Students​

• "At first, I was very hesitant to join IB. I was already committed to marching band which required me to set aside anywhere from 8 to 28 hours a week for rehearsals and performances. I wasn't sure if I could handle it. Now that I've graduated and completed the IB program, I can confidently say that, with effort, IB and marching band are completely doable. Through IB, I became close with my peers and we created a support system for if any of us were struggling academically, mentally, emotionally, or etc. Some of my best friends are the classmates that I met through IB. I am now entering UCI with a sophomore status with an estimated 62-82 quarter units because of my performance in IB. Therefore, to all the hard-working sophomores considering IB, I highly encourage you to join and enjoy all of the benefits that I've listed above." - Jiwon Hur '20

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• "IB was definitely a program that changed my life and one that has influenced my character greatly. The education given, community created, and standards set in IB are like none other. The challenges and difficulties faced both forced and allowed me to grow for the better. Challenges like writing papers in our classes, from TOK to IA papers, on top of any papers for English class. I learned how to balance many different activities and classes at the same, which has been very helpful to me in many areas of my life since. IB at Sunny Hills is unique and I am glad, looking back as a graduate, to have been a part of it." - Scarlett Alcantara '20

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• "The IB Program at Sunny Hills taught me how to critically think, link ideas from multiple fields to support my argument, and write academic papers. The skills I learned from the IB Program will prove invaluable in my college years." - Daniel Lee '20

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• "Because of the SHHS IB program, I have pushed myself as a student and as a leader. IB has unquestionably strengthened my skill as a writer and a researcher, which are essential skills needed in college. But most importantly, SHHS IB has given me the opportunity to make strong, long-lasting relationships with my teachers, my fellow IB classmates, and of course, Mr. Wall (our amazing IB coordinator)." - Grace Park '19

 

• "Amidst the competitive academic scene, the IB program offered me a supportive environment that fostered and facilitated both educational and personal growth. Although challenging, it laid the foundation of invaluably strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills that helped me immensely in college. I created lasting bonds with friends that challenge me to do better, encourage me to work harder, and comfort me when I need a break. Not only did the IB program hone my academic skills, it also presented me with questions that helped me grow in confidence, in virtue, in humanity. Everyone in IB struggles, whether that be academically or personally, but the vision of the program— caring about your fellow man, acknowledging the fact that the world only goes around if everyone does their part to push it along, and learning to respect others despite disagreements and without faking kindness— truly makes the struggle worth it." - Pauline Menchavez '18 

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• "SHHS IB set the tone of the type of learning I wanted to get from college and beyond. It pushed me to see value beyond a traditional type of learning and in college, I actively sought out of variety in my classes. The IB program has prepared me so much for UC Berkeley and it taught me so many things beyond the work— asking why questions, connecting the dots, and telling a story. I would recommend the IB program because it challenges you mentally and academically to go beyond what we are comfortable with. Regardless of what your interests are, IB exposes you to a little bit of everything. The smaller classes allows you to get deeper into the material with your peers and teachers. IB has made me a better student, working professional, and individual. It’s not always easy, but the process is extremely fulfilling. I would recommend IB to anyone who is interested in pushing themselves to experience something new and different in education. I am still in contact with some of my IB friends as well— a community I hold dear to my heart." - Angelica Song '17

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• "I would highly recommend the IB program because it pushed me out of my comfort zone in a lot of different ways! In my opinion, the classes were a lot more focused on critical thinking and applying knowledge, two skills that have helped me in so many of my college courses. The added support system provided by both my IB teachers and other IB students also kept me from ever feeling overwhelmed by the course load or in my planning for college and the future." - Kasidy Kuster '17

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• "Joining the IB family at SHHS is beyond what you can imagine. The program itself offers advantaged education, endless opportunities for academic growth, and chances to strengthen leadership skills. It definitely pushes you outside of your comfort zone and gives you a glimpse of how college is really like. IB also provides immense amounts of support and a close-knit of friends who push you for the better. This kind of bond between fellow students who have the same drive is hard to find, especially in highschool. On top of the that, the IB teachers and IB coordinator Mr. Wall are very supportive and really hold your hand through the process. The small class size helps the bond between the teachers and students more intimate and personal. IB surrounds you with motivated people who struggle together but also celebrate victories together. I will never regret joining this program."      - Jane Ham '17

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• "Being a part of IB was one of the fondest memories I had in high school as I made some of my closest friends while also being in an intellectual, accepting and social environment. The support I found here from staff like Mr. Wall as well as my fellow classmates helped make my experience as rewarding as possible and helped me learn and prepare for the future in ways I could not have foreseen." - Daniel Li '16

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• "IB has been a challenging but adventurous course for me. Although we had some extra assignments and exams we had to take compared to other students, those assignments and exams are what really helped me prepare for long reports and essays in college. The extended essay was the longest essay I had written at the time, but when I entered college, it was much easier for me to tackle the long student lab reports while others were struggling. Because IB is a small class size, it helps you bond with your colleagues around you, and really grow to help and learn from one another in a academic and social setting. Through the rigorous curriculum, you lean on each other for support and motivation, and really get by with the help of them and our amazing IB coordinator. Mr. Wall has an especially special place in my heart because of his motivating charisma, and his passion to help all his students. He truly is and will be one of my most favorite teachers of all time because of his love for what he does and the fun he brings to it. For all future students, it may seem hard and extra at first, but with the right people by your side you will learn so much, and have so much fun while doing it!" - Khushali Shah '16

