Is the IB® Program Worth It? Evaluating the Value of an International Baccalaureate Education

Posted on Wednesday October 29 , 2025 by Strelitz International Academy
IB Students engaged in learning with a globe, exploring global education in Strelitz Academy

Choosing a learning path is a big family decision. The International Baccalaureate (IB®) stands out because it blends strong academics with character and global awareness. This guide examines the full IB® continuum, allowing you to weigh the pros and cons of IB® programs and decide whether an IB® program school is worth it for your child.

What is an IB® school?

The International Baccalaureate Organization authorizes an IB World School to teach one or more programs for ages 3–19. The continuum includes the Early Years program, Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), Diploma Program (DP), and Career-related Program (CP). Each school follows shared IB® standards and assessment practices while adapting learning to its local community.

QUICK FACT – The International Baccalaureate® offers four programs across the 3–19 age range — the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP) — taught in over 5,800 schools across 160+ countries worldwide.

How is the IB® curriculum different?

The IB® designs learning around inquiry, real-world context, and the Learner Profile traits such as caring, reflective, and principled. Subjects connect across themes, so skills build together rather than in isolation. Students ask questions, gather evidence, act on feedback, and reflect on growth in age-appropriate ways.

What Does the IB® PYP Look Like in the Primary Years?

At the primary level, learning is active and visible. A class might study communities by interviewing helpers on campus, mapping neighborhood services, reading stories about responsibility, and graphing how students travel to school. Children keep simple reflection notes, share short presentations, and revise their work after feedback. Inquiry looks playful in the early grades and steadily becomes more structured as students grow.

What Are the Benefits of the IB® Program?

Families value the value of International Baccalaureate education because growth shows up in everyday habits, not only in test results.

  • Transferable thinking skills: Students plan tasks, ask better questions, compare sources, and explain their thinking clearly.
  • Balanced academics and character: The Learner Profile puts caring, integrity, and responsibility alongside achievement.
  • Global perspective: Class themes connect local experiences to the wider world and encourage service and cultural awareness.
  • Early confidence and voice: Children practice sharing ideas, listening to peers, and supporting a claim with simple evidence.
  • A strong foundation for later learning: Study habits and reflection skills developed in the PYP prepare students for the demands of middle school.

QUICK FACT – According to research, IB® Diploma Programme graduates are more likely to enroll in top universities and demonstrate stronger academic performance, critical thinking skills, and global engagement compared to peers from non-IB® programs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the IB® Program?

Every model has trade-offs. Match these to your child’s needs.

Strengths parents notice:

1. Clear standards and rubrics that make expectations visible.
2. Routines for research, reflection, and feedback that build independence.
3. Evidence of learning through investigations, performances, and presentations, not only tests.

Challenges to plan for:
1. Time management: Projects and long-form writing require steady pacing.
2. Structure: The framework is organized and can feel demanding without routines at home.
3. Assessment variety: Portfolios and performance tasks may feel new at first; students learn to show growth over time.

Is IB® education good for students in the long term?

Many families see lasting gains in organization, communication, and resilience. Students learn how to break large tasks into steps, support ideas with evidence, and reflect on results. These habits help in advanced high-school coursework, college seminars, and real-world teamwork. For career-minded learners, the CP adds practical experience while preserving the IB® core.

QUICK FACT – A study from the U.S. Department of Education highlights that inquiry-based learning approaches — like those used in the IB® Primary Years Programme — significantly improve student engagement, problem-solving skills, and long-term knowledge retention.

What families can expect day to day?

Expect regular communication, clear unit goals, and chances to see work in progress. Homework aims at practice and preparation rather than busywork. Reflection appears early in simple ways and becomes more sophisticated over time. Service learning and community projects are common, connecting classroom learning to real needs.

