Schoolwide Academics

PS 9 is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School candidate, delivering the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) in Grades Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5. The program nurtures and develops young students and caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. The PYP offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that builds conceptual understanding. It is a student-centered approach to education for children aged 3-12. It reflects the best of educational research, thought leadership and experience derived from IB World Schools.

The PYP curriculum framework begins with the premise that students are agents of their own learning and partners in the learning process. It prioritizes people and their relationships to build a strong learning community.

PYP students use their initiative to take responsibility and ownership of their learning. By learning through inquiry and reflecting on their own learning, PYP students develop knowledge, conceptual understandings, skills and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile to make a difference to their own lives, their communities, and beyond.

Each grade develops a program that fits under the 6 International Baccalaureate transdisciplinary themes:

•             Who We Are

•             How We Express Ourselves

•             Where We Are in Place and Time

•             Sharing the Planet

•             How the World Works

•             How We Organize Ourselves

Students work in these concept-based units of study, incorporating elements and learning standards of reading, writing, social studies and science necessary for each grade. Students engage in project-based learning that promotes taking action in the school, at home, in the community and around the world.

Language Policy
At PS 9, we recognize the integral role of language in the learning process. Our language policy is a reflection of our commitment to providing a rich and inclusive educational experience, aligned with the principles and practices of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This document outlines our goals, strategies, and practices to support effective language teaching and learning for all students, taking into consideration their diverse linguistic backgrounds and the unique socio-cultural context of our school community. You may view our Language Policy in its entirety by visiting: PS9 IB Language Policy.

Philosophy of Assessment
At PS 9, our assessment philosophy is rooted in the cultivation of creativity, curiosity, connection, compassion, and a love for learning. It is grounded in the belief that assessment is an integral and ongoing component of the teaching and learning process. Assessment serves as a tool to enhance student learning, offering valuable insights to both students and educators. Our approach to assessment concentrates on the growth and development of each student, reflecting our commitment to their academic success and personal development. You may view our Assessment Policy in its entirety by visiting: PS9 IB Assessment Policy.

Please note:

PS 9 The Sarah Smith Garnet School is a candidate school* for the Primary Years Program (PYP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students.

* Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

For further information about the IB and its programmes visit http://www.ibo.org.