H-F High School Named International Baccalaureate School

Homewood-Flossmoor High School recently became the first public school in the Southland to receive IB World School status from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization. The designation makes H-F one of approximately 3,000 schools worldwide with the honor.

“This designation culminates a rigorous multi-year application process, making H-F the first public high school in Chicago's suburbs to offer the IB Diploma Programme," said Superintendent Dr. Von Mansfield, in a release.

The IB World School program will kick off next fall, for juniors at the school. The two-year program provides upper-level high school students with an academically challenging and balanced program of study, according to the release.

“In addition to studying English, world language, social science, science, mathematics, and the arts,” said curriculum director, Dr. Nancy Spaniak, in the release. “IB students take a course called 'Theory of Knowledge' that allows them to reflect on the nature of knowledge and critically examine different ways of knowing in various disciplines.”

Along with regular course work, students in the program must compose a 4,000-word extended essay and participate in 'learning beyond the classroom through the Creativity, Action and Service' during the program.

“Academy students’ AP and IB experience will prepare them for success at highly prestigious universities, not only here, but worldwide,” Spaniak said.