How Strelitz International Academy puts IB® into practice

Strelitz International Academy is an IB® World School serving young learners in Hampton Roads. Small classes keep inquiry personal. Jewish life and values shape the school day through songs, stories, Shabbat moments, and service projects. While the daily work centers on early years, the focus on inquiry, language, and community builds a foundation that supports smooth transitions into later IB® programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The International Baccalaureate (IB®) is a globally recognized education framework spanning ages 3–19, focused on inquiry-based learning, character development, and global awareness. – IB® programs build transferable skills like critical thinking, research, reflection, and communication — abilities that benefit students well beyond the classroom.
  • The IB® Primary Years Programme (PYP) lays a strong foundation through playful, inquiry-driven learning that grows more structured as students advance.
  • While IB® programs require strong time management and routines, parents value the clear rubrics, visible expectations, and balance of academics with character growth.
  • Strelitz International Academy — the only IB® elementary school in Hampton Roads — combines the PYP with Jewish values to serve families in Virginia Beach, near Norfolk and Chesapeake.

Bottom line: Is the IB® program worth it?

For many families, yes. The value comes from rigorous academics, strong habits of mind, and a worldview that ties learning to community. The best answer depends on your child’s needs, your family’s values, and the school’s culture. Visit classrooms, review sample work, and talk with teachers to see how the program looks on the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using Storytelling to Enhance Inquiry and Communication Skills in IB Students

Posted on Friday August 15 , 2025 by Strelitz International Academy
Teachers Storytelling to Enhance Inquiry and Skills in IB Students

Narrative is the brain’s built-in filing system. Long before children decode print or memorize equations, they sort new information into stories with characters, conflict, and resolution. At Strelitz International Academy, teachers rely on this instinct to help students grasp complex concepts, ask more insightful questions, and speak with confidence.

What is storytelling in education?

In the classroom, storytelling is the deliberate use of narrative—spoken, written, filmed, or acted—to frame content. A well-chosen story gives abstract ideas a time, place, and viewpoint. When first-graders meet a farmer who watches seeds sprout, photosynthesis stops being a vocabulary word and becomes a plot point they can visualize and retell. Because the brain stores facts more efficiently when they ride on emotion and sequence, students consistently recall story-based lessons weeks after a worksheet fades.

How storytelling improves communication skills

Storytelling sharpens language because students must shape raw ideas into a form listeners can follow. Four specific habits drive that improvement:

  • Outline first, polish later. A quick beginning–middle–end sketch keeps the plot clear before dialogue or description piles on.
  • Swap generic verbs for vivid ones. Using darted instead of went adds motion and tone without extra sentences.
  • Tie abstract words to the senses. “The garden smelled like rain-wet tomatoes” lingers longer than “The garden smelled nice.”
  • Adjust voice to fit the audience. A bedtime tale for younger classmates uses softer vocabulary and slower pacing than a mystery podcast for peers.

Each retelling is instant feedback: students hear which choices land and which fall flat, tightening their prose and boosting oral delivery—no red-ink grammar drill required.

How can storytelling build inquiry in students?

Inquiry begins with curiosity. A cliff-hanger ending or an unanswered motive pushes students to design experiments, dig into primary sources, or interview experts to “finish” the tale. When fifth-graders hear about an explorer who mapped the night sky, they formulate questions: Why do constellations look different in each hemisphere? How did sailors navigate before GPS? The class then plans investigations that mirror the scientific method—observe, hypothesize, test, conclude—using the story as a launchpad and guide.

Why storytelling matters in the IB framework

The International Baccalaureate values learners who connect ideas across disciplines and cultures. Storytelling does precisely that. Students can trace a legend’s journey from Norway to Nigeria, pinning each setting on a map and noting how local customs bend the plot. Debate over which character acted fairly soon follows, and the class uncovers number patterns woven into the story while practicing open-minded analysis without a lecture. Reflection journals that follow each story help students evaluate sources, spot bias, and assess personal growth—core requirements of the IB Primary Years Programme.

