Short Avenue Elementary is an International Baccalaureate World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programs of international education that share a powerful vision.

The IB Mission Statement: The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

The IB program is an inquiry-based approach to instruction, with a strong focus on student agency and international mindedness. We view students as partners in our learning, with their interests and curiosities at the forefront of our decision making. The vision of the IB program is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who have the integrity to become successful, disciplined, responsible citizens in the world. Our thoughtful curriculum takes on a transdisciplinary approach to learning. Teachers work together with their students to make connections across and between disciplines, rather than teaching subjects in isolation. We encourage children to ask questions and reflect on their leaning. The curriculum, or Program of Inquiry, is standards-based and aligned to both State and District standards, as well as the IB standards practices. Students learning is centered around specific themes such as "Who We Are", "How We Organize Ourselves", "Where We Are in Place and Time", "How the World Works", and "Sharing the Planet". The learning is purposeful and meaningful, in hopes that it will inspire students to take action and create a better and more peaceful world. 

Program of Inquiry, Short Avenue Elementary 2022-2023