Avalon Elementary Named Macomb's First International Baccalaureate World School

South Lake Schools announced that Avalon Elementary School has been recognized as the first International Baccalaureate World School in Macomb County offering the Primary Years Programme. 

Avalon Principal Jeanne Poleski and her staff worked for four years to develop a rigorous curriculum along with learning experiences which encourages inquiry, critical thinking and problem solving skills, according to the district.

“Our children deserve an education that prepares them for global competition.  The International Baccalaureate World School program is designed to transform the educational experience for our students.” said Pamela Balint, Superintendent at South Lake Schools, in a release. “I am proud of this team of teachers and this community. Their dedication and hard work made this possible.” 

District officials state that the one of the benefits of the International Baccalaureate curriculum is an increased depth of student understanding. Students study six broad units of inquiry throughout the year including:

• Who we are
• Where we are in place and time
• How we express ourselves
• How the world works
• How we organize ourselves
• Sharing the planet

Avalon now joins 1,055,000 International Baccalaureate students at 3,476 schools in 143 countries, according to the International Baccalaureate website.

“By engaging in a real education of excellence for the real world, students are able to apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes within school and beyond.” Poleski stated in a release.  “We have teachers who are committed to building strong relationships with students. Their high expectations translate into high achievement."