Guilford Becomes Only 4th School District in CT to Offer International Baccalaureate Program

by Jack Kramer, Patch Correspondent

GUILFORD, CT – The high school recently became only the fourth district in the state, and the first in the New Haven area, to be qualified to conduct an International Baccalaureate program.

Superintendent of Schools Paul Freeman recently reported to the Board of Education that the first IB classes will be offered in the beginning of the next school year – September of 2017.

School board Chairman William Bloss said that the IB program will be an alternative to the Advanced Placement program that students are currently enrolled in – students will have a choice.

A U.S. News & World Report article on high schools describes AP courses as “focusing intensively on a particular subject, while IB courses take a more holistic approach.”

Bloss described the IB program as an “especially rigorous curriculum.”

“The approval of GHS as an IB school – among only a handful in Connecticut and the first in New Haven area – is an exciting and rewarding development for our students,” said Bloss.

“The Board of Education investigated the program thoroughly, including discussions and meetings with university admissions officers and administrators, and field trips to an IB school in New York where board member met with faculty and students in an established program,’’ continued Bloss.

“We are convinced that the IB program will be a valuable addition to GHS because of its emphasis connections between disciplines and encouragement of deep critical analysis and communication,” added Bloss.

There will be minimal costs for materials and training associated with the program, according to school officials, and no additional staff will be added.

Additionally, parents of the students enrolled will be responsible for any costs associated with exams that the program entails.