I am planning on applying to BS for the 2018-2019 cycle, 10th grade, and I will be going to a public high school for (at least) one year in my current town. I have the option of going to a highly selective local charter school, my normal high school (w/ advanced classes), or doing the IB program.
Which of those things would be more impressive/make the most sense to do?
Would it be reasonable to go to a specialty school at all if I am just planning on applying to BS?
Do BS really take these programs into consideration when choosing their students?
I do understand that there are pros and cons to every option and I should not choose one based off if it will give me an edge. It is just an aspect I would like to consider before I make a final decision. Anyways, thank you. I understand it is very early to be planning for the next application process, but I thought I would ask.
Which one would you choose if you weren’t going to boarding school? Why?
FYI my Student attends a selective local private school in the IB program. AO’s that have spoken with us & interviewed student didn’t even ask @ the IB curriculum or the IB grade reports- but the IB scoring system does concern us because if a AC is not familiar with it, the additional IB report can seem low on a numerical scale ( our school does 2 different transcripts). I’m sharing this with you this because so far it hasn’t impressed the people we have encountered at the “gates”. Maybe teachers at BS would be more familiar with IB? The IB courses are challenging & our program draws students from diverse international community. It’s not only about the IB diploma. It’s not a means to an end. The IB curriculum is an extraordinary academic experience that will also enrich your preparedness for college & beyond. Don’t choose an IB program just based on hopes it will help with BS admissions. As posted by @ GMC2918 posted above, it’s a good question to ask yourself : Which one would you choose if you were not going to boarding school? Wishing you the best- you have good options either way! 
You should choose the school that you would want to graduate from before college. Of you three options, which one will help you most for college? If you are not accepted into any boarding school, you will most likely have to attend the school you choose now.
Okay. Thank you very much for all your responses and help. My guess is that colleges would be most impressed with either the IB program or the charter school. I’m just not completely sure which one I’m leaning towards more. They both are very good and established schools that have their own pros and cons. I just need to focus on which I would enjoy and learn more from. Thanks again! 
What is IB?
I think you should be more concerned about how the sequence of freshman courses aligns with the course structure at the boarding schools you are applying to.
@buuzn03 – IB is International Baccalaureate program
Oh. Cool. Thanks-- we don’t have stuff like that out here in the sticks!
Btw, IB exams for the diploma can’t be taken before junior year, so the IB scoring will not be an issue. Totally agree that you should pick the school as if you will be there for 4 years. That is, of course, a possibility depending on where you are admitted and how you’re feeling next year.
@gardenstategal – while the exams for the diploma come in the later years, the IB “grades” at our school are here by middle school . So if your student is applying as 8th or 9th grader, there may be different sets of scores-- that’s just been our experience. For example, DD had a grade of 96 on math, but her IB score was lower! She was concerned that the AC @ BS’ would scan the transcript & see lowe grades. Please ask your registrar to clarify this & do let the AO that your in a challenging IB program. We were so nervous during the interview process that we forgot to explain this to the AO who said she wasn’t familiar with IB! There is a different scoring matrix than your typical grades. For us, the kids get different transcripts. My DD is now second-generation student in IB program. For the purpose of the post, I think the IB programs offer great academic experiences. The IB English for our high school students is very challenging. So far, the AO’s we have spoken with really didn’t seem to weigh it much. Could be just those schools, so please let me know your experiences. I think my IB diploma meant more to the college AO’s, but (according to DD) that was when dinosaurs roamed the earth;) !!
I get it! It’s always hard to interpret grades without prior experience with the school. I think in part that’s how certain schools become feeders, and when you’re in an unknown school, it can cause quite a bit of anxiety.
I love the IBD program, but it isn’t for everyone. But that’s a high school choice!