St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School is proud to be an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Once admitted into St. Francis, all students automatically participate in our IB programmes. As an inclusive school community rooted in our Catholic and Franciscan mission, every child—regardless of background, ability, experience, or need—is a full member of our IB learning community. We are one school, united in the development of compassionate, inquisitive, and globally minded learners.

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IB World Schools exist across the globe. Like St. Francis, they are places where students grow as knowledgeable, reflective young people who care deeply about the world in which they live, engage with neighbors near and far, value God’s creation, and embrace our shared calling to inclusivity and social justice.

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Our IB programmes are guided by our two IB Teacher-Coordinators: Mrs. Isabel Herzberger (PYP) and Mrs. Sharon Pressburg-Nevans (MYP). In addition to maintaining program documentation, Ms. Herzberger and Mrs. Pressburg-Nevans support teachers through ongoing training, curriculum development, planning, and communication of our schoolwide learning goals.

 

While our founding values and Franciscan identity remain constant, the IB framework strengthens and elevates the way we plan, teach, and learn. With increased collaboration time, professional development, and shared instructional practices, teachers are empowered to design meaningful, concept-driven units. As an authorized IB school, students now have even greater opportunities to demonstrate their learning, reflect on their growth, and share their knowledge proudly with families.

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Many of the essential components of an IB education have long been part of who we are. St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School has always been a place where:

• Teachers collaborate across grade levels and specialties
• Students engage with world languages and cultures (Spanish & Italian)
• Learning is concept-driven and integrated across subject areas
• Physical Education and the Fine Arts support the whole-child approach
• International-mindedness and service guide our mission
• Community is at the heart of everything we do

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As an authorized IB World School, we continue preparing students to live in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare—curious, compassionate, respectful learners who strive to contribute to a more just and peaceful world.

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St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School is a fully authorized PYP and MYP IB World School. Below is our welcome from the International Baccalaureate Organization:

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet and help to create a better and more peaceful world.

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For more information about the International Baccalaureate, please visit ibo.org to learn more about the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) offered at our school.

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We believe that becoming an IB World School enhances the extraordinary work already happening at St. Francis and strengthens our ability to form young people who will lead with intellect, integrity, empathy, and faith.