DePaul College Prep adds IB to academic offerings

DePaul College Prep is joining the ranks of Chicago schools to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate program, an emerging alternative to the city’s selective enrollment schools. The North Side Catholic school will enroll 15 students in the program this fall.

The curriculum stresses writing skills and pushes students to think in nonconventional ways, focusing on intellectual as well as emotional and social growth. One of the most popular classes is called the “Theory of Knowledge.” DePaul College Prep, formerly known as Gordon Tech, underwent a two-year authorization process to teach IB-level classes.

“It’s something we’ve been interested in,” said Amy Kavanaugh, director of institutional advancement. “We wanted an international-based program that bring more resources to our students.”

IB programs were originally designed for children of diplomats in 1968 but have been expanding throughout the city since Mayor Rahm Emanuel made it a priority to keep students and parents in the city by diversifying school offerings. CPS now makes up the largest network of IB programs in the U.S. with curriculums in 22 high schools and 21 elementary schools, according the mayor’s office.

DePaul College Prep is among 15 high schools in Chicago that offer the diploma program, the most competitive program IB administers. CPS offers high school students three IB programs: the diploma program, the middle years program and the career-related certificate.

More than 120 U.S. universities count a student’s completion in IB as a full year of college credit, according to the CPS Office of Access and Enrollment.

The school also offers its 520 students college enrichment, college prep and honors classes. Administrators described the IB coursework as “different” and had more unique requirements for students.

“We took careful consideration when we went through the application process,” Kavanaugh said. “It requires a strong level of work.”

She added the students selected to begin the school’s inaugural year with IB were already taking college prep classes. Students are selected for the program based on grades and test scores.

“[IB] is a community of over 5,000 schools around the world so you end up having these strong connections of students around the world,” Kavanaugh said.