image9tucw.pngWELCOME 8TH GRADE STUDENTS!

MCPS Information for 8th grade students Click Here 

Are you internationally minded?  Do you have the IB Learner Profile traits?   Then we encourage you to apply to the RM International Baccalaureate Programme. The Countywide International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Richard Montgomery HS is an international program that meets the needs of highly motivated students and leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world. Our current requirements are that students must be:

  • A currrent Grade 8 Montgomery County resident
  • Enrolled in at least level I of Spanish, French, or Chinese or are bilingual in one of those languages.

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Resources: Grade 8 High School Regional and Countywide Programs

For more information about the application process, please visit DCCAPS.

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Student Opinion by Bence Szego, Opinions Writer, The Tide, Feb. 17, 2021:
In a county full of excellent magnets, why Richard Montgomery's IB Program?

 

IB Magnet Students are RM are Successful

98% of the RMIB Class of 2024 Earned the IB Diploma!

 List of Colleges and Universities

 May 2024 IB Scores           TOK & EE Scores          2024 AP Scores

 

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How many students apply to the program? How many do you accept? Is there a waiting list? How does that work?

Each year, the school accepts approximately 125 students from a pool of over 1,200 applicants countywide. Some students receive a yes, some will receive a no, and some receive a wait pool when letters are sent out in mid February. Students in the wait pool will be notified if a spot becomes available in our program.

 

How many hours of homework are typical at each grade level?

This is a difficult question to answer because there are many factors that influence how long a child spends on homework. Most of our 8th grade magnet students do see an increase in homework over 8th grade. As 9th grade goes on, students become more efficient with note taking and understanding teacher expectations.

 

What happens if my student doesn’t pass the IB exam at the end of 12th grade? Would a student be able to retake it?

The student will simply not earn the prestigious IB diploma. Assuming the minimum qualifications are met for the Maryland High School Diploma, they will only earn that single diploma. There are no retakes of IB exams for poor marks.

 

How are magnet bus stop locations decided?

The school system provides centralized bus service, defined as transportation from a central location such as a neighborhood elementary school, to our program, in accordance with Board action, attendance area, transportation services, and funding levels. Parents are responsible for students’ transportation to and from centralized bus stops, whether or not there is an appropriate walking route.

 

What is the difference between the Magnet program and the IB program?

All IB programs in MCPS are authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to teach its curriculum and use its assessments. Magnet programs in the county are highly selective application based programs with defined curriculum. Our curriculum happens to be the IB curriculum.

 

What is the average diploma cost?

MCPS is covering payment for all IB exams if the student is registering.MCPS is paying for IB exams for students enrolled in the corresponding IB course. However, should a student wish to take an IB  exam for a course in which they are not sitting in the IB titled class, they will need to pay the exam fee.

 

If you are in the magnet program are you required to stay all four years?

It is expected if the student enters the magnet program at Richard Montgomery HS, that they will stay all four years and work to earn the IB Diploma at the conclusion of 12th grade.

 

Can we enroll if we live outside Montgomery County?

In order to apply to Richard Montgomery High School's IB program, you must be a current resident of Montgomery County.

 

Does every part of the application process weigh in equally? Are applicants required to write an essay as a part of application?

We are looking at the totality of the application, that is, grades, test scores, writing samples, and accomplishments. Students who apply to criteria based programs will be asked to complete a short answer section and an essay. These written responses are visible to the selection committee to help present a holistic view of the student. These written responses should be completed by the student without assistance.

 

What is the difference between countywide IB at RM and regional IB?

All IB schools will grant a diploma to students who complete all requirements for the program. Any student who lives in Montgomery County is able to apply to RM’s IB program. Regional IB programs are limited to only invited students. Differences between IB schools could include which IB courses they offer, the amount of students enrolled in the program, and transportation provided to the school.

 

How hard is the IB program compared to regular high school?

This is difficult to answer, but the IB program is designed to be a rigorous one. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is designed as an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond.

 

For current private school students without MAP scores, does admissions accept TerraNova3 standardized testing?

For private and homeschooled students, they can upload the following standardized test scores: NWEA MAP, i-Ready, Performance Series, Scantron, Iowa Assessments, CTP, MCAP/PARCC or other state testing, WISC, Woodcock-Johnson, SSAT, CogAT, OLSAT or InView. The assessment must be from 7th or 8th grade. All documents must be uploaded by the November deadline.

 

If RM is your home school, which is better, applying now or later?

Certainly apply now to attend the preparatory magnet cohort classes in the 9th and 10th grades.

 

How many of the IB students also participate in sports with RM outside of school? How could a student do all 4 years of band, chorus, or orchestra while with busy IB program schedule? How difficult is it to balance extracurricular and the demands of the program?

Most of our students are involved in extracurricular activities outside of our program. It is an adjustment to balance priorities, but it is an important skill that prepares students for balancing coursework in college. Students can fit additional electives like band with planning their schedule of classes ahead of time and by also taking technology, art, and health over the summer to make room for electives.

 

How is a student's math class level determined? Is it solely based on their math class taken in 8th grade?

Yes, math placement is determined by the math pathway. Students can take geometry over the summer if needed before 9th grade.

 

What is CAS, EE and TOK?

In addition to rigorous academic requirements, IB encourages students to be well-rounded individuals. 

  • An important component of the IB Program is CAS, which requires students to document 150 hours of Creativity, Activity, and Service activities. The goal of CAS is to help students discover and develop a passion through experiential learning outside the classroom. 
  • TOK stands for theory of knowledge. It is an interdisciplinary course designed to explore the nature of knowledge across all disciplines. 
  • The extended essay is a 4,000 word independent research essay that allows a student to explore a subject in depth. Through the EE, students have the opportunity to investigate a topic of their choosing.

 

When do you have to do the extended essay? What is the grading for the essay?

The extended essay is completed in 11th and 12th grades. It is graded A-E with criteria established by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Students must earn a grade of D or higher to qualify for the diploma. 

 

What are the requirements from universities on the acceptance of IB credits?

Each university has its own guidelines in terms of which IB credits they accept. A student should contact the admissions office of colleges they're interested in to verify. Some students will take the AP Exam that corresponds to their IB Exam and double up on exams for college credit purposes.

 

Does the IB program provide different school counselors to help with college applications?

We have a college and career coordinator, Ms. Lisa Miller, in the counseling office who helps students navigate the college application process and find scholarships.

 

How do you ensure that the IB program is integrated with the rest of RM?

We are deliberate in ensuring all students consider themselves Rockets first and foremost. All RM students participate in clubs and activities. We are also sure to create service opportunities where students are working alongside classmates for the betterment of the global community.

 

What percent of RM are in IB and what part of the general school population also take some of the IB classes?

About 20% of the school is in the IB Magnet/Diploma program. Over 100 RM students take IB classes a la carte who are not in the official IB Diploma program.

 

Why would one choose RM over other programs? 

All programs are unique. One may be a better fit based on the interests and goals of the student. RMIB offers students a balanced comprehensive education based on the liberal arts model of the International Baccalaureate. That said, students within our program can specialize in areas of strength within the Diploma Program.