Discover how your child can grow with our IB storytelling approach

At Strelitz International Academy, storytelling is present in every corner of the day—from morning meetings where kindergartners recount their weekend “small moments” to upper-grade exhibitions that weave personal narrative into research projects. Teachers curate tales that mirror unit themes, guide students in crafting original stories, and integrate digital tools to enable learners to create podcasts, animations, and graphic novels. The result: readers who think like writers, speakers who question like scientists, and caring citizens who see themselves in others’ shoes.

Parents can amplify these gains at home. Invite your child to retell a classroom story at dinner, pausing to ask how the main problem was solved. Compare the plot to a real-life challenge the family has faced, and brainstorm alternate endings together. When reading bedtime books, stop on an illustration and predict what might happen next; this simple habit sharpens inference skills that transfer to every subject. Even a short car-ride story swap—“Tell me the highlight of your day in three sentences”—reinforces sequencing and concise word choice. Small, consistent practices keep the classroom narrative thread alive and weave it into family life.

Schedule a tour of Strelitz International Academy to see our inquiry-driven classrooms, meet IB-certified teachers, and preview upcoming storytelling showcases for prospective families. Our admissions team will walk you through curriculum guides, after-school options, and tuition assistance in one short visit. Families searching for elementary schools in Virginia Beach can give their child a learning environment that values curiosity, clear communication, and global mindedness from day one.

 

How Mindfulness Practices Are Incorporated into the IB Early Years Curriculum

Posted on Wednesday July 16 , 2025 by Strelitz International Academy
Teacher reading to children in a classroom setting Mindfulness practice in IB school

Although mindfulness often conjures images of silent meditation, in an IB Early Years classroom, it takes on a slightly different form. Small acts, such as taking a measured breath before opening a picture book or a moment of stillness to hear a bell fade away, train attention and self-regulation skills to make inquiry smoother and relationships steadier. Below, you’ll see examples of how the program embeds mindful habits into daily learning for children ages 3-6.

What is mindfulness in early years education?

For young children, mindfulness is the simple act of noticing the present with curiosity and openness. A teacher might invite students to feel cool air enter the nose, to track the warmth as it leaves, or to name the “weather” inside—sunny, breezy, stormy. Such exercises strengthen working memory and impulse control, while also encouraging a healthy line of questioning. The classroom shifts from a reactive to a reflective mode, creating space for more nuanced conversations and deeper exploration.

How IB schools teach mindfulness differently

As opposed to a single subject or topic in itself, mindfulness is instead woven throughout the entire student experience. A “Who We Are” unit may begin with students sensing their heartbeats after recess and discussing how the body signals excitement. During a “Sharing the Planet” investigation, the class may spend time observing sprouts before recording growth. 

Because the Learner Profile values balance and reflection, each mindful pause serves the larger goal of helping children reflect on their own thinking.

Benefits of mindfulness for preschoolers

Teachers and families notice several gains once brief mindfulness sessions become routine. Children recover from frustration more quickly, focus longer during circle time, and settle disagreements with fewer tears. Calm brains absorb new information more readily than anxious ones, and long-term studies show that preschoolers who practice mindful breathing and listening enter primary grades with stronger reading readiness and healthier stress responses.

Mindfulness activities for ages 3 to 6

Sessions are short and sensory-rich. Examples include activities such as a sound safari, which challenges children to raise a finger when a chime grows silent, sharpening their auditory focus. Rainbow breathing turns each inhale into a corresponding color and each exhale into another, linking imagination to steady, rhythmic breathing. Slow “penguin walks” across the room transform balance practice into playful concentration. Every activity runs two to five minutes, enough to build the habit without straining young attention spans.

Is mindfulness part of the IB curriculum?

Mindfulness does not appear as a standalone subject in the International Baccalaureate Curriculum, yet its principles thread through core frameworks. Approaches to Learning highlight self-management, while the Learner Profile asks students to be balanced and reflective. Mindful breathing, listening, and movement give these aims practical shape, turning abstract ideals into lived experience and making observation—the first step of every inquiry—more intentional.

