San Antonio ISD today announced that Longfellow Middle School has been named an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for the Middle Years Programme. An IB education is acclaimed worldwide because its active and engaging framework prepares students for college, and primes them to excel as lifelong learners in our global society.“This is an important step in the school’s journey to provide a challenging and rewarding learning experience for both students and teachers,” said Dr. Courtney Gober, assistant superintendent of SAISD International Baccalaureate Schools. “Students at IB World Schools are given a unique education. They are encouraged to think independently, drive their own learning, and become inquirers who are more culturally aware, all while developing a second language.”
“Participation in IB programmes can lead students to some of the highest-ranking universities in the United States and around the world,” Gober said.
In order for a school to offer one or more of the IB programmes of education, it must first be approved as a candidate school by the International Baccalaureate Organization, and then must complete a multi-year authorization process.
“This designation is the culmination of three and a half years of hard work,” said Principal Nancy Rodriguez. “It confirms the school’s commitment to developing internationally minded students equipped to create a better, more peaceful world.”
Longfellow is the sixth SAISD school to receive the IB World School status, and three additional campuses are in their IB candidate phases. While candidate schools are still in the process of becoming IB World Schools, they offer a full IB framework.
SAISD hosts the largest number of IB and IB-candidate schools throughout Bexar County – totaling nine IB campuses. In addition, SAISD is the only school district in the county to offer an IB education at the elementary, middle and high school levels. It offers the full IB continuum – Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes – in two SAISD high school feeder patterns.
Six campuses are in the Jefferson High School feeder, including IB World Schools Jefferson High School, Longfellow Middle School and Woodlawn Academy, as well as IB-candidate schools Fenwick Academy and Huppertz and Woodlawn Hills elementary schools. Three campuses are in the Burbank High School feeder, including IB World Schools Burbank High School, Harris Middle School and Briscoe Elementary School.
For more information on the International Baccalaureate program in SAISD, visit https://www.saisd.net/ib.