When my older daughter was about to enter high school, we have a choice of IB or AP school. I did a lot work to try to compare them with pros and cons, etc. I was not able to arrive a clear cut winner.

My daughter then 'shadowed' in both schools, following a HS senior for one day to various classes. Her decision came quickly after that. Not so much because of IB or AP. One has newer campus, shadow program was well organized and it was sunny day. The other one has an older campus, shadow program was a mess and it was a raining, miserable day. So guess what her choice is.