IB Authorization

Authorized IB World School for PYP at Lafayette Park Elementary

Authorized IB (International Baccalaureate) World School for PYP (Primary Years Program) at Lafayette Park Elementary School

Kokomo School Corporation officials recently received official notification from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization that the International magnet school at Lafayette Park has been officially authorized as IB World Schools offering the Primary Years Program (PYP).

 “Congratulations to you on this significant accomplishment and welcome to our growing IB community,” Dr. Siva Kumari, Chief Operating Officer, said in her authorization notification letter to the Head of School – Principal Sharon Hahn at Lafayette Park.As its mission, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

 This IB authorization of Lafayette Park makes Kokomo School Corporation the first public school in Indiana to offer an IB program for grades preschool through 10. Both elementary magnet schools are part of a K-12 IB continuum as students continue at Central International Middle School (also an IB World School) for grades 6-8 and then attend

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Hauswald said. “I congratulate all the teachers and staff members at Lafayette Park and Sycamore who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone.”

International Baccalaureate Organization officials noted that currently only 383 IB schools are authorized for the Primary Years Program in the United States.

 “The International Baccalaureate program is recognized around the world for the high level of challenging, relevant, and engaging work that the students complete,” Dr. Hauswald added. “The Primary Years Program begins the process of hands-on learning in which students work together to solve problems while connecting with the world around them.”

Lafayette Park International Elementary School serves students in grades preschool through 5th grade, and includes the new KEY readiness preschool.

 “The IB program provides a great experience for students as they become internationally-minded through carefully-planned curriculum,” Ms. Hahn explained. “The IB Learner Profile and IB Attitudes are evident in positive student behavior within a respectful environment. We are extremely proud and excited to be an IB World School.”

Lafayette Park Assistant Principal Tammy Tickfer considers the IB program as a journey.

 “This program provides the foundation for intellectual curiosity and academic rigor,” Ms. Tickfer explained. “Students in the IB program have a deeper understanding of themselves as learners and how they can impact the world around them.”

 Lafayette Park IB teacher Elizabeth Brown has seen benefits in addition to the academics.

 “As a classroom teacher, I have seen my students grow, not only academically; but also, in the way that they view each other, our community, and the world around us,” Ms. Brown said. “We are learning to celebrate similarities and differences while digging deeper into today’s issues. Our students are concerned about the environment and civil rights … and through the IB curriculum they have learned ways to make a difference.”

 Dr. Hauswald noted that the official IB authorization for the PYP leads nicely into the international opportunities already in place at Kokomo Schools, including student exchanges with partner schools in England, Chile, and Costa Rica, as well as residence halls for male and female international students from around the world attending Kokomo High School.

 “We believe this is one more example of how Kokomo Schools continues to improve and expand the quality options for our students and the community,” Dr. Hauswald added.

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