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Teachers​

• "IB is a big part of our history and our identity at Sunny Hills—more than half of our existence (35 years and counting). We were the first IB program in the area—the 384th IB school authorized since IB began in 1967. You have come to our Sunny Hills IB website with some curiosity. The question that I want you to ask yourself is, “What makes the IB Diploma Programme at Sunny Hills the right choice for my future?” For some students, it is to jumpstart their college admissions process by the fact of having 30 credits accepted by many universities both domestic and abroad after earning the IB Diploma. For others, it is because of the prestige of having earned the IB Diploma that symbolizes perseverance, academic commitment, and the ability to think critically not only as a student, but as a leader. This is now even more relevant as the college application metrics have been reduced with the elimination of the SAT and ACT as required elements of the application.  Whatever the reason, the most important thing is that you feel ready to transform yourself from what you are now to what you can become. IB at Sunny Hills is unique because we don’t want simply excellent students; we want future world change agents, those who carry the potential to make a difference for good and harbor a deep concern for the wellbeing of their fellow man, no matter it be a classmate in TOK or a stranger on the other side of the world. Whether through our rigorous IB academic areas, CAS, TOK, or the extended essay, the connections that our students make is first within themselves to find their true calling, and then to the world around them. It’s who you want to be and less about what you want to do." - Brian Wall (Sunny Hills IB Coordinator, Program Evangelist, and IB Visual Arts SL/HL)

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• "I love teaching IB, it can sometimes be challenging but it wouldn't be fun otherwise. I expect students to be curious, hardworking and willing to take risks. You do not have to be a math genius to pass the IB test, but you do have to work very hard. I would say half of the class is review of Algebra 2 and Precalculus, but don't be fooled! Do your HW which is carefully selected by me :) And since I also make the tests... you should definitely do the HW :) If you're lazy I can't help you with that, but if you have a question I will always be there to help you answer it :) And please don't be mean :) So pretty much work hard and be kind :)" - Cristian Bueno (IB Mathematics SL)

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• "The IB program at Sunny Hills High School prepares students to succeed in their college aspirations. Many IB students state that after high school they feel exceptionally ready upon entering the college platform. University programs simply become the next step in the educational process, not a jump. Since writing is a major aspect of the IB program, students feel especially confident in their writing capabilities upon completion of the IB curriculum.  A major component of the IB writing agenda is the extended essay.  Most students in other high school programs do not have the opportunity to develop their writing skills in such an academic endeavor.  Furthermore, because of the rigor of the grading regarding IB writing assignments, the expectations of students is uniquely meticulous warranting collegiate caliber. To conclude, the IB student is a globally recognized academic who will succeed on a global scale." - Teresa McCarty (IB English HL)

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• "The IB program really allows students to challenge themselves with a balanced, rigorous, global-minded curriculum that allows them to really see the 'big picture.'  I think students who study IB Korean walk away with not only a better understanding of the Korean Language, but also becoming mindful of Korean Culture as well as ideas and issues associated with it from a global perspective. I think students leave with an enhanced appreciation for all things 'Korean' which contributes to one of the main goals of IB which is to help students become international-minded learners." - Joseph Ok (IB Korean SL/HL)

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• "IB is a program that you'll get more out of than you put in (but you DO have to put in a lot of work). This is the consistent feedback I get from IB alumni. Just two weeks ago, I took a walk with a 2013 SHHS IB graduate. He's an NYU grad working in DC for a tech start-up, getting some real world work experience before going to law school. Smart guy. Unsolicited, he told me that high schools should make Theory of Knowledge (TOK) mandatory for students because it lays a foundation for critical thinking in the real world. He felt well-prepared for college, and the lessons, seminars and readings in TOK provided a great foundation for him.  A few times a year, former IB students reach out to me and confirm the value of the IB program. As a TOK teacher, I'm honored to "do education" a little bit differently. Theory of Knowledge offers an opportunity for me to meet with students and conference with them about their writing and their thinking. It is an opportunity to practice inquiry-based learning with students who want to inquire. It is a chance for students to learn not what to think of the world we live in, but how to think, and how to apply that thinking to the real world." - Scott Rosenkranz (Theory of Knowledge)

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• "IB Dance opens the minds of young artists and provides an opportunity for them to delve deep into dance composition and performance. Additionally, the students who challenge themselves with this program gain a more worldly, historical view of dance and experience dance beyond a western lens. I love seeing the appreciation for dance and world cultures develop in my students throughout their coursework. In addition to seeing my own students grow as artists, it is wonderful to get to work with the entire IB department through our yoga and mindfulness workshops. The overall well-being of our IB students is of extreme importance and these classes help them manage stress and workload, while providing an opportunity for the students to socialize. Overall, IB Dance not only helps my students become better dancers, more importantly, it helps them become better people." - Leiana Volen (IB Dance HL)