They are celebrating at Smith Magnet Elementary after the International Baccalaureate Organization officially authorized the school as an IB Primary Years Programme.
Principal Chris Lassiter delivered the news to his staff. Lassiter said it was a momentous time.
“I cannot be more proud of every stakeholder who has been involved in this journey of re-culturing our school identity, raising our academic direction to the high standards of the IBO’s 21st Century vision and observing the buy-in and commitment from all members of the Smith Magnet community,” said Lassiter.
As an authorized Primary Years Programme, Smith Magnet Elementary completes the Garner Area International Baccalaureate Pathway. Through this unique pathway, students in the Garner area have the opportunity to attend and to learn in an IB school Kindergarten through 12th grade at Smith, East Garner Magnet Middle and Garner Magnet High.
The school has spent several years working towards authorization. The process includes staff training and the development of IB lesson plans. An International Baccalaureate Organization team visited the school in November to determine if it had met IB authorization requirements.
You can read more about Smith Magnet Elementary here and the IB Primary Years Programme here.