International Baccalaureate schools in Des Moines?

[Angie]

My wife and I both went to the same traditional high school, but her sisters went to the local charter school from about 7th grade on. I know it's not exactly the same thing, but I always had similar thoughts about that option. What happened with both of her sisters is that they loved the charter school, but struggled when they got into a traditional college setting for a year. However when each of them then left to go do culinary school and a technical program, respectively, they did great and were at the top of their programs. So for them, I think it was a legitimately better option.

That makes a ton of sense - if you're going into a more creative-style job or something of the like, it's a great fit.

I've been insane about finding the right preschool for us here in Ames. I did a crap-ton of research, weighed all of the options for a child who will be just barely 3 when starting. I really liked the idea of the self-learning school, but in the end I felt that a NAEYC-accredited program was the best tool to help her prepare for school.

[rudiskilz]

I believe Hoover will be switching to IB in the next couple years... if not next year possibly

[carvers4math]

My kids are really smart, they get it from their dad. All I cared about for preschool was the social aspect. We taught them enough at home and anything they might happen to learn at school was gravy. Angie, since you are looking at these options, I assume you are dealing with a smart kid. Don't sweat it so much. Smart kids find a way. I would just fill your family time with fun stuff they learn from doing.

[Angie]

My kids are really smart, they get it from their dad. All I cared about for preschool was the social aspect. We taught them enough at home and anything they might happen to learn at school was gravy. Angie, since you are looking at these options, I assume you are dealing with a smart kid. Don't sweat it so much. Smart kids find a way. I would just fill your family time with fun stuff they learn from doing.

It sounds sort of cocky to say it, especially when she's only 2.5 and so much can change in a few years - but currently she is quite advanced, yes. We try to do a lot of reading and fun stuff (Science Center, Reiman Gardens, etc.) with her at home to keep her mind occupied and learning, and are working on her letters - I just fear that she'll be bored assuming she continues to be advanced. I went to a few different school districts growing up, and TAG was always an afterthought, you know? Same with AP - the high school I went to didn't have AP classes.

Luckily I was very self-motivated and read a crap-ton in my free time, but I know that isn't always the case. One of my best friends had the same test scores, grades, etc. that I did, and was similarly unchallenged in school. He spent his free time getting into trouble, instead, and it's haunted him his whole life. I know we can head off a ton of that at home by doing stuff as a family, but high schoolers can be so reclusive that it may backfire, so I want to make sure we have lots of options around us!

You're right, though - it's generally sink or swim with smart kids. And I think we'll be okay. I just worry about EVERYTHING. :)