Principal - Lauren Hoyt

Dear Parents:

Whittier International is a vibrant neighborhood school with an international focus. Because Whittier is home to students from more than 25 countries, it lends itself like no other to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Our diverse population and the IB curriculum, create a uniquely rich school culture.

Whittier is an authorized International Baccalaureate/Primary Years Programme (IB/PYP), one of only forty IB/PYP schools nationwide. Our teachers have completed extensive IB training in the latest instructional practices, assessment, and child development to bring your child an educational experience that is world-renowned. Since authorization, our state CSAP academic rating rose from “average” to “high.” We know that IB/PYP offers tremendous advantages for students, helping them to become “citizens of the world.”

IB/PYP provides a well-rounded program that incorporates the BVSD curriculum with an international focus. In kindergarten through fifth grade, students learn French as a world language. In addition, our curriculum builds on state standards delivered through internationally developed, research-supported educational practices. “Inquiry” is a primary strategy used to integrate higher-order thinking, questioning, and application of content knowledge through science and social studies. At the completion of “Units of Inquiry,” students participate in projects that promote responsible citizenship, applying content knowledge through community action. Character education is approached through IB Attitudes and Outcomes. Students regularly assess their ability to exhibit citizenship.

Finally, parents are actively involved at Whittier International. Volunteers are welcome in classrooms, helping to extend and enrich the curriculum. Programs offered after school and on weekends invite neighborhood families into our “Lighted School.” As the principal at Whittier, I have often heard parents talk about the positive atmosphere here. They describe Whittier as a “school with heart” where the environment is deeply caring. Our school’s high quality staff, dedicated to academic achievement for all, makes Whittier a choice for over 300 students.

Sincerely,

Lauren Hoyt

Principal