Personalized mindfulness routines in IB classrooms

Every learner arrives with unique energy, culture, and sensory preferences, so teachers adapt their routines accordingly. One child may find calm in a quiet corner with a sand timer, while another might choose a brief yoga stretch before revisiting a challenging puzzle. Exercises and imagery can be tailored to respect family backgrounds, and simple exercises go home with the students so that parents can reinforce the same language of pausing and noticing. Over time, each student builds a personal toolkit for steadying body and mind, a set of strategies that follows them from preschool into the primary years.

Mindfulness in the IB Early Years Programme is less about creating silence and more about nurturing thoughtful action. By teaching children to pause, notice, and respond with care, educators lay a foundation for confident inquiry and resilient learning—one quiet breath at a time.

Mindfulness at Strelitz International Academy—Next Steps for Families

Being the best IB program elementary school, Strelitz International Academy, mindfulness is woven into everything from morning meetings to outdoor exploration. If you would like to see mindfulness in action, we invite you to tour our campus, observe an Early Years class, and talk with our teachers about how attention-training supports academics, friendships, and well-being. Schedule a visit or call for more information at Strelitz International Academy.

New Goals for the New Academic Year: Fostering Growth and Development at Strelitz International Academy

Posted on Monday June 16 , 2025 by Strelitz International Academy
A girl writing her goals for new academic year at IB Elementary school

Summary

Setting academic goals for elementary students gives children a clearer way to understand their progress and participate in their own learning. At SIA, inquiry, reflection, differentiated support, community experiences, and parent involvement work together to make goal-setting part of everyday learning rather than a once-a-year exercise.

By keeping goals specific, encouraging children to reflect, and maintaining communication between home and school, families and educators can help students build habits that support both academic progress and lifelong learning.

How Academic Goals Support Lifelong Learning

Academic goals for elementary students work best when they are specific, age-appropriate, and connected to everyday learning. At Strelitz International Academy (SIA), students build these goals through inquiry, reflection, personalized support, and collaboration with teachers and families, helping them take greater ownership of their academic and personal growth. 

The hallways buzz, supply lists shrink, and curiosity rises—clear signs that the first week of school at Strelitz International Academy (SIA) has arrived. This year’s focus is clear: setting new academic year goals for IB elementary students that spark inquiry, build character, and keep pace with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. Below, see how teachers, parents, and students work together to turn those goals into daily wins.

Why Goal-Setting Matters in Elementary School

A written goal is a roadmap. For children, understanding what constitutes good academic goals for a new school year turns an abstract wish— “I want better grades” —into a clear plan of action: “I’ll read 20 minutes every night.” At SIA, goal-setting sessions happen in the first month, helping students learn to

  • Own their progress instead of chasing teacher approval
  • Reflect on setbacks and adjust strategies
  • Celebrate milestones, big and small

These habits anchor a growth mindset that travels long after fifth-grade promotion.

For additional ways families can reinforce these habits, explore SIA’s guide to helping elementary school-aged children prepare for success at school 

Build Student Growth Strategies for the New Academic Year 

Student holding clock for the IB new academic year.

SIA blends IB philosophy with local ingenuity, with four key elements:

1. Inquiry Front-Loading

Each Unit of Inquiry begins with a “hook”—a mystery box, a guest expert, or a mini field study. The spark increases engagement and positions students to design their questions, a cornerstone of setting educational goals at IB elementary schools.

2. Personal Learning Journals

Reflection fuels and encourages lifelong learning through new academic goals. Weekly entries capture wins, challenges, and next steps, providing evidence during conferences that metacognition is part of the curriculum, not extra credit.

3. Inclusive, Differentiated Support

A new Learning Lab offers one-on-one sessions with specialists plus enrichment clusters for high-interest projects. Flexible grouping keeps every learner moving forward, central to setting new academic year goals for elementary students.

