When looking for a high school for your child in Seattle, you want a good school atmosphere and proper college preparation.

However, when you see the tuition for private schools, it can be quite shocking.

One school that parents should consider is Ingraham High School, located in the northern part of Seattle.

Ingraham is well-known among Seattle public schools for its International Baccalaureate program, commonly referred to as IB.

It is authorized as an IB World School and offers a challenging curriculum for students considering college.

So, rather than being just an ordinary neighborhood public high school, there are families that specifically look into Ingraham because of the IB program.

Especially the IB Diploma program offered in 11th and 12th grades is not something to take lightly.

Students choose subjects like language and literature, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and arts, studying at higher level (HL) and standard level (SL). It's not just about passing a few exams.

Students also have to complete a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, write an Extended Essay (EE), and participate in the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program.

From a parent's perspective, it can make you think, "Why is so much expected of a high school student?"

But that's exactly the nature of IB. Instead of just memorizing for tests, students are trained to research, organize their thoughts logically, write lengthy papers, present, and engage in discussions. This helps reduce the shock of receiving a research paper in college.

Completing the IB Diploma can be advantageous in college admissions, as it demonstrates that students have taken rigorous courses, and high IB exam scores may be recognized for college credit.

However, not all colleges recognize it the same way, so it's important to check the credit recognition policies of the colleges you are interested in.

That said, Ingraham is not solely an IB school.

It also offers AP courses and Career and Technical Education (CTE), so not all students need to pursue the IB Diploma. The ability to choose different academic paths based on personal interests and career goals is a benefit of being a public school. The student body is quite diverse, with children from various cultural backgrounds attending together.

However, parents should remember one thing. Just because it's an IB school doesn't mean it's automatically the best fit for your child.

The IB program involves a lot of homework and reading, and writing and time management skills are crucial, which can be quite stressful depending on the child's personality.

It's important to first assess whether your child enjoys this style of learning rather than sending them just because others say it's good.

Still, experiencing an internationally recognized IB curriculum in Seattle without the burden of private school tuition is certainly appealing.

If you are interested, it's a good idea to check the school's information sessions and the latest admission and assignment regulations directly.

Ultimately, while finding a good school is important, finding the right school for your child is even more crucial.