Red Hook High School staff and students spent time last week explaining how the International Baccalaureate diploma program works to the Class of 2028 members and families.

IB Coordinator Diana Decker, with the help of 10 full IB diploma candidates, held a parent and student meeting at the school Tuesday night, and student-only informational sessions during lunch periods Thursday.

The school this year expects a record number of Class of 2026 members to graduate with a full IB diploma; 35 students are on pace to do so in the spring and another 35 juniors are on that path for next year. 

Decker walked parents and guardians through the requirements of an IB diploma, the differences between the IB approach and traditional high school courses, the “DP Core” components and the benefits of joining the program. The “DP Core” is a trio of requirements outside of traditional academic subjects, which include the Theory of Knowledge course; “Creativity, Activity and Service,” which encourages students to connect the IB way of thinking to involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, including a service project; and an “extended essay” on a topic of the students’ choosing.

Decker called the core “the really cool part” of IB. “It’s really aimed to broaden your experience outside of the classroom. It helps you make connections between the classes that you’re studying and then also gives you an opportunity to think about who you are as a whole person and the kinds of things that you do outside of school.”

The students provided first-hand accounts of what they liked about the program, how they are managing the workload, and how IB had changed how they look at the world outside of school.

Isabella Faraldi told sophomores on Thursday “IB is something I am so incredibly grateful that I chose to do.” IB, she said, focuses on students learning content and teaching them how to think, rather than simply learning correct answers on a test.

“IB allows you to think deeply about things and reflect on it and force you to apply it to the real world,” the senior said. “You can’t just learn it and forget it. It stays with you.”

Any Red Hook student can take an IB class whether or not they are pursuing a full IB diploma. And, last year the school launched its IB English for All initiative in which all juniors and seniors are enrolled in IB Literature. That class is also available as a dual enrollment opportunity in which seniors can earn up to six college credits through the SUNY system.

Several of the students spoke about the importance of time management and communicating with teachers, noting the workload is more manageable than many believed it would be. Many also pointed to a camaraderie that forms with classmates, helping each other learn the content.

“I can say, from my experience, the support that I’ve found within my teachers and my classes has been extremely rewarding,” fellow senior Nina Kortbus said. “I think, throughout IB, I’ve just learned how to manage my time better and also participate in all the things I enjoy.”