The International Baccalaureate Organization is a non-profit educational foundation that is recognized leader in the field of international education. It supports schools in encouraging students to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens. Founded in 1968, the IB Organization currently works with 1,876 schools in 124 countries to offer challenging programs including:

• Primary Years Program (students age 3-12) – This is the program in place at Highland Park Elementary for grades K-6. (Pre-K programming is not available at this time.) It focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and also in the world outside, through other environments where children learn. It offers a framework that meets children's academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural needs. The PYP serves as an excellent introduction to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, but it is not a prerequisite for this or for the Diploma Program.
  
• Middle Years Program (students age 11-16) – There is currently not a Middle Years Program in place in the Twin Cities area,  but the HPE Site Council is currently working toward that as a desirable initiative we would like to see in place for our children in the coming years.
  
• Diploma Program (Students age 16-19) – Several area high schools offer the IB Diploma Program, including Highland Park High School and Central High School.

The IB Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. More information is available at www.ibo.org or through the IB/PYP coordinator at Highland Park Elementary.