Reply to Blair CAP Program or RM's IB?

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Reply to "Blair CAP Program or RM's IB?"

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[quote=Anonymous]To be fair, a statement like "the coursework is superior" at one school or the other gets us into the broader debate about IB vs. AP programs. That debate probably justifies its own separate thread.

But here's a broad summary, and YMMV. IB backers argue that colleges have greater respect for IB grads. AP backers argue that more colleges accept high AP test results for credit. CAP classes themselves, being a one-of-a-kind program, are not accepted for college credit. Many RM IB kids also take some AP classes.

Both the IB and CAP programs have a heavy emphasis on writing. As someone who is familiar with both programs, and who knows kids in both programs, I'd say there isn't a huge difference in how well your kid will be prepared for college-level research and writing.

Some kids like the flexibility of having fewer CAP core courses with the freedom to choose also from a range of AP classes. Others prefer the more cohesive and structured IB program, with its over-arching approach that includes Theory of Knowledge and an emphasis on research. If your liberal arts kid also wants to do some heavy-duty science or math, CAP kids can take advantage (controversially on DCUM at least) of the Blair magnet course offerings.

There are also running debates about relative stress levels in the two programs, and that's an important consideration. RM IB is more stressful than CAP. And CAP is more stressful than regular Blair. Some kids thrive under pressure and others don't.

There's no perfect program that fits every kid, and you have to figure out what's right for you.[/quote]

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