In an effort to offer another avenue for college preparatory curriculum, Magnolia ISD administrators are in the process of applying for authorization to become the first district in Montgomery County to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, juniors at both Magnolia High School and Magnolia West High School will have an opportunity to enroll in the internationally recognized program, MISD Communications Director Denise Meyers said. The program will encompass new juniors and advancing seniors for the 2017-18 school year and all upperclassmen moving forward.

"Parents have been attending [information sessions] about the program," MISD board president Deborah Rose Miller said. "This is just one more option that we give our students out there. With just the program itself, it's huge what it does for a school district."

If MISD receives authorization from IB personnel this fall, both high schools will join fewer than 60 public schools in Texas, including Klein Oak High School and Humble High School, that are authorized to offer the program.

Anita Hebert, MISD assistant superintendent of curriculum, said the IB courses will serve as a complement to the existing Advanced Placement Program.

Brenda Marfin, MISD director of social studies and advanced academics, said 22 teachers are being trained this semester and next school year to teach the IB curriculum in addition to other standard-level classes at the high schools.

The IB program open enrollment period will begin in spring 2016 through the regular course selection process for any junior-level students, Hebert said. Students will decide whether to enroll in individual IB courses for college credit or pursue the full IB diploma recognized at universities across the nation, she said.

"In Senate Bill 111 [passed in 2005], [it states] students who have received the IB diploma by completing the requirements through all six courses and the three components [who] go on to a Texas public university—they are guaranteed a minimum of 24 [course] credits," Hebert said.

During fall 2013, administrators began meeting with IB personnel and visiting other schools to become knowledgeable about the program, Hebert said. Several MISD teachers have previously taught the program at other schools, she said.

"We just continually look for opportunities to help our students have every available avenue to reach the highest level of academic potential and help them reach their goals beyond high school," Hebert said.

For more information on the program, visit www.magnoliaisd.org and www.ibo.org.