Hopkins Approves Junior High International Baccalaureate Program

Hopkins junior highs will become International Baccalaureate schools starting in the 2014-15 school year.

The School Board on Thursday approved a budget package that anticipates spending $109,000 on bringing IB to the junior highs. The program will change the junior high schedule and eliminate study halls, according to the school district.

"This vote to move forward with the International Baccalaureate Program Middle Years Program in Hopkins Junior Highs affirms our commitment to providing an internationally recognized quality education and with a staff of teachers that have the skills and talents to meet this challenge and stand with the best," a news release West Junior High Principal Shirley Gregoire.

IB’s Middle Years Programme provides an enhanced curriculum for grades six through 10, although Hopkins would only offer Middle Years at its junior highs. Started in Geneva, Switzerland, the program emphasizes “global mindedness” and a broad curriculum with eight components—including requirements for all students to take arts courses, physical education and a second language.

The 2012-13 school year has been an exploratory year in which the district has investigated whether IB could work with junior high schedules and how staff and parents feel about it.

A 2011 survey found that support for an IB program ranged from 70 percent to 82 percent. Notably, support was highest among Hopkins parents who open enroll their children out of Hopkins schools. It was lowest among parents who live in the district and send their kids to Hopkins schools.

"This is great for our junior highs because it will truly help prepare all students for life and work in the 21st century," a news release quoted Todd Roudabush, IB coordinator for Hopkins Public Schools. "IB world schools emphasize the critical thinking, communication skills, and global perspectives that are essential for everyone in our rapidly changing world.