At Modesto High School, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is more than just a rigorous academic path; it’s a transformative experience shaping students into confident, globally aware leaders. Paired with the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, IB offers a powerful blend of content mastery and skill development that prepares students for college and beyond.
For seniors Sarai Avalos and Ciclali Barocio Mejía, the journey began in middle school through AVID, where they first developed note-taking habits, time management strategies, and peer collaboration skills. That foundation continued to grow during their freshman and sophomore years in the IB preparatory program, paving the way for their successful transition into the full IB Programme in their junior year.
“AVID was about the skills — how to organize, study, and collaborate,” said Ciclali Barocio Mejía. “IB took all of that and gave it a place to land. We didn’t just learn content; we learned how to apply it meaningfully.”
The IB curriculum is structured around critical thinking, research, and international mindedness. Students complete internal assessments and extended essays, conduct experiments, and even translate at school events, all while managing extracurriculars and personal commitments.
For Sarai Avalos, the extended essay, a hallmark of the IB diploma, was a turning point.
“I wrote mine on sleep deprivation and brain maturation,” she said. “That process showed me I could handle college-level research. When I visited my future university and saw similar work displayed on the wall, I realized how far I’d come.”
Barocio Mejía explored North and South Korea for her essay, crediting both AVID and IB for building the academic stamina to dive deep into a complex historical topic.
“I spent the summer in the library organizing books by how useful they were,” recalled Barocio Mejía. “It felt like I was building something that mattered.”
That commitment paid off. Avalos will attend University of the Pacific’s accelerated pre-pharmacy program on a full scholarship. Barocio Mejía is heading to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to major in business administration, with plans to focus on human resources and statistics.
Beyond academics, students reflected on how the programs shaped their identity and self-confidence.
“I used to be so shy,” said Avalos. “But now I can speak in front of large groups, lead middle school outreach, and translate for families. IB gave me a voice. It gave me confidence.”
AVID and IB are deeply intertwined at Modesto High. Teachers coordinate across grade levels to build continuity, and students often remain in AVID while enrolled in IB.
During tutoring sessions, AVID students can work on challenges from their IB coursework, supported by a peer network that strengthens both understanding and belonging.
“The programs are designed to reinforce each other,” said Kerry Castellani, Modesto High School IB coordinator and teacher.
“AVID helps students learn how to learn, while IB challenges them on what to learn and why,” she explained.
Students also complete Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects, which allow them to engage with the community and explore personal interests.
“Coming from a traditional household, CAS gave me a way to participate in my community and grow my independence,” she said. “I wasn’t just studying; I was experiencing.”
For Barocio Mejía, this meant organizing a Hispanic heritage night.
“That night wasn’t just a school project; it was a reflection of who I am,” she said. “IB helped me celebrate that.”
Barocio Mejía’s educational journey is profoundly personal. Raised in a single-parent household, she made the difficult decision to stay in California with her mother while her father remained in Mexico. Her mother, who had her at age 18, instilled in her the value of education and fought for every opportunity.
“She told me that staying in the U.S. would give me a future I wouldn’t have otherwise,” Barocio Mejía said. “She’s hard-working and wants the best for me. She’s the reason I got into the GATE program in elementary school, joined AVID in middle school, and committed to IB in high school. Those choices changed my life.”
For students considering IB, Barocio Mejía offered this advice: “You don’t have to see yourself as a ‘typical’ IB student. Just find your system. The teachers, the support, the structure. It’s all here. You’ll grow in ways you didn’t expect.”
“Try it,” Avalos added. “Even one IB class can open doors. You’ll discover a community that values learning and uncover strengths you didn’t know you had.”
To learn more about the IB Programme at Modesto High School, visit their website. For more information about AVID, click here.