Shawnee Mission School District offers both Advanced Placement (AP) classes and the International Baccalaureate Program. Many IB students will also take the AP exam in various subjects.
While both the AP and IB courses offer students the chance to be challenged and receive an extremely high quality education, the most obvious difference is the two-year curriculum required of all IB students. In order to complete the program, in addition to a rigorous academic load, students take a Theory of Knowledge course, have the requirement to complete both a mini-Extended Essay and a full length Extended Essay and research project, and must complete the community service requirements. Evaluation of students' work is based upon international standards. One of the goals of the IB program is to educate students to be active members in our global community. For more information about the IB program, visit the International Baccalaureate Organization Home Page.
Which is Better? Neither program is "better" -- both programs offer students academically challenging courses during their high school career. Both programs may enable students to take advantage of Advanced Placement opportunities offered by some colleges. In both programs, it is the individual student's motivation and work ethic that will be the primary factors of a successful high school career.
| International Baccalaureate |
Advanced Placement |
- International standard of excellence
- Comprehensive curriculum of college level work
- Teachers are evaluated, monitored and given feedback
- Six exams in six subject areas required, in areas of strength and sometimes weaker areas (full diploma).
- Evaluation includes teacher's assessment, submitted work, and oral exams
- Exams are primarily essay
- A diploma is issued which is recognized internationally
- Other requirements exist, like CAS, extended essay and theory of knowledge
- Exams are marked in places all over the world, as well as headquarters in Wales
- Student must attend an authorized school and be enrolled in IB courses
- Register in the fall
- No refunds
- Tests given in early May.
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- National standard of excellence
- Encourages academically talented, highly motivated students
- No feedback to teachers other than test results
- Exams selected by student only in areas of strength
- Evaluation is only by examination
- Exams also emphasize multiple choice
- No diploma is issued
- No requirements outside examination
- Exams are marked in Princeton, by U.S. educators
- Student does not have to be enrolled in an authorized school or AP course
- Register in the spring
- Short time frame for refunds
- Tests given throughout May
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