What do Kaiser IB DP students and parents think?
Kaiser IB DP Class of 2018 PerspectivesSome students from the Kaiser IB DP Class of 2018 share their opinions of the program at the end of their senior year.
(This short film is a Kaiser Class of 2019 student-produced CAS project.) Kaiser IB DP Class of 2012 Senior PerspectivesSome students from the KHS IB DP Class of 2012 share their perspectives on the program at the end of their senior year. This was Kaiser High School's first IB DP cohort. This video was produced by Kaiser's MCLC (Media Communications Learning Center).
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Kaiser IB Parent PerspectivesParents from the IB Classes of 2016 through 2021 share their thoughts about Kaiser's IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme. (This is a segment from the virtual IB Prospective Family Night 2021.)
Kaiser IB DP Class of 2012 Alumni PerspectivesSome students from the KHS IB DP Class of 2012 share their perspectives on the program after completing their first year in college. This video was produced by Kaiser's MCLC (Media Communications Learning Center).
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Kaiser High School IB Life Travelers Program
The Kaiser High School IB Travelers Program was created to inspire students to take ownership of their learning outside of the classroom and work towards becoming lifelong global learners and contributors. By tackling local and global issues in the classroom and then exploring them in authentic project-based learning environments internationally, students are able to experience the origins of knowledge and continue developing their own framework for understanding the world they live in and share with others. Students have remarked how much the Life Travelers Program changed their perspective on their own personal values and lifestyles as well as the importance of their choice of education and career going forward. In partnership with Rustic Pathways, a leader in global teen adventure travel and philanthropy since 1983, Mr. Paul Balazs, our IB Theory of Knowledge instructor, began the Kaiser IB Life Travelers Program in 2017 for students in our IB Diploma Programme. The program was then expanded to invite students in the IB Career-related Programme as well.
Accompanied by Mr. Balazs, the Life Travelers team has spent time in the remote villages of Fiji, Thailand and Laos. In 2017, students explored sustainability, education and infrastructure in the highlands of Nadi, Fiji and on the remote island of Somosomo. In 2018, the team traveled through Thailand and Laos, working with doctors in extremely remote villages with little access to healthcare and becoming Wilderness First-Aid certified were able to use their education and training immediately. Returning to Fiji in 2019, the team of students worked with the village of Nausori and returning to Somosomo, helped scientists gather data on the health of reef ecosystem devastated by global warming and Cyclone Winston in 2016. Check out some of their incredible experiences by viewing the videos below.
Accompanied by Mr. Balazs, the Life Travelers team has spent time in the remote villages of Fiji, Thailand and Laos. In 2017, students explored sustainability, education and infrastructure in the highlands of Nadi, Fiji and on the remote island of Somosomo. In 2018, the team traveled through Thailand and Laos, working with doctors in extremely remote villages with little access to healthcare and becoming Wilderness First-Aid certified were able to use their education and training immediately. Returning to Fiji in 2019, the team of students worked with the village of Nausori and returning to Somosomo, helped scientists gather data on the health of reef ecosystem devastated by global warming and Cyclone Winston in 2016. Check out some of their incredible experiences by viewing the videos below.
Fiji 2023Fiji 2019 |
Thailand & Laos 2018Fiji 2017 |
Kaiser IB DP Annual Retreat
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Students in the Diploma Programme at Kaiser experience an annual, interdisciplinary, weekend spring retreat to Camp Palehua, which is located in a vast forest on the southern slopes of the Wai'anae mountains on our island of O’ahu. “Camp Pālehua is a puʻuhonua where a deepened understanding of the ʻāina awakens a desire for stewardship in our community and beyond.” They "offer educational programs and activities in an effort to foster the next generation of stewards”. Owned by Gill 'Ewa Lands, LLC (GEL), they are “committed to protecting the natural environment and cultural sites and restoring the native forest.” Kaiser’s DP retreat also focuses on making connections among TOK, CAS, and DP subjects. It incorporates TOK concepts such as areas of knowledge, indigenous societies, politics, and language; creative, physical activity, and service experiences; and concepts from various DP subjects.
