Klein ISD will offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum option for highly motivated high school students. Students currently in grades 8 and 9 may apply for the Pre-IB Programme for 2004-2005. Students who will be in the eleventh grade next year may apply for the Diploma Programme. The district's IB program will be housed at Klein Oak High School; however, students in all district high schools may apply for the program. Success in the program demands a commitment to an academic experience that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of points of view. The IB program is offered in over 1,500 schools in 110 countries. The 24 IB schools in Texas are among the 425 U.S. IB schools. In the Houston area, two other public schools and one private school offer the program. IB teachers will teach English, a second language, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics, and the arts. In addition to their six IB courses, students in the Diploma Programme will write an extended essay of 4,000 words, study of the theory of knowledge, and participate in a creativity, action, and service component. Mary Bonetati, the instructional officer with responsibility for the IB program, said, "The IB program is a unique opportunity for the students of the Klein ISD. No other suburban school in the greater-Houston are has been accepted as an IB campus. The curriculum is challenging, but our teachers will be ready to lead students to new academic heights. Inquiries should be directed to lgarner@kleinisd.net. Ms. Linda Garner is our IB coordinator and can assist students and parents as they consider the IB Program."