Chief Sealth High School can now be called a "world school" since receiving approval to host the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, rigorous college prep curriculum for 11th- and 12th-graders.

Operated by a nonprofit educational foundation, the program was created as a common university entrance credential with an international focus on diversity and culture.

Students who complete the full two-year program starting this fall would be eligible to enter colleges and universities across the country with sophomore standing, including at the University of Washington.

The accreditation process takes about two years, but it was more like three for Sealth, said the school's principal John Boyd. The staff and community took its time evaluating community support and visiting schools that already had the program before deciding to apply.

"With our diverse student population and international focus it just seemed to make sense for us," said Boyd.

The school was put through an intense evaluation process last year and was graded on specific criteria for its science and technology facilities. Teachers also went through several days of training to learn about the program and curriculum guidelines.

"They want to make sure that when you offer the program you know what you're doing," Boyd said. "They want you to have a deep understanding of what it takes to have kids be successful."

To earn the diploma credit, students must pass six exams. The subjects include one literature course in the student's native language, a foreign language, a social science, an experimental science, mathematics and an arts course.

There are no test-in requirements, so students of varying achievement levels can participate.

A 4,000-word research essay, completion of the Theory of Knowledge (world philosophies) course and community service activities is also required. Those who need a less rigorous course of study can take classes in one subject area to earn certificate credit, which also transfers to universities.

In Sealth's sophomore class of 200 students, 65 have signed on for one or more Baccalaureate classes this fall, said Laura Robb, program coordinator. And 23 of those students have said they'll go for the full diploma.

Baccalaureate students can expect about 50 percent more homework than those taking regular course work.

"It's a challenge but any kid that is motivated and wants to put in a little extra work can be successful," Robb said.

Final subject assessments cost about $100 each and are sent overseas to be evaluated by International Baccalaureate officials. The state pays 80 percent of that fee for students elibigle for the reduced lunch program, and a parent booster group is working on creating an endowment to provide scholarships for students who can't afford the fees.

More than half of Sealth's student body is eligible for the federal free and reduced lunch program, typically an indicator of family poverty status.

"We don't want economics to be a barrier for any student willing to challenge themselves with (Baccalaureate) courses," said Molly Seaverns, a member of the parent group.

It's part of the school's focus on "inclusivity," Boyd said, which means the school is actively recruiting all students to the program, regardless of socioeconomic or racial backgrounds.

"We want to push them all to do rigorous course work," Boyd said.

Parents have also raised thousands of dollars for other program needs like teacher training and textbooks.

Students and their families are introduced to the program indivududally as freshman and encouraged to take preperatory classes to enter the two-year diploma program junior year.

Some students are turned off by the extra work and responsibility, but part of program participation includes helping students learn how to manage the rigorous coursework while still having a life, Boyd said.

"We just have to get beyond that and tell them it's doable," he said.

Sealth is the second school in the district to host the International Baccalaureate program; the other is Ingraham High School.

"It's a great milestone for the school and for the community," Seaverns said. "This is one of those things that's going to set West Seattle apart from other areas in the city by distinguishing ourselves academically with a great program."

Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783.1244 or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com