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Kaiser IB DP Student Life
Since 2015, students from each DP graduating class have produced these entertaining videos that showcase some of their cohort's educational, extracurricular, and social experiences during their time in the program. The Kaiser Diploma Programme students attest that the bonding that occurs and the support they provide one another - academic, social emotional - is one of the many rewarding benefits of the program.
IB DP Class of 2015IB DP Class of 2016IB DP Class of 2017IB DP Class of 2018 |
IB DP Class of 2019IB DP Class of 2020IB DP Class of 2021IB DP Class of 2022 |
Kaiser IB Diploma Programme Alumni Quotes
-The IB Diploma Programme provided many benefits, especially after receiving the diploma. Receiving the diploma allowed me to earn enough credits to nearly be a Sophomore at the University of Oregon, and I can potentially graduate early with the amount of credits I received. However, the most rewarding benefits came from going through the rigorous program. Through the program, I found my study habits, how to manage my time, and how to balance my schedule. Though the program was difficult, it was definitely worth it, as I felt better prepared for college, and at times, I actually find that college is easier than the IB Diploma Programme.
-IBDP helped me to succeed as a college student and a member of the community. Especially IBDP’s emphasis for student to be well-rounded I found very valuable to my approach in life. Since high school, I have already my way of being balanced between academics, student organizations, and community service both in DC and back home in Hawaii. As for my admission into the George Washington University, I have no doubt that my willingness to take a challenge and my ultimate success in IBDP was a major factor to me getting accepted.
-Through IBDP, I was able to learn in a studious environment, and develop closer friendships with fellow classmates who also were passionate about their academics. The challenging curriculum truly expended my intellectual capacities as well.
-Enrolling in the ib programme matured me a lot as a person, it allowed myself to delve into the cultures and mindsets of not only my peers but different individuals globally, which ultimately taught me more about myself and the world around me.
-High school for many is definitely not considered to be one of the most difficult experiences, but in IB, you are definitely challenged through the rigorous schoolwork and the high expectations you strive to meet. Personally for me, I was able to develop a strong work ethic that I am very comfortable with and still continue to use through my college workload and life.
-Despite being in a small cohort of the same 60 people instead of the rest of my graduating class, I felt that it was beneficial for me. I was surrounded by so many intellectual students who truly cared about their education and it fostered the right environment I needed to grow intellectually and creatively. And the teachers that taught the classes I was in were so enthusiastic and passionate about what they did that it made me all the more excited to be there.
-IBDP prepared me to continue to consistently balance a heavy workload in college. I found that very helpful, especially at times when there are multiple exams and papers due on the same week. In addition, I realized that my IBDP classes has helped me to become a strong writer. My college classes professors assigns writing papers that are based on academic research and insightful analysis. IBDP English Literature, History, and EE has definitely prepared me to write papers at a college academic level instead of just writing summaries and simple 5 paragraph thesis essays. Finally, a lot of study strategies and note-taking styles I consistently practiced in high school taking IBDP has continued to be effective in college. All of these aspects through experiencing IBDP’s curriculum and rigor has helped me to be successful in my college courses.
-During my first month of college, many students around me were so overwhelmed with the amount and complexity of the assignments that we received. But because I was so used to that from being in the IBDP, I didn’t stress as much as I thought I would. And I liked that all of my IBDP classes were heavy on developing critical thinking skills because that is what is so important in college. Here, you’re not writing papers and taking tests just to pass and get the diploma. You’re required to analyze and apply everything that you learn because it now makes a big impact in your future career.
-The IB program is extremely rigorous, but it is also manageable. The key to succeeding is to make sure that choosing to do the IB programme is your own personal choice, and not your parents'. When you choose on your own accord, you will likely be more driven and self-motivated to push yourself, even when there are difficult and stressful times. Although this programme is challenging, the overall outcome is worth all of the hard work that you put into the programme.
