS student if they are interested in challenging themselves,” Brown said. 

Students are encouraged to contact her with any questions they might have about the programme.