Information for Parents

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme requires a commitment on the part of the parent.

Philosophical Belief:
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a demanding pre-university course of study. It provides highly motivated and academically accomplished students the intellectual and critical perspectives to succeed in a challenging college environment. It encourages students to see human issues from global perspectives, to value civic involvement, and pursue truth and knowledge in all areas of human endeavor.

Work Ethic:
The intensive level of course work required of an IB Diploma student is extremely challenging and completely prepares them for the rigors of collegiate studies. It is critical an IB Diploma student is provided time and space at home to work on class assignments and projects. It is important that an IB Diploma student is given the needed help to maintain a focus on long and short term goals. Helping an IB student monitor his/her time management is essential if the student wants to be successful.

Communication:
Parent communication is critical. Periodic meetings will be scheduled and it is important that both the parents/guardians and students attend these meetings. An IB Diploma student must understand that part of this programme involves developing self-advocacy skills. An IB Diploma student must learn to advocate with teachers for his or her own academic and personal needs.

Creativity, Action, Service:
As a part of the IB Diploma requirements, IB Diploma students must complete 150 hours of CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) between the end of the sophomore year and prior to the second semester of the senior year, and should have all activities pre-approved by the CAS coordinator, Michael Ross. Since CAS hours must be completed beyond the regular school day, it becomes the parents’ and students’ responsibility to schedule events and transportation to and from events.

Financial:
The IB program involves a financial commitment. An examination is given in every IB Diploma course and the student is required to take and pay for these examinations. The IB student may accrue additional nominal costs.

What separates JFK from other high schools?

• JFK is the only public high school in Denver to offer the prestigious IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) as an option for all students in grades 9 and 10. MYP is designed for students ages 11–16.

• When the IB Diploma Programme starts in 2008 for grade 11 (and the next year for grade 12), JFK will be the only Denver high school to offer an authorized IB education for all grade levels. The two-year Diploma Programme is designed for students ages 16–19.

• Many of JFK’s dedicated teachers are trained in IB education. All are highly-qualified in their content areas and skilled in motivating high school students to excel in their courses.

• JFK prepares all students for success in college and other opportunities after high school. Students can earn free college credit during high school.

• Students throughout the Metro area – from Denver to Littleton to Lakewood – are eligible to attend JFK. Transportation is available for eligible students living in Denver.

A highly esteemed International Baccalaureate education

An IB education requires students to learn on a deeper level, make connections to the world around them and ask questions. IB students are intellectually curious about the world, are critical and creative thinkers, and express ideas with confidence.

Leading college admissions expert Barmak Nassirian recently told Education Week that IB generally is regarded as “the gold standard of high school curriculum in admissions circles.”

Positive, long-term impact

• IB experience has been endorsed by federal officials as a rigorous academic program and helps students excel on Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests.
• Data show that rigorous coursework is a predictor of later success. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students who enrolled in IB courses were more prepared for college, earned higher first-year GPAs in college and had a higher college graduation rate. This was true for all ethnic groups and socioeconomic levels.

Knowledgeable and dedicated teachers

Many of JFK’s dedicated and experienced teachers are specifically trained in IB education. All are specially certified to teach and motivate high school students.

• Our staff receives ongoing, rigorous professional development from the International Baccalaureate Organization and Denver Public Schools to ensure teachers understand and use best practices in curriculum, teaching techniques and interventions to help all students succeed.
• Our teachers average more than 12 years of experience in the classroom.
• Most teachers have master’s degrees.
• JFK teachers make meaningful connections with students to inspire them to stay in school and reach their potential.

Student success in college and in life

At JFK, we are serious about preparing students for success in college or the workplace. Students and teachers build strong relationships that keep students motivated.

• All JFK students can enroll in college courses during high school and earn free college credit.
• JFK juniors and seniors in the IB Diploma Programme can earn college credit by successfully completing IB exams.
• JFK students can graduate from high school with an MYP certificate, a distinguished IB diploma, or a traditional high school diploma.