After a year of study, preparation, teacher training and site visits, Homewood-Flossmoor High School has been recognized as an International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) school by the International Baccalaureate Organization. This will enable H-F students to be credentialed in specialty programs.

Superintendent Jennifer Norrell shared the news with the District 233 school board at the May 19 board meeting.

H-F has been a part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program since 2014. It has been an intensive study program for the top 3% to 5% of students. Those enrolled in the IB program can earn an IB diploma or certificate after passing rigorous exams based on an international model of learning. At H-F, teachers were specially certified to teach in the IB curriculum.

In 2024, H-F had seven students earn an IB diploma after following the rigorous two-year specialty curriculum.

Former Superintendent Scott Wakeley asked the school board to revamp the program for more students. For example, he wondered why H-F offered both Advanced Placement (AP) and IB classes in the same subjects. Couldn’t those students be challenged in an IB class?

By opening up the program, H-F’s number increased to 17 students who earned IB diplomas at graduation.

When Superintendent Jennifer Norrell was named superintendent in 2024, she examined the program and thought it could be expanded again. She put in place a plan to give students coursework on careers that could help them in the world of work or in preparation for college.

H-F will still offer its IB diploma and IB certificate programs, but this career addition will give more students the options of taking “personalized pathways that combine the academic excellence of the IB diploma program with hands-on career experiences aligned to students interests and future goals,” she said.

The new initiative will begin in fall. Students in the program will complete coursework in at least two IB diploma program subjects, a career-related study through one of 20 pathways approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and a unique IBCP core that focuses on personal and professional skills, service learning, language development and a reflective project, according to H-F administrators.

H-F has designated 20 career pathways, including in the fields of business, health science, technology, and the arts. Students will be able to complete internships and earn industry-recognized credentials in their chosen pathway.

“This (IBCP) designation is a powerful affirmation of the work our staff has done to build innovative, student-centered pathways,” said Lisa Dallacqua, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “It ensures that students who are career-focused have access to the same level of rigor, global perspective and high expectations that define the IB experience.”