If you live outside District 49, but want your child to be in the International Baccalaureate Program, now is your chance. D49 is accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year. The four schools included in the IB Program are, Evans Elementary; Meridian Ranch Elementary; Horizon Middle School; and, Sand Creek High School.

Annemarie Richer's daughter Danielle attends Evans Elementary School. But, what makes the 10 Yr. old stand out from others her age, is her passion for physics. Her mother says she is inspired by projects in the IB Program. Richer says, "There's more hands on, they get to, it's like more ownership in their own education. They are not just being taught, but actually going about and doing it."

Evans Elementary School Principal, Amber Whetstine is proud of the District's IB Program. She says, "It's such a small world that we live in today, and to have our students be able to be competent in a global community is so important." She says they are preparing for up to 50 more students in the next school year. That means a shift in students from other city districts like D20, and D11.

D49 say they can not accept every applicant. District Assistant Superintendent Eric Paugh says, "Choices are first given to those that live within the District, second of all, we'll be looking at students outside the district to be choiced in as well." Paugh says, second to students within the District, they will give preference to parents who sign a long term commitment to the program.

D49 is accepting applications now through February 5th.