Woodrow IB program, which accepts applications through Friday, visits SMU

Woodrow Wilson High School International Baccalaureate juniors recently attended their annual writing workshop at Southern Methodist University. The three-day seminar served as the official start to the development of their extended essays, a requirement of the prestigious diploma program.

“The students learned to conduct college-level research, developed and honed their thesis subjects and fleshed out their ideas with peers and their teachers,” said Woodrow IB Director Dr. Kelly Ritchie.

Over the course of the week, many of the IB diploma level English teachers, including Mr. Lundberg and Ms. Fisher, were present to work with the students.

“Many staff members told us how wonderful our students are,” Ritchie said.

SMU English Professor Bruce Levy posted on Facebook: “Over the past few days I’ve seen large groups of Woodrow IB kids at the library at SMU. The kids I spoke with were awesome!”.

SMU Librarian Evelyn Day hosted them at Fondren Library Center. The original library building was designed by Woodrow co-architect Roscoe DeWitt.

IB Diploma grads can earn up to 24 hours of college credit and favored entry status, depending on the university. Combined with passing many Advanced Placement exams, it is possible to start college almost a junior. Dallas ISD pays for IB and AP tests along with SAT and ACT exams.

Applications for Woodrow's IB Academy are due on Friday, January 15. See: http://www.woodrowwildcats.org/ib/ib-application/. Students outside the attendance zone or district are eligible to apply.