Westchester Academy for International Studies has been named an International Baccalaureate World School! Westchester Academy is proud to announce that its application to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School has been accepted.  Westchester Academy is now authorized to begin teaching courses in the IB Diploma Programme beginning in August of 2005.  The IB Diploma Programme is for 11th and 12th grade students and is a challenging college-preparatory curriculum which is recognized in countries across the globe. The application process to become an IB World School has been a rewarding two-year experience.  Many of our teachers have attended the IB Teacher Training Workshops, with many more to participate in the coming years.  This training and the implementation of the IB Diploma Programme on the Westchester campus will be an instrument part in continuing to challenge our students and prepare them for the academically rigorous world of university and college life. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year schedule of courses which challenges students to explore subject areas with great depth and intellectual drive.  In addition to the IB subject areas, students will also engage in courses and activities specific to the world of International Baccalaureate – Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service).  Each element of the IB Diploma Programme is designed to contribute to the education of the “whole student” – helping each child to maximize their strengths and to realize their potential, both inside and outside of the classroom.  As the IBO’s mission statement reads:  “The International Baccalaureate 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.” 10th graders who are interested in applying to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Westchester Academy must complete an application process under the supervision of Mr. Stephen Shearer, IB Coordinator.  Students will submit a completed application form, samples of their academic coursework, and participate in an interview.  Please contact Mr. Shearer at stephen.shearer@springbranchisd.com or (713) 365-5678  ext. 1263 for further information. Congratulations to Westchester Academy’s director Mrs. Pamela Butler and to all of the faculty, staff, and students!