CHINO - Anna Borba Fundamental School has been named an International Baccalaureate World School and Don Lugo High School has received the designation of candidate school. Borba is the first elementary school in San Bernardino County to carry the title International Baccalaureate World School and only one of 11 schools in California to be accredited by the International Baccalaureate organization.
The program uses rigorous academic standards starting at the elementary level and encourages students to work toward a college career. Students learn to think critically and speak a world language while emphasis is put on technology and community service.
Don Lugo High School has accomplished the necessary work at the first level to be accepted as a candidate for the IB Diploma Program.
"The District is well on its way to be one of only a handful of districts in the nation to offer a comprehensive K-12 International Baccalaureate Program as it continues to increase academic opportunities for students to have the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in the global marketplace," said Julie Gobin, District spokeswoman. "Our community demands that our schools offer premiere educational programs that are unique to districts in this area."
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program mission statement states, "(IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IB works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people with their differences can also be right."
At the elementary level, the program focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and in the world outside, serves as a transdisciplinary program of international education, and consists of five essential elements including concepts, knowledge, skills, attitude and action.
The Diploma Program, offered to students in the 11th and 12th grade, offers a demanding two-year curriculum that meets the needs of highly motivated students, leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world and requires study of six subjects and three core components.
The next steps for Don Lugo involve a candidate phase, a second application process, an authorization visit and prospective authorization. The process is expected to take about four to five years.
The principal at Anna Borba, Kathy Hemlock, was notified by Jeffrey R. Beard, International Baccalaureate Director General in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday.
Briggs Fundamental School and Ramona Junior High School are also working toward becoming IB schools. Briggs (K-8) is working on the Primary Years and Middle Years programs. Ramona (7-8) has initiated the first phase for consideration in the Middle Years program.
Chino Valley Unified School District serves 33,330 students in Chino, Chino Hills and Ontario. There are 36 schools in the District including 22 elementary (K-6), 2 fundamental (K-6 & K-8), 5 junior highs and 4 high schools and 3 alternative schools. Five elementary schools operate on a year-round basis. The District employs about 3,160 persons, making it one of the largest employers in San Bernardino County. The District's annual budget is approximately $270 million. The District's Mission Statement is: Increase Student Achievement, Provide Safe Schools and Promote Positive School Climate.
and is not a part of nor affiliated with the City of Chino Hills.