THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 22, 1996 TAG: 9603220066
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER ANDERSON, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
ARE YOU interested in entering college as a sophomore and earning a degree in just three years?
Some high school students do that by taking Advanced Placement courses and earning college credits with high marks on APexams. But students in Virginia Beach will soon have another option - the International Baccalaureate Magnet Center.
Next September, Princess Anne High School expects to become the first high school in South Hampton Roads - the 12th in the state and one of more than 600 in the world - to host the IB program.
The magnet school program is headquartered in Switzerland and is respected around the globe, local school officials said.
``It is more than 25 years old and well-established among colleges and universities,'' said Randi Reigel, IB program coordinator at Princess Anne High School. ``It is a highly rigorous, college-preparatory program.''
The IB program, which is open to all Virginia Beach students, spans the last two years of school. There are several IB-diploma requirements:
Completing two years of advanced-level courses in math, science, English, foreign languages, Social Studies, electives and taking IB exams for each. Students must score at least 24 out of a possible 45 points to receive a diploma.
Taking a ``Theory of Knowledge'' yearlong seminar.
Writing a 4,000-word independent research essay.
Completing a minimum of 200 hours of extracurricular and community-service activities.
Princess Anne can't begin the IB-diploma program until an international team of IB officials visits and assesses the school in May but the school began a pre-IB curriculum for freshmen and sophomores last September.
``It's more in-depth,'' said freshman Katrina Martin, who said she is taking the course because of the challenge and potential for earning college credit. ``The teachers give you individual attention.''
Katrina Moore agrees.
``The teachers adjust to you,'' she said. ``One teacher takes votes about visual aids to (to find out what is effective).''
Teachers are equally impressed by the results.
``We've got an incredible growth of highly talented, very eager freshmen,'' said Kevin Johnson, the debate coach. ``Many have already won top places at some tournaments.''
The idea of the IB magnet school originated two years ago when the School Board's task force looked at various magnet schools. They liked the IB program. Princess Anne, which also was exploring magnet programs, asked to be the host.
Princess Anne completed a 400-page application in December and is awaiting the May visit.
``They pretty much give us their stamp of approval and we're official,'' Reigel said. ``They look for, `Are you prepared? Do you know what you're doing.' And yes we do. All of our i's are dotted and our t's are crossed.''
There are 11 sophomores and 64 freshmen enrolled in the pre-IB program, 44 percent are from Princess Anne's district. Out-of-zone students had to provide their own transportation this year but can catch the bus next year.
Students must apply for admission to the program, and include in their application a record of standardized test scores, a transcript and three teacher recommendations. Unlike AP classes, IB students are asked to sign a letter of intent to complete the diploma requirements.
Only 100 students will be admitted into the program each year.
Some might find the cost of the program - $358 for exam and grading fees - a problem, Reigel said. There is no official financial aid even though some Princess Anne parents might begin a scholarship fund to help needy students. Reigel noted, however, that IB tuition is still less than the cost of six AP exams, which would cost $432, at $72 a test.
Students must also remember that colleges vary in their acceptance of IB diplomas. Harvard and Radcliffe offer sophomore standing to freshmen who earn a six or seven - the highest possible score - on three IB exams and complete one college semester with a B-average. The University of Virginia gives credit for each exam score of five or higher and Virginia Tech awards credits for exam scores as low as four.
For more information about the program, call Randi Reigel at 473-5000. Applications for next year's freshman class are due by March 29. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Jennifer Anderson is a senior at Princess Anne High. by CNB