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July 2007
Becoming America's Best
Prestigious IB Programs Prep Students for Global Economy
San Diego High School International Baccalaureate Student Ten schools in the district have joined more than 2,000 schools in 125 countries by developing the prestigious Geneva-based International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at the primary, middle years and diploma levels. The rigorous process begins with applying for consideration, then candidacy, completing multiple phases of authorization before officially being named an IB World School.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on the total growth of the developing child, encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development. PYP candidate schools include Birney, Crown Point, Florence, Jefferson, McKinley and Sessions Elementary Schools.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed to help students develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world. Roosevelt Middle School was named an IB World School in February 2006. Pacific Beach Middle is an MYP candidate.

The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum that prepares high school students for college. It encourages them to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures. Mission Bay High School and San Diego High School of International Studies are official IB World Schools.

Having IB schools at all grade levels within the same cluster offers students an excellent framework for their K-12 education. “Our goal is to become an official PYP school by June 2010,” says Birney Principal Amanda Hammond-Williams. “We are excited to provide our students with the academic foundation to succeed not only at the Roosevelt and San Diego High IB programs but anywhere in the world.”