I am an IB graduate from the class of 2005, and throughout my educational journey, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program has been instrumental in shaping my academic and personal growth. The program offered me an excellent framework that enhanced my critical thinking skills, introduced me to some of my favorite books and authors, and encouraged me to make meaningful connections across various disciplines.

Today, I am heartbroken to learn that Cypress Creek High School in Orlando, Florida, a place that once nurtured young minds under the IB curriculum, is no longer admitting new IB students. This decision deprives future generations of the opportunity to experience the rigorous, interdisciplinary learning that the IB offers. The program is not only about academic excellence but also about fostering a global mindset and preparing students for the challenges of the future.

IB students are known for their ability to think critically, engage deeply with subjects, and seamlessly connect ideas across different fields of study. The program's challenging curriculum includes courses that often provide college credits, setting a strong foundation for higher education and beyond. The absence of the IB program will significantly impact the educational landscape of our community and deprive students of these invaluable opportunities.

Removal of the IB program will negatively impact CCHS and its students in the short and long term. Per a framework developed by RTI International, the US News ranks high schools based on six categories: College Readiness Index (30%), College Curriculum Breadth Index (10%), State Assessment Proficiency (20%), State Assessment Performance (20%), Underserved Student Performance (10%) and Graduation Rate (10%).

Elimination of the IB program will have a direct impact on 40% of the categories. College Readiness (CRI) is defined by the number of 12th grade students who took and earned a qualifying score on AP or IB exams. College Curriculum Breadth Index (CCBI) is calculated among 12th graders— from the percentage who took and the percentage who earned qualifying scores on, multiple AP or IB exams.

Also, eliminating the IB program will have an indirect impact on State Assessment proficiency, which is standardized tests measuring student proficiency in subjects related to mathematics, reading and science. a

Removing IB will also have an indirect impact on the State Assessment Performance, which is composed of aggregated scores on state assessments compared with U.S. News' expectations given the proportions of students who are Black, Hispanic and from low-income households. Per the Orange County Public School’s website, Latinos/Hispanics make up 68% of the students, and Blacks are 18% of CCHS’ student body population. Due to the academic rigor and quality of teaching that IB provides, elimination of an IB program will lower the aggregate scores for Black and Brown populations.

Currently, CCHS is close to the top 90th percentile for CRI, above the 75th percentile for CCBI. However, CCHS is in the bottom 25th percentile for State assessment Proficiency and close to the bottom 90th percentile for State Assessment Performance. Elimination of the IB program will have a detrimental impact on 80% of the categories that make a high school great.

Cypress Creek High School needs to continue its legacy of developing successful students by reinstating the admission of new IB students. This is crucial not only for the students who aspire to excel academically but also for our community, which benefits immensely from having well-rounded, thoughtful, and globally minded citizens.

We urge the school administration and district officials to reconsider this decision. Let us protect the quality and inclusivity of education by ensuring that the IB program remains an integral part of Cypress Creek High School. Your support can help maintain the legacy and continue providing students with the education they deserve. Please sign this petition to show your support for the IB program at Cypress Creek High School and the future of our students.

Email Addresses of Decision-Makers:

Superintendent - Dr. Maria Vazquez: maria.vazquez@ocps.net, delcarfer@live.com

OCPS District School Board Chair - Teresa Jacobs: Teresa.Jacobs@ocps.net

OCPS District 3 School Board Member - Alicia Farrant: Alicia.Farrant@ocps.net