The IB Diploma Program at Fort Myers High
Fort Myers High School is one of 40 IB schools in Florida, and one of over 1300 in the world. IB is a two-year pre-university course of study designed to fulfill the higher academic standards of a mobile society and to foster global tolerance. Lee County, like many other school districts, offers two years of additional study as preparation for the IB. Students enroll in Pre-Diploma in grades nine and ten and then advance to IB in grades eleven and twelve.
The effectiveness of the IB Diploma Program is due not only to the depth of the individual courses, but also to the comprehensive nature of the entire program. Students must take courses in six academic areas. Diploma candidates also participate in community service and a unique course called Theory of Knowledge. Students who earn the IB diploma can be awarded advance standing at universities throughout the world.
The ideal IB student combines intellectual potential with motivation and a love of learning. As students progress through four years of the Program, they will demonstrate superior performance in higher level thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; acquire breadth and depth of knowledge in literature, science, and other areas; develop the ability to communicate in writing with a high degree of competence; become proficient in research and independent studies; and be leaders in service to others.
Currently, there are 800 students in the Pre-Diploma and IB Diploma Program at FMHS. Many of the Pre-Diploma and IB students are involved in band, orchestra, drama, student government, and sports. One of the benefits of the IB program is that students learn how to manage their time and learn the importance of self-discipline. Those learned behaviors are valuable for young adults as they go on to further education and careers.
The IB program is for students who strive to do their best. To date and collectively, FMHS IB students have earned over $25 million in scholarships, and they have been accepted to prestigious schools nationally and internationally.