St. Francis of Assisi’s motto is that they are not just a school but a way of life which is evident in their IB program. Located in the Northeast neighborhood of Baltimore, St. Francis of Assisi School has what no other Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore offers, an International Baccalaureate education for middle school students. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, offering students a comprehensive and holistic learning approach during their formative middle school years in grades sixth, seventh, and eighth. St. Francis of Assisi was authorized as an IB World School for the Middle Years Program in 2015. Since then over 250 students have made their way through the program, going on to prestigious charter, private, and Catholic high schools.
One of the primary benefits of the IB MYP is its emphasis on academic rigor, which prepares students for the challenges of higher education and beyond. Through a rigorous curriculum encompassing a broad range of subjects, such as design, science, art history, English language arts, world history, art history, drama, music, Spanish, and religion students at St. Francis of Assisi engage in interdisciplinary learning that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and critical thinking skills. By exploring concepts through multiple lenses, students develop a deep understanding of subject matter and cultivate a thirst for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.
SFA’s IB MYP encourages students to become lifelong learners by instilling in them the importance of inquiry-based learning. All units begin by posing thought-provoking questions and encouraging students to explore real-world issues. Our program fosters intellectual curiosity and empowers students to take ownership of their education.
In addition to academic excellence, the IB MYP places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development. By promoting reflection, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills, the IB MYP helps students develop into well-rounded individuals who can thrive in diverse environments.
The IB MYP at SFA fosters a sense of cultural awareness and appreciation by exposing students to different perspectives, beliefs, and traditions from around the world. By promoting intercultural understanding and global citizenship, the program prepares students to navigate the world with empathy, respect, and open-mindedness.
Over the course of the students’ eighth grade year, they work on a community project that addresses a specific need within the community. The students develop a goal and action plan to meet that goal. This year-long project not only enriches their educational experience but also equips them with the skills necessary to become responsible and compassionate global citizens. Students have organized book drives, worked at local soup kitchen such as Our Daily Bread and the Fransican Center, crocheted caps for newborns in the NICU, donated English books to other countries, created Jared Boxes for children in the hospital, and worked with local recreation centers to gather and donate gently used sports equipment.
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at St. Francis of Assisi stands as a testament to the power of education to transform lives and shape the future. As we look to the future, this unique program will continue to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.
Please visit our middle school open house on Thursday, April 25 at 6pm to learn more about how our middle years International Baccalaureate program can transform your child’s education. https://sfa-school.org
