District Considering Baccalaureate Classes

ANAHEIM —  The International Baccalaureate Diploma program, which offers high school juniors and seniors rigorous classes geared to prepare them to attend prestigious universities, could be offered by Anaheim Union High School District students as early as next year.

School board trustees last week directed the district staff to prepare a detailed report on the costs of the program, which accepts motivated students who want to go beyond Advanced Placement courses.

If the program is approved, Anaheim Union would be the seventh district in Orange County to offer the diploma.

International Baccalaureate students enroll in advanced courses in foreign languages, theory of knowledge and experimental sciences. To receive the diploma, each participating student also must write a mini-thesis and pass a series of tests.

“The next step is to determine district readiness and make a recommendation to the board,” said Jock Fischer, assistant superintendent for education.

Fischer said details to be resolved besides cost are where the program would be offered and how teachers would be selected for it.

The projected cost is $80,000 to $100,000 a year, Fischer said.

Trustees said they are excited about the prospect and want to move forward with it if possible.

“It’s a big step but one that we all feel very comfortable with,” Trustee Joanne L. Stanton said.