International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

North MS is District 11's only school-wide International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) middle school. The aim of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is to develop the understanding of students and to teach them to relate the context of the classroom to the realities of the world outside school by combining knowledge, inquiry and critical thinking. The MYP teaching model provides every student at North a chance for growth in social as well as academic areas.

The IBMYP is a five-year, vertically aligned program designed to prepare students for the challenges of advanced high school studies. North’s staff works closely with instructors at Palmer High School to facilitate the transition from North to Palmer. Students attend grades 6 – 8 at North, and may continue their MYP experience at Palmer High School in grades 9 and 10.

Within the IBMYP, North offers the Honors Pathway, an academically rigorous program especially designed for highly motivated students.  The IBMYP Honors Pathway includes instruction in eight subject areas: English, Foreign Language (French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish), Humanities (History and Geography), Math, and Science, as well as classes in the Arts (Drama, Music, and Visual Art), Physical Education and Technology. All North Honor’s Pathway courses meet or exceed District and State guidelines.

Informational meetings for  students and their parents interested in the North Honors Pathway will be held in January and February. Meetings are in the cafeteria and generally begin at 6:30pm and last 1½ to 2 hours.

While our Shadow Program, which invites interested students to come see the school and classrooms, was held the first week in December, there will be more chances to visit after Spring Break.

Entrance to the North Honors Pathway requires a successful application. Applications for the IBMYP are available at North Middle School, will be available at the information meetings, and are on the North MS website. The packet includes information on program entrance guidelines and all necessary forms. PLEASE NOTE THAT AT LEAST TWO TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS ARE REQUIRED. If accepted into the program, a student’s permit is automatically approved. Please note that transportation is the family’s responsibility. If you have any questions, please contact the North Middle School IB office at 328-2427.

Applications for the North Honors Pathway program for the 2013-1014 school year are due in the IB Office at North by Friday, March 15, 2013.  Due to the advances in standardized testing over the last few years, applicants are no longer required to complete an additional entry exam.

Sincerely,
Ms. Megan Sheppard, IB Coordinator
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
328-2429 or 328-2427
Megan.sheppard@d11.org