Transforming the Inner-City IB Student into a World Citizen

Audience: Diploma Programme
Session: Block 4: Saturday 11:15 to 12:30, Room: Seacliff C

Located in the 6th highest urban poverty area in the U.S., Fresno High, in 6 years, has expanded its IB Diploma Programme from 8 students to 430. Find out how to get IB students to reflect the diversity of the neighborhood, how to recruit non-traditional students, and how to train staff to believe that all students can learn at the highest levels. Also, discover how IB students have expanded their knowledge, found their own voice, and translated that into rich experiences within their own community.


Bob Reyes, Principal, Fresno High School

Mr Reyes has been the Principal of Fresno High School for 11 years. Fresno High, the city's oldest high school, established in 1889, has over 2,800 students and reflects the rich diversity of the inner-city where it is located. Working with staff, the district, surrounding neighborhood, and parents, he has made it his goal to keep students at Fresno High by enhancing the reputation of the school through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It has been his belief that the IB Programme at Fresno High should reflect the diversity of the neighborhood, and that it should be open to any student who wishes to challenge himself or herself at the highest academic level.