Red Hook High School students will soon be able to earn up to six college credits for completing their 12th grade English language class.
The groundbreaking opportunity, which begins this fall, is an outgrowth of the school’s recently launched IB English for All Initiative. It presents the next step in the school’s commitment to college preparation, as well as its growing partnership with Dutchess Community College.
IB Language A: Literature, the two-year International Baccalaureate course taken by all Red Hook juniors and seniors under the IB English for All program, will become the high school’s latest dual-enrollment offering through DCC, joining existing classes Statistics; Precalculus; Mind, Body, Wellness; Women’s Studies; and Psychology. Literature students will be able to earn six credits – akin to completing English 101 and 102 in college – with three given in the first semester of 12th grade and three in the second.
Dual-enrollment courses are college-level courses taught by high school faculty. Unlike traditional IB or Advanced Placement courses, which require students to score at a certain level on final exams to earn college credit, students simply need to successfully complete a DCC dual-enrollment course to receive credit that should be accepted at all SUNY schools, as well as any other institution that chooses to accept.
While many area high schools offer dual-enrollment opportunities, Red Hook’s English dual-enrollment program will be unique in that it will be a standard class taken by all students their junior and senior years.
Red Hook launched its IB English for All initiative in fall 2024, replacing all Regents-level English classes for juniors and seniors with the IB courses. The initiative has proven to be a resounding success, with students demonstrating high achievement, increased engagement and greater self-confidence. The IB program emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry-based learning and global perspective – skills essential for both college and career readiness.
“We are already extremely proud of our growing IB program,” said Dr. Janet Warden, superintendent of schools. “Allowing students to earn SUNY college credit through this rigorous curriculum is a tremendous win. These students are engaging in truly college-level work, and they deserve recognition for it.”
Principal Dr. Kyle Roddey said students will be eligible to take the IB Literature class for DCC credit if they are carrying an overall GPA of 78 or higher through the first semester of their junior year, or if they score 78 or higher on the state English Language Arts Regents Exam. He noted, as all the credits are given during senior year, students in the Class of 2026 will be able to benefit from the program immediately.
Since implementing IB English for All, Red Hook High School has more than doubled the number of students earning the full IB Diploma. Nearly one-third of current juniors and seniors are now on track to receive this internationally recognized credential.
Dr. Kitty Summers, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said the partnership with DCC on the English credits “further strengthens our IB program,” noting “It aligns perfectly with our Raider Profile and the IB Learner Profile, ensuring our students graduate with the skills and attributes needed for success in an ever-changing world.”
Dr. Roddey credited the program’s success to the dedication and expertise of Red Hook’s exceptional educators, including English Department Chair Christine Griffin, IB Coordinator Diana Decker and IB English teacher Kristin Povall.
“This is a powerful example of what happens when talented educators and bold ideas come together to expand opportunities for all students,” said Roddey. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Dutchess Community College.”