Alright. A question pops up. What makes the Baccalaureate School for Global Education so special?
Baccalaureate School for Global Education, or BSGE, stands proudly in Astoria. It is a public high school with a global perspective. Established in 2002, BSGE offers a unique educational experience. It serves about 530 students from 7th to 12th grade.
BSGE is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization. It offers the MYP and the IB Diploma Programme. This is instead of the standard state curriculum. The school also provides AP exams.
In 2018, U.S. News ranked BSGE #9 in the nation. It was ranked #1 in New York. Admission requirements have changed over time. Now, the school uses fully screened admissions for both middle and high school programs.
The student-teacher ratio is about 17 to 1. BSGE aims for serious learning in a relaxed setting. The school is located in a renovated factory. Light streams in through large windows.
Many staff members dress casually. Students can use cell phones discreetly. Kids often carry their belongings between classes. Music adds to the informal atmosphere. Seniors can leave for lunch with parental permission.
Students prepare for the New York State Regents exams. They also engage in the International Baccalaureate Program. This includes community service and personal projects. Past projects have covered diverse topics. Examples are Ecuadorian culture, thermoelectric coolers, and animation.
In 11th and 12th grade, students study six subjects. These include science, math, history, arts, English, and a foreign language. Options for foreign language are Spanish, Mandarin, or French. BSGE also offers a Theory of Knowledge course. Students complete 150 hours of Creativity, Action, Service. They also write a research essay.
The school day lasts from 8 am to 2:20 pm. Some students stay for extra help. They might work away from distractions. Students report having one to three hours of homework each night.
BSGE faces the challenge of bringing 9th graders up to speed. Younger students benefit from pre-IB teaching. This focuses on reading and writing. Some staff members speak Spanish. They support students who speak no English at home.
Gym classes take place in nearby parks or a fitness room. The school offers band, orchestra, and theater programs. Clubs vary based on student interest. Helping Hands and the school newspaper are constants.
BSGE’s college advisor works closely with students. Rising seniors work on applications over the summer. Graduates have been accepted to top universities. These include Yale, Columbia, and Brown. Many students earn IB diplomas. Students have earned millions in scholarships.
BSGE is located at 34-12 36th Avenue in Astoria. You can reach it by taking the R or M train to 36th Street. You can also take the N or W train to 36th Avenue. Several buses also serve the area.
So, as we stand here, remember the Baccalaureate School for Global Education. It is more than just a building. It is a place of global learning. It is a place of great opportunity. It is a place that molds future leaders.