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Alcuin Announces Head of International Baccalaureate® as Commencement Speaker for First Graduation

Alcuin School, a leader in Montessori and International Baccalaureate® education, announced today that Dr. Siva Kumari, global IB Director General, will be the keynote speaker at its first-ever graduation ceremony on May 24 at the Belo Mansion in downtown Dallas. Heading the IB Organization since January 2014, Dr. Kumari is the first woman to hold the position.

As a world leader in education, Dr. Kumari’s participation at Alcuin’s graduation ceremony demonstrates the importance of the IB curriculum for its students. Students who study the IB learn critical thinking skills and become internationally-minded people who learn to respect themselves, others, and the world around them.

Dr. Kumari is uniquely qualified to share how the IB Diploma Programme (DP) creates an edge for Alcuin students as they matriculate to the university level. 

Studies show that students who participate in IB education are better prepared for college, they perform better when they are there, and they are more likely to graduate (and graduate sooner) than other students. In addition, IB high school graduates are also more likely to enroll in selective institutions.

 “We are honored to host Dr. Kumari as our commencement speaker as we celebrate our first graduating class,” says Walter Sorensen, Alcuin Head of School. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for our graduates, parents, faculty and staff, to hear from one of today’s experts in global education.”   

The IB offers a significant academic advantage and Alcuin’s Montessori education serves as an excellent transition to the IB curriculum.  Although there are more than 1,119,000 IB students enrolled at 3,747 schools in 146 countries, fewer than 10 schools combine the advantages of Montessori and IB in the way the programs are implemented at Alcuin.

At Alcuin School, the IB pedagogy extends the Montessori methods in an age appropriate way. Teachers continue to guide rather than dictate student learning.  Choice and responsibility continue.  Until Alcuin launched the Upper School in 2014, older students did not have the opportunity to move forward into a program which extended the school’s Montessori and IB at the same level of excellence. 

“It has been an amazing journey for our first senior class who are Alcuin’s educational trailblazers,” said Sorensen.  “They have all worked so hard and with so much dedication to achieve their academic goals through the IB programme.  These young people are truly inspirational and our faculty and staff have been so proud to have been part of their success,” he adds.   

Due to the exceptional academic performance of the students, Alcuin’s inaugural graduating class has received an average of $100,000 in scholarships for each student making the collective total over a million dollars.  They have also received offers of admission from colleges and universities across the United States, Canada and Europe. The graduates will be attending a variety of globally recognized research institutions and premier liberal arts colleges this fall.  

About Alcuin School

A vibrant, nurturing, coeducational academic community serving students from toddler to 12th grade, Alcuin School uses the Montessori and International Baccalaureate program methods to foster critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning. With faculty support, students at Alcuin School are eager to embrace change, question the status quo, and prepare for their future as leaders in a global society. For more information, please visit www.alcuinschool.org.

Tuesday, 08 May 2018