The IB program takes a holistic approach to education and allows students who successfully complete the program to earn up to 30 college credits.

The W under the mountain still burns red and the halls inside the brick building are still windowless, but there is a new academic touch at Weber High in the 2018-2019 school year that is a big change at the high school.

For the first time, Weber is implementing the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. The IB program takes a holistic approach to education and allows students who successfully complete the program to earn up to 30 college credits. Since the students are taking college-level classes, the coursework is rigorous. On top of that, there is also a Theory of Knowledge course, an extended research-based essay, and a community service project component.

Marcia Kloempken, math teacher but also the IB coordinator, sums it up by saying, “The IB program is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university program for motivated students in 11th and 12th grade. The IB program is widely recognized throughout the US and internationally for its rigor and high academic standards.”

In its inaugural season, eight students at Weber High are enrolled in all that IB offers: Kiara Lindsey, Anna Nielson, Tanna Bradley, Kaitlyn Furgeson, Ethan Harris, Jordan Williams, Natalie Stoddard, and Xitlali-Vanessa Ramirez.

The goal is to add 20 students for next year and for the number to continue to climb as the program gets rolling and more students see its benefits.