-IBDP is without any doubt the most rigorous high school curriculum. However, you may not realize it at first but IBDP has so many learning components that will help you succeed in college and in life. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend to select taking IBDP solely based on college credit, college admissions, scholarships etc. Instead, I highly advise any prospective student to look more deeply into all the other things IBDP can offer.
-I feel that many students are hesitant to be in the program because its rigorous. And looking back on my experiences, it did get challenging. But it’s all about time management because every assignment has a reasonable time frame. It’s just up to the student, if they care to work on it when it’s first assigned with plenty of time or to stress about it when it’s 2 days before it’s due. And I learned that the hard way. The assignments that you receive are very do-able; the IBDP did not create the program to be so difficult to that it sets us up for failure. And our teachers and peers are there to help us along the way.
-IBDP’s curriculum has opened up my perspectives and my awareness of the unknown. Personally, I don’t believe that IBDP is just trying to make students follow global issues and cultural traditions. In contrast, IBDP wants students to be able to learn things that you may be unfamiliar of and to accept different perspectives.
-The curriculum is so globally minded that the courses from Theory of Knowledge to even Math do an excellent job in incorporating little sections to further nurture you into becoming a world citizen. IB made a large impact especially for me, now that I have officially changed my major to Philosophy and Pre-Law, with a point of interest in International Law. I would love to thank the IB for influencing that decision.
-IBDP helped me to succeed as a college student and a member of the community. Especially IBDP’s emphasis for student to be well-rounded I found very valuable to my approach in life. Since high school, I have already my way of being balanced between academics, student organizations, and community service both in DC and back home in Hawaii. As for my admission into the George Washington University, I have no doubt that my willingness to take a challenge and my ultimate success in IBDP was a major factor to me getting accepted.
-Through IBDP, I was able to learn in a studious environment, and develop closer friendships with fellow classmates who also were passionate about their academics. The challenging curriculum truly expended my intellectual capacities as well.
-Enrolling in the ib programme matured me a lot as a person, it allowed myself to delve into the cultures and mindsets of not only my peers but different individuals globally, which ultimately taught me more about myself and the world around me.
-High school for many is definitely not considered to be one of the most difficult experiences, but in IB, you are definitely challenged through the rigorous schoolwork and the high expectations you strive to meet. Personally for me, I was able to develop a strong work ethic that I am very comfortable with and still continue to use through my college workload and life.
-Despite being in a small cohort of the same 60 people instead of the rest of my graduating class, I felt that it was beneficial for me. I was surrounded by so many intellectual students who truly cared about their education and it fostered the right environment I needed to grow intellectually and creatively. And the teachers that taught the classes I was in were so enthusiastic and passionate about what they did that it made me all the more excited to be there.
-IBDP prepared me to continue to consistently balance a heavy workload in college. I found that very helpful, especially at times when there are multiple exams and papers due on the same week. In addition, I realized that my IBDP classes has helped me to become a strong writer. My college classes professors assigns writing papers that are based on academic research and insightful analysis. IBDP English Literature, History, and EE has definitely prepared me to write papers at a college academic level instead of just writing summaries and simple 5 paragraph thesis essays. Finally, a lot of study strategies and note-taking styles I consistently practiced in high school taking IBDP has continued to be effective in college. All of these aspects through experiencing IBDP’s curriculum and rigor has helped me to be successful in my college courses.
-During my first month of college, many students around me were so overwhelmed with the amount and complexity of the assignments that we received. But because I was so used to that from being in the IBDP, I didn’t stress as much as I thought I would. And I liked that all of my IBDP classes were heavy on developing critical thinking skills because that is what is so important in college. Here, you’re not writing papers and taking tests just to pass and get the diploma. You’re required to analyze and apply everything that you learn because it now makes a big impact in your future career.
