Interested in private schooling for your children? If so, the International Baccalaureate, and the programs that fall under it, such as the IB Middle Years Programme, are certainly worth a look. Many of the best international middle schools offer this program because of its proven and flexible curriculum that helps students not just prepare for their careers or college, but also to make positive contributions to society.
According to the Department of Education, one in four schools is private. The abundance of private institutions in the U.S. means that there are notable differences between each academic program. In practice, International Baccalaureate helps to ensure that students are given access to high-quality programs.
A Quick Glance at the International Baccalaureate Program
The International Baccalaureate is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland that strives to encourage intercultural education and respect between people of various backgrounds. To achieve its goals, the International Baccalaureate provides schools, including the best international middle schools, with a variety of resources. These institutions must typically pay for these supplies and other resources. In practice, the IB helps to ensure high-quality education across national borders.
What Is This Program’s Purpose?
As the name states, the IB Middle Years Programme is set up for the middle years of a child’s life. The program targets kids between the ages of 11 and 16 and is a framework that focuses on connecting education with the real world.
The IB Middle Years Programme is often referred to simply as MYP and typically takes five years to complete. However, several abbreviated formats, running between two to four years, can also be offered.
As with the International Baccalaureate Organization, the IB Middle Years Programme strives to support inclusivity and is designed to benefit students no matter their interests and academic skills. The program covers language, literature, individuals and societies, sciences, math, art, physical education, and design.
The skills taught at the best international middle schools are designed to be transferable for further educational pursuits and also for careers. Additionally, teaching personal and soft skills, such as learning how to increase focus and being a caring member of society, are also emphasized. The program also encourages students to be lifelong learners, which could pay off in the decades to come.
If you’d like to learn more about the IB Middle Years Programme, please contact Willows Preparatory School at your earliest convenience. We’re more than happy to speak with parents in the Bellevue area looking to enroll their children in a world-class private school.
