The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at BVH is a two-year academic program designed for upperclassmen who seek a well-rounded, challenging education. Recognized worldwide for its high standards, the IB program is highly regarded by colleges and universities, often seen as a prestigious qualification for admission. It not only focuses on academic excellence but also emphasizes the development of intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills, preparing students for future success. Every year, students are faced with the decision of whether or not to take on this challenge. While the IB program offers numerous advantages—such as enhanced critical thinking, college readiness, and the opportunity for global recognition—it also comes with its own set of challenges, including a demanding workload and intense pressure.
With its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on comprehensive development, the IB Diploma offers students a unique opportunity to prepare for both higher education and life beyond the classroom. For students, who are motivated by personal connections and the successes of those who have come before them, the program provides a chance to build on their strengths and pursue their academic passions.
Inspired by the experiences of her family members who completed the IB program and went on to college, sophomore Viviana Blanco Flores is eager to take on the challenge herself. She shares what she is looking forward to and how she believes the program will help her develop important skills for the future.
“I am excited to take IB History of the Americas and IB Italian my senior year since Italian is my favorite subject,” Flores said. “It will help me learn to be disciplined and [to develop] more time management skills which will help me in the future when I go to university or get a job.”
While Flores is excited about the opportunities the IB program offers, she also has some concerns. Like many students that are considering the program, she is aware of the challenges ahead and is preparing herself for the hard work required. Flores shares some of the difficulties she anticipates facing.
“I have heard that it is a lot of work, especially with writing a lot of essays, so I feel like that is where I am going to struggle the most,” Flores said.
While some students may have concerns about the challenges ahead, others are drawn to the IB program for its potential to expand their academic skills. BVH junior, Alexandra Lynn Scott, shares the reason why she decided to join the IB program.
“I had friends who were in the IB program who really enjoyed it, and I knew who the teachers were, and I knew my friends were planning on joining as well,” Scott said. “I think it will help me by shaping the way I research and interpret knowledge, and how I approach gaining information.”
Scott’s enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with her studies continues to grow as she reflects on how it has shaped her approach to learning. She goes on to highlight how the supportive environment created by her teachers enhances her research process.
“Teachers are so amazing and accommodating; they try not to schedule things on the same days, and all of them are super engaging, making class fun. It requires a lot more independent action and research. They give us resources to be able to do our own research, like the peer review site at the library,” Scott said.
This level of support and resources is something that many students appreciate in the IB program, as it encourages both personal growth and academic success. For former BVH student and current University of California Berkeley freshman, Lyra Rhoades, the program’s challenges were key to preparing her for college life. She shares how her experience was while taking the IB program when she was a student.
“The IB program is definitely a lot of work, mainly due to the essays you write in every class you take. While it is a lot of work and a major commitment, you get out of it what you put into it. If you stay on top of your work, are aware of deadlines, and communicate well with your teachers, the workload is manageable,” Rhoades said. “I found myself still having free time and being able to take care of myself. Contrary to the popular misconception, the IB program is not all-consuming and it does not hinder you from participating in other commitments or other extracurriculars!”
During her time as a student, she discovered that research was a crucial component of the IB program, particularly when working on essays. Rhoades’ was taught how to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. The IB program also helped her improve her critical thinking, improving her communication skills and making her more open to new ideas. She believes that the skills developed through the program make it a valuable experience for students.
“The IB program did an amazing job of preparing me for college and made the academic transition incredibly easy. The IB program requires a mastery of many different subjects and skills, many of which are present throughout college. Within my first week of classes, I realized how much work I had done in high school and how college workloads did not compare to it at all. The readings and projects I have now feel simple when I compare them to the amount of work I did throughout the IB program,” Rhoades said.
Her experience helped her prepare for college after completing the IB program. Rhoades’ transition from high school to college was smooth, thanks to the program’s precise academic structure and emphasis on critical thinking and independent learning.
“The IB program was the best decision I made in my high school career. Not only did I receive an internationally recognized additional high school diploma and learn study habits that I will use for the rest of my educational career, but I was also a part of a community that I grew very close to throughout high school. IB was an amazing educational opportunity, but it also helped me make meaningful connections with my fellow diploma candidates that I still carry to this day,” Rhoades said.
