International program at Rio Mesa High School allows 18 to graduate with college credit

Rio Mesa is the only high school in the Oxnard district that has a program known as International Baccalaureate that allows students to earn college credit to help get into the school of their dreams.

One of those students is graduate Felix Cruz.

“Even though it’s just a little school in between strawberry fields I just think its great,” said Cruz.

Cruz is the son of local farm workers from Mexico. He’s walked to school every morning since he was a freshman, but those days are over. Felix is graduating with a long list of accomplishments including a 4.6 GPA.

“It means a lot to my parents because they have made a lot of sacrifices to come here, and to just see their son excel in academics and athletics,” said Cruz. “I am glad I am able to give them that opportunity to show them that all their hard work is paying off.”

Felix is headed to UC San Diego where he plans to major in engineering. He credits his success to Rio Mesa’s IB program.

“Our International Baccalaureate is the only IB program offered in the Oxnard Union high school district,” said Mark Contreras, Rio Mesa Principal. “It’s a program in which students complete extensive hours beyond the typical graduation requirements to get a more global perspective.”

“So you have to pass all tests, complete an extended essay and complete volunteer and service hours,” said Cruz.

It’s like Advanced Placement classes, but on an International level.

“The IB Program is like receiving a private school education in a public school setting,” said Contreras. “The teachers are specifically trained to teach these courses. The rate of acceptance into a college of choice is absolutely off the charts. It’s in the 87 percent range.”

Rio Mesa plans to add two new IB offerings, The Middle Years Program, and the Career Program.

“Once we acquire the MYP and CP program we will become one of only 37 schools in the entire United States to offer all three programs,” said Contreras.

“I want to accurately represent and symbolize the IB program because it is really helpful for the students if they dedicate themselves to it,” said Cruz.

Eighteen students from Rio Mesa high school including Cruz expect to graduate as IB Diploma Candidates.

“We don’t find out if we got the diploma until July when the test results are released,” said Cruz.