4. Community Partnerships

Through the “Generation to Generation” campaign, students interview local seniors, practice empathy, and present findings in class exhibitions, proving global-minded learning can start in your own ZIP code.

Aligning Goals With SIA’s Bigger Vision

Strelitz International Academy’s mission statement offers a simple promise: nurture knowledgeable, compassionate learners who think globally and live Jewish values every day. Three campus-wide priorities turn that promise into practice this year.

1. Inspired IB Spaces

Classrooms, gardens, and maker corners are arranged for exploration rather than rows of desks. From the Early Years studio to the primary-grade science lab, furniture moves to match student questions, not the other way around. Hands-on areas for art, coding, and cooking help children test ideas in real time—exactly the environment an IB® Primary Years Program calls for.

2. Community and Cultural Roots

Located on the Reba & Sam Sandler Family Campus, SIA weaves Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, and service projects into daily learning. Students might explore fairness in the Torah one day and examine the same concept in world governments the next, linking local heritage to global inquiry.

3. Faculty Growth Equals Student Growth

Every teacher completes ongoing IB professional development, plus in-house workshops on inquiry strategies and social-emotional learning. When adults model curiosity and reflection, children see goal-setting as a lifelong habit, not just a September checklist.

These priorities keep SIA on course among leading IB program elementary schools while giving students a vibrant stage for their own New Year goals.

Parents who want to learn more about the framework behind this approach can also read SIA’s guide to understanding the International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Programme 

Partnering With Parents

Home support turns classroom goals into lifelong habits.

  • Goal Chats – ask your child to share one academic and one personal goal each week.
  • Predictable Routines – a set study window signals the brain to focus.
  • Micro-Celebrations – finished a tough chapter book? Hang a new bookmark on the fridge.
  • Stay Connected – attend workshops, volunteer, and reach out early if a goal stalls.

Teamwork ensures student growth strategies for the new academic year stay front-and-center long after first-week excitement fades.

Academic Goal-Setting Strategies at a Glance 

Strategy What It Looks Like Parent Takeaway
Inquiry Students begin learning by asking questions and exploring ideas. Encourage your child to ask questions rather than focusing only on getting the correct answer.
Reflection Students record wins, challenges, and next steps in learning journals. Ask what your child learned, what was challenging, and what they want to try next.
Differentiated Support Students receive support or enrichment according to their learning needs. Focus on your child’s individual progress rather than comparisons with classmates.
Community Learning Students connect classroom learning with people and experiences in their community. Look for everyday opportunities to connect school topics with real-world experiences.
Home-School Partnership Families reinforce goals through routines, conversations, and communication with teachers. Keep goals visible and discuss progress regularly without making goals feel like a checklist.

Key Takeaways

Academic goals for elementary students can turn broad ambitions into specific, manageable actions.

  • Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions and take greater ownership of learning.
  • Reflection through personal learning journals helps students recognize progress and identify next steps.
  • Differentiated support allows students to work toward goals according to their individual learning needs.
  • Parents can reinforce classroom goals through routines, regular conversations, encouragement, and communication with teachers.

Looking Ahead

SIA blends high expectations with joyful discovery by anchoring lesson design to new academic year goals for IB elementary students. Inquiry projects, reflective journals, and inclusive supports turn curiosity into competence, helping every learner see school as the launchpad for a lifetime of questioning and creating.

Ready to watch these strategies in action? Schedule a campus tour and explore how Strelitz International Academy turns goals into growth for every child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Benefits of Daycare for Infants and Toddlers

Posted on Wednesday December 4 , 2024 by Strelitz International Academy
Girls are playing in SIA Daycare

Regarding early childhood development, daycare for toddlers and infants offers more than just a place for children to be supervised. It’s a world of discovery, growth, and learning that sets the foundation for a bright future. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top benefits of daycare for your infant or toddler and how Strelitz International Academy, an International Baccalaureate (IB)® World School, is the right daycare for your family.

