Five DMPS Graduates Earn International Baccalaureate Diplomas
Five DMPS graduates who completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme requirements at Central Academy have earned the world-renowned IB Diploma.
The five students were seniors at Roosevelt High School during the 2011-2012 school year and will continue their education at the following universities:
- Cole Bates-Norum – New York University
- Alyssa Bean – Grinnell College
- Dhynasah James – Iowa State University
- Andy Troxell – Grinnell College
- Lansing Wei – Georgia Tech
“An International Baccalaureate Diploma is generally considered to be the gold-standard for rigorous college preparation,” said Crista Carlile, Central Academy supervisor. “To earn the IB Diploma requires a significant commitment to high-level academic studies as well as dedication to understanding and serving the world community. Having all five students who attempted the IB Diploma actually earn it is a tremendous compliment to their tenacity and the dedication of their teachers.”
Central Academy was the first school in Iowa to become authorized as an IB World School in 2008, offering the IB Diploma Programme for high school students.
The IB Diploma Programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. To achieve the IB Diploma, students are required to take written examinations at the end of the program, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school.
The IB Programme provides a framework for teaching and learning that engages students in guided inquiry centered on universal concepts. Guided inquiry emphasizes students’ natural curiosity and provides them with an opportunity to ask questions and seek answers in a collaborative classroom where students and teachers work together to explore the curriculum.
In addition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Central Academy also offers a wide variety of Advanced Placement courses and six world languages, many of which are unique to central Iowa.
Des Moines Public Schools is the only school district to offer IB courses. Seven schools in Des Moines are currently authorized to offer one of three different International Baccalaureate programs. Those schools are Central Academy, Goodrell Middle School, Merrill Middle School, Hubbell Elementary School, Park Avenue Elementary School, Stowe Elementary School, and Walnut Street Elementary School. Three schools – Hoover High School, Gateway Middle School, and Meredith Middle School – are currently taking steps to become IB World Schools. A total of 4,000 Des Moines students attend schools which offer the IB curriculum.
