At American River Montessori, we are proud to share an important milestone in our school’s journey: we are now an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Candidate School through the International Baccalaureate Organization.
This reflects our deep commitment to providing a high-quality, inquiry-based education that begins in the earliest years of learning and supports long-term academic and personal success.
Why Early Childhood Matters in the IB Journey
The preschool and kindergarten years are the foundation for all future learning. During this stage, children are developing the habits of mind, curiosity, and confidence that shape how they learn for years to come.
The IB PYP framework is designed to nurture this development by emphasizing:
- Inquiry-based learning and curiosity
- Independence and problem-solving
- Social-emotional growth and collaboration
- Communication, language, and expression
- Global awareness and respect for others
When introduced early, these skills become deeply rooted and naturally carried forward into later grades.
Connecting Early Learning to Long-Term Student Success
Recently, our school reviewed a comprehensive study of student learning and outcomes in grades 3rd through 10th. This report provided valuable insight into how students grow academically and personally as they progress through higher grade levels.
One of the most important takeaways from this study is that strong foundational skills developed in the early years directly influence student success in upper grades. Students who enter later grades with strong inquiry skills, confidence, and engagement are better prepared to:
- Think critically and solve complex problems
- Engage deeply in reading, writing, and math
- Collaborate effectively with peers
- Take ownership of their learning
This reinforces what we know to be true: the foundation built in preschool and kindergarten matters deeply and has a lasting impact through middle school and beyond.
Our Commitment as an IB Candidate School
We are excited to announce that American River Montessori is now an IB Candidate School. This means we are actively implementing and aligning our program with the IB PYP framework while working toward full authorization.
As part of this journey, we are:
- Engaging in ongoing IB training and coaching
- Strengthening inquiry-based curriculum across all early learning classrooms
- Aligning teaching practices with global IB standards
- Reflecting continuously on student learning and outcomes
This work is intentional, research-based, and designed to ensure that our youngest learners are building the strongest possible foundation for future success.
Access to the Full Report
We invite families to review the 3rd–10th grade student learning study report, which helps illustrate the long-term importance of early childhood education and how foundational skills impact later academic achievement.