-The IB program is extremely rigorous, but it is also manageable. The key to succeeding is to make sure that choosing to do the IB programme is your own personal choice, and not your parents'. When you choose on your own accord, you will likely be more driven and self-motivated to push yourself, even when there are difficult and stressful times. Although this programme is challenging, the overall outcome is worth all of the hard work that you put into the programme.
-IBDP is without any doubt the most rigorous high school curriculum. However, you may not realize it at first but IBDP has so many learning components that will help you succeed in college and in life. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend to select taking IBDP solely based on college credit, college admissions, scholarships etc. Instead, I highly advise any prospective student to look more deeply into all the other things IBDP can offer.
-I feel that many students are hesitant to be in the program because its rigorous. And looking back on my experiences, it did get challenging. But it’s all about time management because every assignment has a reasonable time frame. It’s just up to the student, if they care to work on it when it’s first assigned with plenty of time or to stress about it when it’s 2 days before it’s due. And I learned that the hard way. The assignments that you receive are very do-able; the IBDP did not create the program to be so difficult to that it sets us up for failure. And our teachers and peers are there to help us along the way.
-IBDP’s curriculum has opened up my perspectives and my awareness of the unknown. Personally, I don’t believe that IBDP is just trying to make students follow global issues and cultural traditions. In contrast, IBDP wants students to be able to learn things that you may be unfamiliar of and to accept different perspectives.
-The curriculum is so globally minded that the courses from Theory of Knowledge to even Math do an excellent job in incorporating little sections to further nurture you into becoming a world citizen. IB made a large impact especially for me, now that I have officially changed my major to Philosophy and Pre-Law, with a point of interest in International Law. I would love to thank the IB for influencing that decision.
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Alumni Congratulate the DP Class of 2020 |
2020 DP Grads Congratulate the DP Class of 2021 |
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Kaiser DP alumni from the Classes of 2017, 2018, and 2019 virtually congratulate the graduating DP Class of 2020!
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Kaiser DP alumni from the Class 2020 virtually congratulate the graduating DP Class of 2021!
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Kaiser IB Diploma Programme Senior Quotes
-During high school, I did not only learn how to successfully procrastinate and stuff my brain before a deadly math homework quiz, but also to enjoy and appreciate every moment, because there’s a reason why every moment only lives once. The International Baccalaureate was a special moment that will forever live in my heart. Some of the greatest memories of my life would not be possible without the IB program. I will never forget all the hard work each and every one of my classmates put into this program and some of the greatest friends I’ve made. Although change is inevitable, and we, our relationships, and the world around us will grow and change, the moment we live in now will never and can’t be different. Throughout my time in IB, I learned to be present and appreciate the life we are in now, because even though we live a life full of sadness, joy, and blessings, nothing is promised to us but the moment we live in.
-Through the Diploma Programme, students are challenged academically, and oftentimes emotionally, as they are the overachievers, the ones who want to do it all. Although time management may not be completely mastered upon the completion of this program, consequences of failing to manage time will be. The IB Program is not for everyone, but I don't regret my choice to join IB, and never have. The family that I've gained, the deepened relationships, the international community – those are things that cannot be replaced or experienced elsewhere. The completion of this program is an accomplishment, with or without the diploma.
-I started the IB program at Osaka International School in Japan, progressing through the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP), then after a brief time in Idaho, finished my high school career by enrolling in the IB Diploma Program at Kaiser High School. Although I did not know many people in the beginning, the grueling schedule and endless workload created a bond within our cohort that I had only ever seen in my track/cross country team, and I was able to make many lifelong friends. The course itself opened my eyes to the significance of interdisciplinary thinking; I was able to use my newly developed skills of literature analysis in my Extended Essay when I analyzed Andy Warhol’s art pieces, and later analyzed Nazi architecture in my Historical Investigation, combining elements of English, art and history. I truly believe that the IB DP did more than improve my time-management skills, as it altered the way I think. I am now able to consider alternate solutions to challenging problems even in subject areas that were once a struggle, and I am able to consider my biases and their causes instead of simply understanding other perspectives. I think anyone’s IB journey can be successful and meaningful to them, but it is all up to the individual. Focus, effort, and individuality will allow any student to make the most of the IB program.
