Section I. C. Place of the IB Diploma Program in the Total Curriculum of the School
Morgan Park High School is a general comprehensive high school with an emphasis on college preparatory programs. Students within the attendance area who meet the criteria may choose or be selected for any of the programs available in the school (numbers one through six below). Students from outside the attendance area must apply for one of three magnet programs (numbers one through three below).
1. The Junior High Gifted Program is an accelerated academic program for gifted and highly motivated seventh and eighth graders.
2. The Language and International Studies Program is a college preparatory program with a global emphasis. In addition to three years of math and science, students study four years of a foreign language, four years of social studies and four years of English. They participate in international activities including foreign exchanges, multicultural projects, performances and field trips.
3. The Prospective International Baccalaureate Program is now recruiting students who are potential candidates for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Students being accepted have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and are able to participate in a challenging Pre-IB program which will prepare them for the IB course of study upon authorization.
4. The Technology Preparatory Program integrates academic and technical education. Students study core academic subjects as well as production technology, auto technology, computer assisted drafting and architectural drafting. Students are prepared for apprenticeship work in the trades or for post-secondary study.
5. The Occupational Preparatory Program integrates academic and career education in the areas of business or fashion and foods. Students in the business career strand of the program take courses such as keyboarding, computers and accounting. These courses culminate in school-to-work opportunities in the business world in the twelfth grade. Students in the fashion and food strand of the program begin with an introductory class in the ninth grade and may then continue study of either fashion or food service. Students have school-to-work opportunities in related occupations in the eleventh and twelfth grades.
6. The General College Preparatory Program prepares students with a course of study meeting graduation requirements as well as university entrance requirements in all academic areas.
The IB Diploma Program is a perfect fit for attendance area and non-attendance area students with high academic performance and the potential to go beyond basic requirements for college entrance. These students are able to work at a level of rigorous internal and external standards with like-minded students, as well as with teachers who are prepared to work with them toward the goal of obtaining the IB Diploma.
Teachers in the school as a whole have been informed about the philosophy and requirements of the IB Diploma Program. The teacher representatives of the Local School Council were involved in the decision to adopt a Prospective IB Program and are supportive of it. The Morgan Park faculty has always been ready to adopt programs for better teaching and learning and are fully supportive of the adoption of this program as a way to serve an important part of the Morgan Park High School Community: highly motivated academic achievers.