The San Jose International Baccalaureate Continuum

K-5     (PYP):         Horace Mann Elementary School

6-8    (MYP):          Peter Burnett Academy

9-12  (MYP, DP):   San Jose High Academy

Backgound:

The introduction of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in September 1997 marked an important step in the development of the IBO's programmes of international education. From this time onwards, the IBO was able to offer three programmes of international education, the Diploma Programme (introduced in 1969), the Middle Years Programme (introduced  in 1994) and the Primary Years Programme, and with them, the prospect of a continuous international educational experience from early childhood to school graduation.

The IBO's concept of an educational continuum and of a consistent, broad-based international curriculum was born. However, while the IBO now offered a sequence of three programmes, two distinct positions needed to be supported: first, that each programme should be self-contained; and secondly, that the programmes form a coherent sequence for those schools adopting all three programmes.

What is it then that ensures the consistency and the broad base of the three programmes?

The IB Continuum and IB Advocacy Group

The San Jose IB Continuum and the IB Advocacy Group (IBAG) ensure this consistency through articulation between schools and the ongoing conversation and collaboration with IB parents.  Launched in 2007, IBAG works to promote the IB Programmes to maintain a continuous IB course of study from kindergarten through 12th grade.  With the application to the PYP programme, the IBAG dream became a reality:  a three-school continuum offering all three International Baccalaureate programmes.  Beyond promoting the shared features of IB in the classroom, the IB Continuum schools and IB Advocacy share a common mission and vision. 

Vision: To build pride and identity in the downtown International Baccalaureate schools community.

Mission: To increase enrollment and International Baccalaureate preparedness at the three downtown International Baccalaureate schools.