-“IB kids”, “Team IB”, “IB family” are what IB DP cohort 4 was referred to. Being in IB you had classes with the same people most of the time. This close group of intelligent and dedicated students became my second family. With a family I could rely on and receive support from, having a close knit group of friends made it possible to survive IB. We pushed each other to get through the various assignments. Regardless if we get the diploma or not, finishing all the tests and the internal assessments is such an accomplishment, and is an experience that I will never forget. I thank all the teachers, staff, and admin for preparing me for a rigorous program.
-With an open mind, this program allowed me to have an experience that encompassed all emotions across the spectrum. Through all the frustration and stress came the relief, accomplishment, and success. There were countless times where I thought I would never see the light at the end of the tunnel but what kept me going was the immense support from my peers that were there throughout my entire journey. I would not have wanted my last two years of high school to have gone any other way because without the IB program, I would not have had the education, relationships, and experience that has shaped me into the person I am today.
-I learned how to rely on other people more for help. I got to study together with friends and do projects with them, which made my IB journey a lot more fun. I learned time management skills through completing assignments like the extended essay. CAS helped me become a well rounded person, and I got to express myself by devoting time towards the things I love. During these two years, I really learned to fully study hard and give my full effort so that my attempt can turn into accomplishments.
-I've always been a good student, but IB DP made me a great student. I have been challenged in every possible way. From public speaking to planning events. Of course it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my friends and teachers who I've grown so close to over the years.
-I have always enjoyed challenging myself. I have participated in wrestling, water polo, jrotc, and next year I plan on attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Not only has IB taught me to be a better student, I have learned the value of hard work in success. Not only was I taught to think globally in a program thats arguably better than private schools, I learned how to manage my time and persevere in challenging situations. I have enjoyed the rigor involved in IB, as it has set me up to conquer the challenges that I continue to seek.
-“It’s so hard don’t ever do it.” One senior said, “You won’t have a social life.” Another warned me. The intimidation of the program was there from the very beginning; I hesitated while filling out the application, and I hesitated when I first got my summer homework. However, IB didn’t let me take baby steps into my new life as an IBDP student. In fact it was a full-blown sprint into A LOT of English homework and very hard Biology lessons. I had thought to myself, “the beginning is already difficult, what am I doing?” IB was a race, a long one, without stops, without breaks. Sometimes we were given water, but it was a never-ending run. Being “tired” at the end of everyday was an understatement, because besides IB, there were sports, band, clubs, leadership, and a social life to balance. Every large hill (IA’s) we all struggled, and testing was the mountain we had to climb before the end was in sight. As I am at the end of the race, descending that mountain, relief overwhelms me to the point where it doesn’t feel real. But the sense of fulfillment and reward is there, because at the end of the race so much has happened. Due to IB, I learned hard work, dedication, time management, and how to work with others. I was accepted to every college I applied to and was awarded many presidential scholarships because of the rigorous courses I took. It’s a challenge, but not an impossible one. It’s an excellent program, and I have learned so much from this long race.
-Through the Diploma Programme, students are challenged academically, and oftentimes emotionally, as they are the overachievers, the ones who want to do it all. Although time management may not be completely mastered upon the completion of this program, consequences of failing to manage time will be. The IB Program is not for everyone, but I don't regret my choice to join IB, and never have. The family that I've gained, the deepened relationships, the international community – those are things that cannot be replaced or experienced elsewhere. The completion of this program is an accomplishment, with or without the diploma.
