International Baccalaureate (IB)
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
Madison Simis Elementary is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) accredited school in the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Programme is designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young individuals who are prepared to work, live, and make positive contributions in a complex and
evolving global society. Grounded in the principles of intercultural understanding and respect, the IB framework emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning, fostering students’ natural curiosity and encouraging them to build on their existing knowledge. Beginning in kindergarten, the PYP’s rigorous and global-minded framework teaches students to think independently, conduct in-depth research, write reports, and take meaningful action to make a difference.
The PYP program at Madison Simis prepares students to continue their IB education with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) offered at Madison Meadows Middle School.
Madison Simis teachers and staff regularly receive IB professional support and training.
More information about the International Baccalaureate® Programme is available at ibo.org.
Calico Spanish
Calico Spanish is a complete Spanish Program that uses music, visual aids, and fun activities to introduce young students to Spanish. All students in 1st through 4th grade receive two 30-minute Spanish classes in a 6 day rotational cycle with a full-time Spanish instructor. Kindergarten students are introduced to Spanish with one 30-minute class in a six day rotational cycle for one semester.
The Calico Spanish Program exposes students to the language through visual aids, activities, songs, and mini-dramatizations.
The program is based on the philosophy that students learn language when they are exposed to messages in that language that they can decipher and understand. The teacher regularly uses new words with the students along with visual cues, hand signals, repetition, and dramatizations to help students grasp the meaning of the communication.
Comprehension is the focus of the program, leading teachers to maximize their use of Spanish, while still allowing students to ask questions in English. This allows the instructor to encourage students to use Spanish to their level of ability without creating frustration through an expectation of immediate fluency. The emphasis is on understanding and pronunciation of the new language through songs, activities, recitation and repetition of words from the calendar, and questions requiring simple answers.