Morris Jeff is the first New Orleans Elementary School to be named IB World School!

Morris Jeff Community School is the First New Orleans Elementary School  to be Named an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School 

Morris Jeff Community School is proud to announce its recent authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP).  The school has been working towards this authorization for the past 3 years as a candidate school of the International Baccalaureate Organization. 

“This is a milestone in our school’s development as this has been our goal since our opening in 2010,” said Principal Patricia Perkins. The process was a rigorous one, involving: application writing, professional development and training of faculty by the IBO, and submitting units of study written by faculty. The process also involved scrutiny by a recent team of authorizers who observed in classrooms, reviewed the school’s curriculum, and interviewed faculty, students, parents, board members, and administrators.

The IBO has a proven track record of high standards, academic rigor, character development, and assessment, having authorized schools in more than 140 countries around the world since its inception in 1968.   

“An IB education is unique because of its rigorous academic and personal standards. IB programmes challenge students to excel not only in their studies but also in their personal growth. The IB aims to inspire a lifelong quest for learning hallmarked by enthusiasm and empathy. To that end, the IB gathers a worldwide community of supporters who celebrate our common humanity and who share a belief that education can help to build a better world.” (What is an IB Education? published Aug. 2011)    

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on the academic, social, and personal development of youngsters from 4 – 10 years and has been the framework of Morris Jeff’s school curriculum since the school opened. 
 
“Our parents, board, faculty and staff are proud and thrilled to have reached this milestone.  It is a privilege and honor for Morris Jeff to be the first elementary school in New Orleans to offer the PYP," said Perkins.  Presently there are 7 high schools and middle schools offering IB programmes in Louisiana, but no other elementary school.   

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation, motivated by its mission, and focused on the student.  The four programmes for students aged 3 to 19 help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world.  Founded in 1968, the IB currently works with 3,632 schools in 146 countries to develop and offer four challenging programmes to over 1,116,000 students aged 3 to 19 years.  For more information about IBO programmes, go to www.ibo.org.  

Morris Jeff Community School is a type 5 charter school open to all students residing in Orleans Parish.  For the upcoming school year, the school will serve 410 students in grades PreK-5.  Students are provided with a deep, rich curriculum that engages them in inquiry, develops strong critical thinking skills, and challenges them to a new level of learning.  Morris Jeff school was imagined and built out of thousands of conversations with parents, community members, and professional educators.  This grassroots approach to educational reform has made Morris Jeff one of the most racially and socio-economically diverse public schools in the history of New Orleans.  For more information on the school, see http://www.morrisjeffschool.org.  

Contact:  Heather Harper, Eastbank Collaborative of Charter Schools (ECCS) - (504) 289-0499