-I started the IB program at Osaka International School in Japan, progressing through the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP), then after a brief time in Idaho, finished my high school career by enrolling in the IB Diploma Program at Kaiser High School. Although I did not know many people in the beginning, the grueling schedule and endless workload created a bond within our cohort that I had only ever seen in my track/cross country team, and I was able to make many lifelong friends. The course itself opened my eyes to the significance of interdisciplinary thinking; I was able to use my newly developed skills of literature analysis in my Extended Essay when I analyzed Andy Warhol’s art pieces, and later analyzed Nazi architecture in my Historical Investigation, combining elements of English, art and history. I truly believe that the IB DP did more than improve my time-management skills, as it altered the way I think. I am now able to consider alternate solutions to challenging problems even in subject areas that were once a struggle, and I am able to consider my biases and their causes instead of simply understanding other perspectives. I think anyone’s IB journey can be successful and meaningful to them, but it is all up to the individual. Focus, effort, and individuality will allow any student to make the most of the IB program.
-“IB kids”, “Team IB”, “IB family” are what IB DP cohort 4 was referred to. Being in IB you had classes with the same people most of the time. This close group of intelligent and dedicated students became my second family. With a family I could rely on and receive support from, having a close knit group of friends made it possible to survive IB. We pushed each other to get through the various assignments. Regardless if we get the diploma or not, finishing all the tests and the internal assessments is such an accomplishment, and is an experience that I will never forget. I thank all the teachers, staff, and admin for preparing me for a rigorous program.
-With an open mind, this program allowed me to have an experience that encompassed all emotions across the spectrum. Through all the frustration and stress came the relief, accomplishment, and success. There were countless times where I thought I would never see the light at the end of the tunnel but what kept me going was the immense support from my peers that were there throughout my entire journey. I would not have wanted my last two years of high school to have gone any other way because without the IB program, I would not have had the education, relationships, and experience that has shaped me into the person I am today.
-I learned how to rely on other people more for help. I got to study together with friends and do projects with them, which made my IB journey a lot more fun. I learned time management skills through completing assignments like the extended essay. CAS helped me become a well rounded person, and I got to express myself by devoting time towards the things I love. During these two years, I really learned to fully study hard and give my full effort so that my attempt can turn into accomplishments.
-I've always been a good student, but IB DP made me a great student. I have been challenged in every possible way. From public speaking to planning events. Of course it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my friends and teachers who I've grown so close to over the years.
-I have always enjoyed challenging myself. I have participated in wrestling, water polo, jrotc, and next year I plan on attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Not only has IB taught me to be a better student, I have learned the value of hard work in success. Not only was I taught to think globally in a program thats arguably better than private schools, I learned how to manage my time and persevere in challenging situations. I have enjoyed the rigor involved in IB, as it has set me up to conquer the challenges that I continue to seek.
-“It’s so hard don’t ever do it.” One senior said, “You won’t have a social life.” Another warned me. The intimidation of the program was there from the very beginning; I hesitated while filling out the application, and I hesitated when I first got my summer homework. However, IB didn’t let me take baby steps into my new life as an IBDP student. In fact it was a full-blown sprint into A LOT of English homework and very hard Biology lessons. I had thought to myself, “the beginning is already difficult, what am I doing?” IB was a race, a long one, without stops, without breaks. Sometimes we were given water, but it was a never-ending run. Being “tired” at the end of everyday was an understatement, because besides IB, there were sports, band, clubs, leadership, and a social life to balance. Every large hill (IA’s) we all struggled, and testing was the mountain we had to climb before the end was in sight. As I am at the end of the race, descending that mountain, relief overwhelms me to the point where it doesn’t feel real. But the sense of fulfillment and reward is there, because at the end of the race so much has happened. Due to IB, I learned hard work, dedication, time management, and how to work with others. I was accepted to every college I applied to and was awarded many presidential scholarships because of the rigorous courses I took. It’s a challenge, but not an impossible one. It’s an excellent program, and I have learned so much from this long race.
