The IB Diploma Programme creates an edge for Alcuin students as they move into college and beyond

Alcuin School, a leader in Montessori and International Baccalaureate® education, announced today that Paul Sanders, Global Head of Recognition, International Baccalaureate®Organization, will be the featured speaker during a special campus visit on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Sander’s presentation titled “The International Baccalaureate Edge” will be held in the Wyly Performing Arts Center at Alcuin School, 6144 Churchill Way. Visit: www.alcuinschool.org.

As a world leader in education, Mr. Sanders works primarily with universities and governments.  As such, he is uniquely qualified to show how the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) will create an edge for Alcuin students as they matriculate to the university level. 

Guest panelists joining Mr. Sanders will be Wes Waggoner, Dean of Undergraduate Admission and Executive Director of Enrollment Services at Southern Methodist University, Bill Shell, IB Consultant at the University of Colorado, and Karen Phillips, Executive Director of Texas IB Schools.

In recent years, Texas has experienced tremendous growth in IB curriculum within the state.  According to Texas IB Schools (TIBS), Texas has one of the highest concentrations of IB World Schools in the world. TIBS suggests that if Texas were a country, it would be ranked five out of 144 in total IB World Schools, behind the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Studies show that students who participated in the IB are better prepared for university studies, perform better when they are there, are more likely to graduate (and graduate sooner) than other students. In addition, they are also more likely to enroll in selective institutions.

“We are honored to host both Mr. Sanders and this esteemed group of thoughtful leaders on our campus this fall,” said Walter Sorensen, Alcuin Head of School. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for our parents, faculty and staff, as well as other education proponents, to hear from an impressive group of today’s leading experts,” he said. 

In addition to hearing more about how IB gives students an academic advantage, guests will also have an opportunity to learn how 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.  

“From the time they were toddlers, we have opened the minds of our students through the brilliance of the Montessori program,” said Mr. Sorensen.  “We have taught them to be inquirers and we have enabled them to be responsible for their own learning.  As we have nurtured their independence in Middle School and now in Upper School, our students are extending their Montessori training into IB.”  

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 this year, Alcuin students did not have the opportunity to continue into an Upper School program which would extend the school’s Montessori and IB at the same level of excellence. 

With the opening of Alcuin Upper School this fall, students have the opportunity to continue learning through inquiry and independence.  Because IB is becoming an increasingly popular qualification for young people wishing to go on college, Alcuin School will be uniquely positioned to serve its students by giving them an educational edge today as they face the challenges of tomorrow. 

For more information about Paul Sander’s presentation at Alcuin School, please contact Margaret Davis, Director of International Baccalaureate at margaret.davis@alcuinschool.org; 972.239.1745.

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.