Benefits of Daycare Vs. Staying Home

1. Weighing the Options

Parents often face the difficult decision of choosing between keeping their children at home or enrolling them in a daycare program. Staying at home can offer children a familiar environment and direct parental attention, which might be perceived as providing security and stability. However, as children grow, they may benefit from more structured social and educational experiences that home settings may find challenging to provide. The benefits of daycare vs. staying at home include enhanced socialization, exposure to diverse learning activities, and the development of independence.

2. The IB® PYP Curriculum: A Distinctive Edge

Daycare programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB)® Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Strelitz International Academy offer distinct advantages over home-based care. The IB® PYP curriculum promotes a structured yet flexible learning environment that encourages exploration, inquiry, and critical thinking from an early age. This globally oriented approach fosters a diverse and inclusive learning atmosphere, preparing children for future academic and social success.

The SIA Experience

Strelitz International Academy offers a comprehensive daycare program that begins as early as six weeks old. This program is thoughtfully crafted to support children’s developmental milestones while encouraging inquiry through play, singing, early literacy, and verbal acquisition.

What sets our daycare for infants and toddlers apart is our commitment to the holistic development of each child, in line with our mission to enrich lives through a dynamic Jewish environment. By fostering social and global consciousness, Strelitz helps children develop into compassionate, lifelong learners who respect all of humanity. The emphasis on core values such as respect, community, and a love of learning creates an environment where children can thrive.

Building Social and Emotional Skills

1. Cultivating Social Skills

Daycare provides infants and toddlers with regular social interactions and age-appropriate activities that are key to developing communication and cooperative skills. At Strelitz, children engage in activities that encourage teamwork, empathy, sharing, problem-solving, and a sense of belonging and community.

2. Nurturing Emotional Growth and Resilience

Daily interactions with caregivers and peers in daycare contribute to children’s emotional resilience, confidence, and independence. The supportive environment and IB® PYP curriculum at Strelitz allow children to express their feelings, handle challenges, and develop a strong sense of self.

Children at our Jewish day school learn to manage emotions and build relationships, fostering a sense of security and confidence. Our caring and attentive staff provide a safe space for children to explore and develop essential coping skills, which is integral to building resilience and adaptability to new situations.

Fostering Cognitive and Language Development

1. Stimulating Cognitive Growth

A structured daycare setting, like the one at Strelitz, offers a wealth of opportunities for cognitive development. Through the IB® curriculum, children are encouraged to explore, inquire, and think critically. This inquiry-based approach fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and intellectual exploration, setting the stage for a lifelong love of learning.

At Strelitz, children engage in hands-on activities that challenge their minds and encourage exploration and curiosity. The IB® PYP’s emphasis on global-minded education introduces children to diverse concepts and encourages them to think deeply about the world around them.

2. Developing Language Skills and Communication

Language skills are essential for effective communication, and daycare provides a rich environment for language development. At Strelitz, children are exposed to linguistic experiences, from listening to stories and singing to engaging in conversation with teachers. These interactions contribute to early language acquisition and vocabulary growth.

Strelitz offers language immersion opportunities that support verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Children learn to express themselves clearly and confidently, building a strong foundation for future communication.

Creating Routine and Structure

1. Creating a Sense of Security Through Routine

Routine and structure are vital to a child’s sense of security and well-being. At Strelitz, predictable schedules provide children with a sense of stability and comfort. This structure helps children adapt to transitions and reinforces their confidence in familiar environments.

The daily routines at Strelitz are thoughtfully designed to support children’s development, foster a sense of security, and create a safe and nurturing environment. From naptime to playtime, each part of the day is carefully planned to meet the needs of each child, helping them feel supported.

2. Developing Self-Discipline and Cooperation

Group activities, guided play, and shared tasks at Strelitz help toddlers learn patience, cooperation, and self-regulation. These experiences align with the IB® PYP’s goals of nurturing responsible, independent learners prepared for future challenges. These experiences build self-discipline and a sense of responsibility, empowering children to be active participants in their learning.

