Nearly two years after implementing the International Baccalaureate curriculum, the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School is preparing its first cohort of students to graduate from the prestigious program.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is designed to expose juniors and seniors to global perspectives and facilitate student-driven learning and critical thinking. Several of the charter school students will graduate this spring with both a high school diploma and an IB diploma, which qualifies them for college credit at participating universities.

“By the time you get to college you should have written that enormous research paper, navigated really high stakes testing, worked in groups and developed a long-term project independently,” said Pete Steedman, director of the charter school.

Mr. Steedman took over as director of the school in 2018, but has been working with the IB program for 25 years. The IB curriculum began as a program accessible to only students considered to be high achieving by their schools, he explained. But the charter school’s program is intended to be more inclusive and is open to all students when they begin their junior year.

Students, teachers and parents attend an IB discussion at the charter school. — Ray Ewing

The charter school offers three IB routes: the diploma program, career-related program and course program. Students can pick which option best suits them and their desired level of rigor.

At a charter school event on Tuesday night, students and teachers presented work representing various IB classes.

Junior Ella Blodgett anchored the IB math table and said that while the classes are challenging her enthusiasm for the program is rooted in her excitement for travel and future pursuit of international schooling.

“It’s hard and it’s a lot more than if you were going to take regular classes, but it’s IB so it’s expected,” she said.

The students aren’t the only ones who had to get used to the demanding curriculum. Charter school teachers attended IB training courses before the school officially adopted the program in the fall of 2021. In a few years, they will be required to participate in follow-up training.

Kate Cosgrove gives a demonstration of her IB class. — Ray Ewing

Jonah Maidoff, who teaches theory of knowledge, an IB discussion-based philosophy class, described the process as grueling.

“I went to Florida which was awful,” he said. “It was May and 100 degrees and I booked a cheap hotel so I had to walk a half a mile to the conference center. Then we talked about philosophy all day long.”

Ultimately, though, he said it was worth it to be able to conduct such an engaging and thought-provoking course.

Mr. Steedman and IB coordinator Hillary Smith commended everyone’s hard work and dedication. The nine students in this year’s graduating class began their high school career at the onset of the pandemic but didn’t let it stop them from pursuing academic excellence, Mr. Steedman said.

“This year’s senior class kept up their sense of humor during all of the challenges that have been put in their path,” he said. “What courage these students had to do this.”