Academic achievement has always been a primary focus at our school. Parents and faculty members have consistently emphasized the importance of instruction. As a result of the "learning partnership" between students, teachers, and parents, our students have historically performed in the top percentiles of every nationally sampled examination. Plew's "Sustained High Student Performance" has resulted in significant recognition, awards, and even financial rewards for our school.

In 1999, as continuing evidence of our commitment to our students and their future, we formally recognized that our students could benefit from instruction specifically designed to provide them with the skills necessary to think critically and analytically. This "higher order" education is very appropriate and necessary for our students. Our vision is that our students will be prepared to world.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation^TM provides a curriculum framework designed to give students the thinking and analytical skills necessary to be successful in the highly competitive international economy of today and tomorrow.

The IBO History

The International Baccalaureate Organisation^TM grew from the early efforts of the International Schools Curriculum Project. In 1967, the Diploma program was established and designed to provide exemplary university entry credentials for graduating high school students. In 1992, the Middle Years Programme^TM was added to the curriculum offered by the IBO. In 1997, the IBO offered the Primary Years Programme TM to qualifying elementary schools.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation^TM is chartered under Swiss code and maintains the International Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. International offices are located throughout the world. The North American Regional Office is located in New York, New York.

Elements of the PYP

The PYP provides an international curriculum framework for ALL children in the school from ages 3-12 years old. The best practices and research from multiple national Systems have been combined for use in this innovative and critically acclaimed curriculum.

Unique Characteristics of the PYP

1. Comprehensive Inquiry-Based Approach to Teaching and Learning;
2. Guidelines on Student Learning Styles
3. Teaching Methodologies
4. Assessment Strategies
5. Required Foreign Language Component

Attributes of Successful IBO Students

1. PYP Students will be INQUIRERS
2. PYP Students will be THINKERS
3. PYP Students will be COMMUNICATORS
4. PYP Students will be RISK-TAKERS
5. PYP Students will be KNOWLEDGEABLE
6. PYP Students will be PRINCIPLED
7. PYP Students will be CARING
8. PYP Students will be OPEN-MINDED
9. PYP Students will be WELL-BALANCED
10. PYP Students will be REFLECTIVE

Teacher Training

All students will benefit from the comprehensive training that teachers and staff receive from the IBO. Teachers have already worked with international consultants and trained in 
Tampa, Florida.  More...