Promoting Physical Development

1. Enhancing Motor Skills and Coordination

Physical play is essential for the growth and development of motor skills. At Strelitz, children engage in safe activities that strengthen both gross and fine motor skills, such as crawling, climbing, and handling age-appropriate tools. These activities promote coordination, body awareness, and overall physical development. Through play and movement, children develop the skills needed for physical fitness and well-being.

Preparing for Lifelong Success

A quality daycare program prepares children for future structured learning environments, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. At Strelitz, children are introduced to academic concepts like shapes, colors, and numbers, sparking a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Our globally oriented curriculum at Strelitz nurtures children’s natural curiosity and encourages exploration through hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning. By engaging in meaningful activities, children are inspired to explore and question the world around them, instilling a lifelong passion for knowledge.

Daycare at Strelitz

At Strelitz International Academy, the commitment to transparent communication and individualized care ensures that parents can rest easy knowing their child is in good hands. Our focus on building strong relationships with families creates a supportive and nurturing community. Parents are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s education at our Jewish day school, fostering a sense of partnership and collaboration.

Choosing the right daycare for your child is a significant decision, and the benefits of enrolling in a quality program like the International Baccalaureate (IB)® Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Strelitz International Academy are undeniable. From social and emotional development to cognitive growth and academic readiness, the advantages of daycare at Strelitz are hard to ignore.

If you’re interested in learning more about Strelitz International Academy’s daycare program, we encourage you to contact us or schedule a tour and explore the opportunities that await your child. With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to fostering lifelong learners, Strelitz is the ideal choice for parents seeking a quality daycare experience.

Why Should You Send Your Child to the IB® Program?

Posted on Tuesday November 8 , 2022 by Strelitz International Academy
Two boys are posing with books and globe

As a parent, you want to give your child every possible advantage. And it all starts with choosing the right elementary school. In today’s competitive, fast-changing world, that means finding a school that goes beyond just academics—one that develops curiosity, character, and global awareness from day one.

That’s where the International Baccalaureate (IB®) Primary Years Programme (PYP) stands out. It’s not just a curriculum; it’s a framework that empowers children to think critically, act ethically, and love learning for life.

At Strelitz International Academy, a fully authorized IB® primary school in Virginia Beach, we provide a learning experience that sets children up for lifelong success. Whether you’re just starting your school search or already considering IB, this guide explains exactly why parents should consider IB education for their child’s early years.

What is the IB® Program in Elementary Schools?

The IB® program, specifically the International Baccalaureate (IB®) World School Primary Years Programme (PYP), is developed for children between 3 and 12. This program is related to a specific teaching/learning style meant to create a diverse and inclusive community of students. In the program, students discover agency through an inquiry-based approach to learning. Additionally, students are encouraged to form global connections and appreciate their fellow students and peers. Children develop academically and emotionally through this unique framework of knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and actions. 

Why Is the IB® World School Primary Years Program Beneficial?

The IB® Primary Years Programme is rigorous, but rewarding. It blends academic excellence with social, emotional, and ethical development. 

Here’s a closer look at the IB PYP advantages for early education:

1. Students Learn to Be Critical Thinkers

Unlike traditional education models, the IB® PYP isn’t limited by a state-mandated curriculum. That freedom allows schools to draw from a wide range of philosophies, perspectives, and content sources. Students aren’t told what to think—they’re taught how to think.

  • Children learn to ask powerful questions and seek their own answers
  • They evaluate multiple viewpoints and challenge assumptions
  • Critical thinking is embedded in every subject, from science to art

These skills aren’t just for the classroom. They build the foundation for success in higher education, careers, and everyday life.

