(Ozark, MO) -- An Ozarks school district is taking steps to invest in its students success.
Ozark High School is starting the process which will allow students to enroll in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, or IB.
Only two other high schools offer IB; Central High School in Springfield and Camdenton High.
The process to offer the IB diploma will take about 2 1/2 years, but the district hopes it will mean great things for the students' futures.
Nita Jackson teaches French at Ozark High School. Jackson knows, for her students, the art of getting into college can be a language all of its own.
"It's absolutely very difficult these days to get into the college of your choice, sometimes with a limited set of items on your transcript," explains Jackson.
"Nowadays it seems so many of these students are in higher level courses and scoring, so you need to get that G.P.A up," adds Danielle Poivre a Senior at Ozark High School.
"When it comes to college admissions, I think our kids will have a better chance to get in some of these prestigious colleges and universities," explains Dr. Sam Taylor, Principal at Ozark High School.
The curriculum is normally taught over two years when students reach their Junior and Senior years.
"It really challenges your students academically," adds Dr. Taylor.
Students study six higher level courses.
The subjects will include languages, social studies, experimental sciences and mathematics and possibly arts.
Students will also have to write an extended essay and do a service project in the community.
It will take 2 1/2 years before students can reap the benefits as curriculum is updated and teachers trained, but for those waiting the program can't come soon enough.
"I am very excited. I wish it wasn't as lengthy a process, but understand that good things are worth waiting for," adds Jackson.
Nita Jackson says she also foresees more students qualifying for scholarships if they are involved with the program.
The IB program will cost the district an annual fee of $10,000, which will come out of the general fund, students don't pay for the program.
