The International Baccalaureate program has not been a wide-spread trend in the U.S.  However, that may be changing.  As more and more schools feel the pressure to produce stellar, extraordinary graduates, the I.B. program is looking more and more attractive.  The New York Times is reporting on this very issue.  Click here to read more.  However, as with most new things, there is clear opposition to the I.B program.  The nature and design of the program encourages and allows for more exposure to international thought, through literature, science, history, etc. 

Some folks in opposition to the program site it as anti-american.  Well, duh!  It's called the INTERNATIONAL baccalaureate program for a reason.  The hope is that through an exposure to a variety of culture and customs, students will be able to understand and empathize with those outside of our borders.  But, truly the program isn't anit-american, it's just anti-one culture, which comes across to some as the same thing. 

The program is demanding and comes with high standards that are non-negotiable.  In my experience, students who graduate from the I.B. program are much more prepared for college and exude a certain amount of confidence that others lack.  In addition, the I.B. program is used in countries around the world which puts us on equal footing with some of our global marketplace competitors.