56. Understanding the International Baccalaureate: Perspectives from Carolina Prep

Meet the International Baccalaureate (IB)—what it is, how it works, and why it might be the right fit for your student. If you’ve heard of the IB Program (International Baccalaureate) but felt unsure how it differs from a traditional education, this episode is for you. I’m joined by two wonderful guests from Carolina Preparatory Academy—formerly the middle and upper school of The Montessori School of Raleigh, rebranded in 2025—who live and breathe IB every day: Michelle Miller, IB Coordinator, and Dave Ratledge, IB Math/Science Team Lead.

In this episode, we cover:

• IB 101: When and why IB was developed, its mission, and core tenets.
  
  
• Depth over memorization: How IB cultivates critical thinking, inquiry, and real-world problem-solving—not just regurgitation.
  
  
• IB vs. traditional models: Key differences in teaching style, assessment, and classroom experience.
  
  
• IB vs. Honors/AP: What the workload actually looks like, how rigor compares, and who tends to thrive.
  
  
• Common misconceptions: Especially around difficulty level and “how much is too much.”
  
  
• Montessori alignment: How Carolina Preparatory Academy’s IB program naturally connects with Montessori principles and practices.

Whether you’re IB-curious or actively exploring advanced pathways, you’ll walk away with a clear, parent-friendly understanding of what IB is—and how it can shape confident, capable learners for life.

LInks:

Carolina Preparatory Academy: https://www.carolinaprepnc.org/

The Montessori School of Raleigh: https://www.msr.org/

Triangle School Consulting: https://triangleschoolconsulting.com