Keystone School is a Candidate School* for the Diploma Program, pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy — a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Keystone School believes 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, 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 www.ibo.org.
The IB Diploma Programme: A Broad and Balanced Education
School Mission:
Keystone School’s mission is to develop compassionate, ethical leaders with strong critical thinking skills and a love for lifelong learning. We empower students to question societal structures, embrace intercultural understanding, and contribute meaningfully to the global community. Through inquiry, academic excellence, and service, we inspire open-minded individuals who value respect, diversity, and global responsibility.
School Philosophy:
At Keystone School, our philosophy is to nurture compassionate, ethical, and open-minded future leaders who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to a global society. We foster a community of inquirers and critical thinkers, encouraging lifelong learning and the development of essential skills for success in an interconnected world.
We are committed to providing a project-based and experiential learning environment where students excel academically, extend their inquiry beyond the classroom, and actively engage in caring and service-oriented community outreach. Our diverse and multicultural community values international-mindedness, encouraging students to respect different cultures and perspectives.
Language acquisition is a key component of our educational philosophy, and we emphasize multilingualism. We encourage communication in multiple languages while supporting the development of students’ mother tongues to enhance their global awareness and intercultural understanding.
Through small class sizes and inquiry-driven lessons, our students become knowledgeable, communicative, reflective, principled and graduate as academically accomplished, empathetic individuals who are ready to positively impact the world.
Benefits of the IB Programme
- Global Recognition: The IB diploma is respected by universities worldwide, giving graduates a competitive edge.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Students engage actively with content, fostering curiosity and a love for learning.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: The curriculum integrates various disciplines, enhancing creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Personal Growth: The IB emphasizes self-management, goal setting, and reflection, crucial for lifelong learning.
- International-Mindedness: Students develop a global perspective, preparing them to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world.
- Community and Service: The CAS component encourages extracurricular activities and community service, fostering social responsibility and empathy.
- Strong Research Skills: The Extended Essay hones students’ research and writing abilities, essential for university-level work.
- Ethical Action: The IB Learner Profile instills values like integrity and respect, guiding students to act ethically.
What is the IB Learner Profile?
Our Journey to Becoming an IB School
At Keystone School, our mission to provide an outstanding, holistic education has inspired us to pursue the IB programme. Becoming an IB candidate school reflects our dedication to academic excellence and the development of globally-minded students.
We are excited about the future and the positive impact the IB programme will have on our school community. We will provide more information on the following in the coming months:
- Teacher Training and Development
- Curriculum Enhancements
- Facility Upgrades
- Ongoing Assessment and Feedback
- Community Engagement and Support
What This Means for Our Students
The transition to becoming an IB candidate school brings numerous exciting opportunities and benefits for our students at Keystone School. Here’s what this means for their academic and personal growth:
- Enhanced Learning Experiences
- Development of Global Competence
- Personal Growth and Self-Management
- Broader Range of Subjects and Learning Opportunities
- Emphasis on Ethical and Principled Action
- Community and Collaboration
- Continuous Assessment and Personalized Feedback
Overall, becoming an IB candidate school means that our students at Keystone School will benefit from a challenging, enriching, and globally-focused education. We are committed to supporting our students throughout this transition and ensuring they thrive in the IB programme, preparing them for success in an ever-evolving world.
