LA CROSSE, Wis., (April 7, 2021) – The staff at North Woods International School in the School District of La Crosse and on behalf of the International Baccalaureate Organization are proud to announce the school has been authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP.) There are only 14 other elementary schools in Wisconsin with this distinction.
The IB aspires to help schools develop well-rounded students with character who respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind, are confident in their own identities, make ethical decisions, join with others in celebrating our common humanity, and are prepared to apply what they learn in real-world, complex, and unpredictable situations.
“It is so exciting to have been selected as an IB school,” said North Woods International School Principal Keri Holter. “We strive to have students see connections everywhere and see differences as strengths and opportunities for positive change in the world. We use a rigorous curriculum and weave overall instructional best practices like equity and social/emotional learning throughout. Learning at North Woods is a celebration of all the very best elements education has to offer.”
The PYP is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, as well as transdisciplinary skills, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry.
The International Baccalaureate curriculum focuses on helping students make connections between their local experiences and the wider world. This includes helping them understand their own families and the families in their communities, where they are in place and time, how to express themselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves, and how we share the planet.
Throughout the course of their IB education, students will learn to emulate attributes such as being thinkers, risk-takers, principled caring communicators, and open-minded, balanced thinkers. IB is founded on the principles of students being curious problem solvers who take action to make the world a better place.
IB programs help students to develop the attitudes and skills they need for both academic and personal success while working within global contexts. IB programs increase understanding of languages and cultures, and explore globally significant ideas and issues.
“This IB certification adds to the wide range of options parents have in the School District of La Crosse to choose the program that best fits their needs, whether it is their neighborhood school or a choice or charter program that offers a unique instructional approach,” said School District of La Crosse Superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel. “Our district continues to expand opportunities providing a high-quality education to every student, every day.”
About the International Baccalaureate
Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate pioneered a movement of international education, and now offers four high-quality, challenging educational programs to students aged 3-19. The IB gives students distinct advantages by providing strong foundations, critical thinking skills, and a proficiency for solving complex problems, while encouraging diversity, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence.
In a world where asking the right questions is as important as discovering answers, the IB champions critical thinking and flexibility in study by crossing disciplinary, cultural and national boundaries. Supported by world-class educators and coordinators, the IB currently engages with more than 1.95 million students in over 5,483 schools across 158 countries.
To learn more, please visit www.ibo.org.
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