Mount Pleasant High School
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
What is the International Baccalaureate Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) is a challenging academic liberal arts curriculum. Focusing on the learning process, its goal is to teach students how to learn, how to analyze, and how to reach considered conclusions about society and the world in which we live. The IB diploma is an academic passport, recognized around the world as a symbol of intellectual promise and achievement. Mount Pleasant High School is the first public school in Delaware authorized to teach the IB Diploma Programme.
The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) is a challenging academic liberal arts curriculum. Focusing on the learning process, its goal is to teach students how to learn, how to analyze, and how to reach considered conclusions about society and the world in which we live. The IB diploma is an academic passport, recognized around the world as a symbol of intellectual promise and achievement. Mount Pleasant High School is the first public school in Delaware authorized to teach the IB Diploma Programme.
What are the advantages of IB?
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Challenging learning environment surrounded by intellectual peers
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Rigorous academic preparation in the humanities, mathematics, and sciences
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Exposure to outstanding teachers who have received specialized IB training
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Opportunities to participate in a wide variety of academic, cultural, and community service activities
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Internationally acclaimed educational program
Shared experiences that create a special camaraderie between-D students and their teachers -
Development of time management and study skills
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Advanced placement and/or sophomore standing at many prestigious colleges and universities
How do I apply to the IB Programme?
Admission to the 11th and 12th grade Diploma Programme is through successful completion of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) which can be started at Talley Middle School (6th grade) or MYP at Mount Pleasant High School (9th grade).
Who should apply?
The IB Programme is open to all qualified students seeking a challenging, rigorous educational experience with a unique international focus and a high standard of achievement.
All students must complete Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and three levels of French or Spanish prior to 11th grade.
Students who are successful in the Middle Years Programme at Talley Middle School will automatically be transitioned into the MYP/Diploma Programme pathway.
Students who are not in the MYP at Talley should apply to the MYP Programme at Mount Pleasant HS in the fall of 8th grade. Applications are accepted through SchoolChoiceDE.org, which is available during the choice window.
Informational meetings are held each fall.
Minimum guidelines for acceptance into the MYP/Diploma Programme pathway are:
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Honor roll status in 7th and 8th grades
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Evaluations from 5 academic teachers
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Strong motivation and individual commitment
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Participation in extracurricular activities
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Completion of a writing assessment
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Completion of Spanish I or French I and Algebra I recommended
How are faculty members selected?
A select staff is chosen based on experience and academic credentials. These teachers are noted for their ability to motivate and inspire students. Faculty members attend special IB workshops and attend ongoing in-service programs to maintain a cohesive and integrated curriculum approach.
What is the typical school day for IB students?
IB students attend Mount Pleasant the same hours as all MPHS students.
Are IB students isolated from others at MPHS?
Academic classes are comprised only of IB students. However, they share the same common areas during lunch periods and participate with non-IB students in elective classes and extracurricular activities.
What if an IB student withdraws from the Programme?
All 9th and 10th grade MYP students are expected to stay in the Programme at least one year. If a student then wishes to leave, he/she will be rescheduled into Honors or AP classes. Once students enter grade 11, they are expected to complete their specific certificate requirements or the full Diploma Programme.
Are there any fees for the IB Programme?
There are no fees at the MYP level. However, 11th and 12th grade Diploma Programme candidates must take six examinations. Examination fees for the IB diploma are approximately $275-$300 in the junior year and $400-$600 in the senior year. Costs vary for certificate candidates depending on the number of examinations they take. (IBO sets all testing fees and they do change yearly). Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch for testing fee waiver.
Is transportation available?
For students outside of Mount Pleasant’s feeder pattern, bus service will be provided from the Mount Pleasant bus stop closest to their home.