DS is currently in 8th grade, and our local high school has a full IB program available. Another local HS offers AP classes. Which is the better option? He has expressed a certain amount of frustration in having to wait until 11th grade to participate fully in the IB program (10th is when they do some pre-IB classes.)
They also have a Running Start program here (WA) wherein the school district pays for the students (beginning in 11th grade) to enroll in the local community college. This way the students take "college" classes, but also get credit for HS. They graduate from high school with a diploma and an Associates degree, and the district pays for it. Our concern over this is two-fold. First concern: it's not a solution until 11th grade. Second concern: our understanding is that the college classes aren't as challenging (i.e. fun) as the AP classes, and even less so than the IB classes.
Anyway, wondering what the thoughts/experiences are here with these types of programs.
Also, our jhs principal and DS's counselor approached the district last year about a full year acceleration to begin 9th this year (housed at the jhs), and the district poo-pooed it outright, "That's why we have honors classes for those kids." *sigh*
Thanks in advance for your stories and input!
