IB, An Education for All
Country Day World School is a Candidate School* for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Country Day World School believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
The IB philosophy aligns seamlessly with the CDWS mission to nurture, inspire, and prepare children to flourish globally, ensuring students grow as critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and compassionate leaders. The CDWS Portrait of a Graduate also aligns with the IB Learner Profile, reinforcing values such as integrity, resilience, respect, and social responsibility. Our CDWS students will join a global network of future-ready learners equipped with the skills and mindset to make a meaningful impact in the world. IB at CDWS will augment our students’ Montessori learning experience and further support their growth and development.
What is IB?
The International Baccalaureate (IB), founded in 1968, is a non-profit educational foundation that offers four internationally recognized programs. These programs focus on developing intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills to prepare students for a globalized world. The IB mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
What is the MYP?
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16 and aims to bridge the transition between elementary education and more specialized studies. Emphasizing a holistic approach to learning, the MYP integrates traditional academic disciplines with real-world contexts through a concept-based curriculum. Students are encouraged to develop critical and creative thinking skills, reflect on their learning, and engage in community-based projects. The program fosters intercultural understanding and global awareness, preparing students to be active, compassionate, and lifelong learners. At CDWS all students in grades 6-8 will participate in the MYP program.
What is the PYP?
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is tailored for children aged 3 to 12 and focuses on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Central to the PYP is its inquiry-based methodology, where students explore key concepts through play, discovery, and guided inquiry. By connecting classroom lessons to real-life experiences, the PYP encourages students to become self-motivated learners who think independently and collaborate with peers. The program places importance on social-emotional development, global perspectives, and the cultivation of caring and principled attitudes. The PYP program complements the Montessori philosophy, environment and methods.