2. Prepares Students for Higher Education

One of the major benefits of IB programs for children is long-term academic preparedness. IB® students:

  • Engage with complex topics earlier than their peers
  • Build strong habits for study, time management, and research
  • Learn to communicate ideas clearly, both orally and in writing

Studies show that students from IB® PYP programs consistently score higher in reading, writing, and math. By middle and high school, they’re more likely to excel in advanced coursework and college-prep environments.

3. Internationally Recognized and Respected

The International Baccalaureate for elementary students isn’t just a local program—it’s a global standard of excellence. Universities and secondary schools around the world recognize the IB® as a mark of academic quality and cultural fluency.

To earn the IB® designation, schools undergo a rigorous authorization and review process. That gives parents peace of mind: your child is getting a high-quality, globally vetted education.

4. Promotes Interdisciplinary Learning

Real life isn’t divided into math, reading, and science—so why should school be? The IB® PYP connects subjects under unifying themes to show students how knowledge is interconnected.

For example:

  • A unit on “How the World Works” might combine science experiments, math data analysis, and reading nonfiction texts
  • Students learn to apply knowledge across fields, improving retention and relevance

This holistic approach develops agile thinkers who can solve complex, real-world problems.

5. Offers Personalized Learning and Student Agency

Every child is unique. The PYP honors that by giving students voice, choice, and ownership of their learning process.

  • Teachers adapt content to meet diverse learning styles and paces
  • Students pursue interests through open-ended projects and independent inquiry
  • The result is higher motivation, better engagement, and deeper understanding

Children who feel in control of their learning become more confident and capable.

6. Builds Social and Emotional Intelligence

Academic success means little without emotional well-being. The PYP integrates social-emotional learning into daily routines and classroom culture.

  • Students practice empathy, cooperation, and respectful disagreement
  • Conflict resolution and mindfulness are taught explicitly
  • Teachers model emotional awareness and positive behavior

These soft skills are essential for leadership, collaboration, and personal fulfillment.

7. Emphasizes Global Awareness and Cultural Respect

In today’s world, cross-cultural understanding is critical. The PYP curriculum includes global themes, diverse literature, and international perspectives.

  • Students learn about customs, languages, and traditions from around the world
  • They celebrate differences and discover shared human values
  • This prepares them to thrive in multicultural environments, both socially and professionally

8. Encourages Action and Social Responsibility

At the end of each unit, students are encouraged to take action based on what they’ve learned. That might mean:

  • Leading a recycling program
  • Hosting a cultural awareness event
  • Volunteering for a local cause

IB® students don’t just learn about the world—they improve it. From an early age, they see themselves as active contributors to society.

9. Encourages Creative Expression and the Arts

The International Baccalaureate for elementary students goes beyond core academics. Arts, music, and physical education are integral, not extras.

  • Children explore different modes of self-expression
  • They build confidence through performance and presentation
  • Creative projects encourage problem-solving and innovation

This balanced development leads to well-rounded individuals who value creativity alongside intellect.

10. Fosters Community Engagement and Spiritual Growth

At Strelitz, we believe in nurturing both the heart and the mind. The IB® framework allows us to incorporate values, character education, and community service into the curriculum.

  • Students develop a sense of responsibility to others
  • They build strong relationships with teachers, peers, and mentors
  • Our school culture reinforces kindness, respect, and lifelong learning

Why Strelitz International Academy?

Are you looking for an IB® elementary school in Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach? Strelitz International Academy is the solution you have been searching for. 

Strelitz International Academy is more than an IB® school—we’re a tight-knit, nurturing community committed to academic excellence and personal growth.

We serve families in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk with:

  • Certified IB®-trained educators
  • Small class sizes and personalized attention
  • A diverse, inclusive learning environment
  • A curriculum that integrates arts, science, technology, and values

When you choose Strelitz, you’re choosing a school that sees the potential in every child and has the tools to unlock it.

Learn more about the IB® Primary Years Program at Strelitz International Academy, or call 757-424-4327 to speak with the Director of Admissions and schedule a tour today.

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