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Modesto High’s IB program reports rising exam pass rates and renewed recruitment push
Summary
District presenters say Modesto High's IB program, after pandemic-era enrollment dips, is seeing renewed outreach and stronger exam pass rates (about 84.9%). Staff proposed bilingual and career-related IB pathways and reported increased applications this year.
Modesto City Schools trustees heard a detailed update March 31 on Modesto High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which staff say suffered enrollment declines following the pandemic but is showing signs of recovery in applications and exam performance.
Mr Gdau, presenting the district overview, said course enrollment fell from 498 in 2021–22 to a projected 384 for the current year, but added that pass rates remain strong, with an IB diploma pass rate near 85%. “While we have work to do in boosting enrollment, these results show that once students are in the program they're well supported and achieving at a very high level,” he said.
IB coordinator Carrie Castellani described intensive outreach to feeder middle schools, targeted information nights, in-school placement testing for students who could not attend Saturday sessions, and student ambassadors visiting middle-school honors classes. Castellani reported applications roughly doubled from about 80 last year to approximately 143 this year as a result of those efforts.
Trustees asked whether increased AP and dual-enrollment offerings contributed to past declines; presenters said a combination of pandemic recruitment gaps and expanded alternative rigorous pathways likely played a role. Trustees also discussed district-covered IB exam costs (the district pays exam fees but students must opt in) and possible program expansions: a bilingual IB diploma and an IB career-related pathway to broaden accessibility.
Why it matters: The IB program is a marquee, college-preparatory pathway for Modesto High and attracts students from inside and outside the district. Staff framed the recovery in applications and strong exam outcomes as evidence that targeted outreach and program supports can restore enrollment.
What’s next: Staff will continue recruitment and consider implementing a bilingual diploma and a career-related IB pathway; the board did not take formal action on the program update.
