5 Things to Know about the IB Program

The Hauppauge school district's Board of Education will cast their vote on whether to continue moving forward with the International Baccalaureate program at Tuesday's board meeting. The district is nearing the end of a two-year application process for the international academic program.

Here are some basic facts Hauppauge parents through know about the IB program:

1. The program is an international academic program designed for students in 11th and 12th grade who are looking to challenge themselves.

2. Under the IB program, students will study six core academic areas of English, science, math, social studies, a foreign language and the areas. In addition, those seeking an IB Diploma will need to complete a Theory of Knowledge course, a 4,000 word Extended Essay and 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service. 

3. Students entering 11th grade may begin the IB Diploma program in which they must complete three standard level and three higher level courses, graded on scale of 1 to 7, and receive at least 24 points. Otherwise, students may pursue an IB certificate or choose to take select courses.

4. The International Baccalaureate program will cost the Hauppauge school district each year: $10,000 for an annual fee, $141 for each student to register with the program, $400 to $5,000 to mail out exams for grading and teacher training.

5. Superintendent Patricia Sullivan-Kriss said as long as students sign up.