The MYP and IB Program

Sanford Middle’s MYP Journey

Sanford Middle School is proud to be a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) as we work toward becoming an authorized IB World School. This journey reflects our dedication to providing a high-quality, challenging education that combines global citizenship with STEM principles, preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.

What MYP Brings to Sanford Middle

• Global Awareness and Interdisciplinary Learning
  Our curriculum integrates STEM with the IB framework, encompassing eight subject groups: language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education, design, and language acquisition. Lessons are framed through global contexts such as sustainability, innovation, and cultural expression, connecting learning to real-world experiences.

• Skills for the Future
  The MYP equips students with critical skills, including communication, collaboration, self-management, and research, ensuring they are prepared for high school, post-secondary pathways, and careers.

• Personalized and Holistic Education
  Starting next year, we will offer three levels of coursework tailored to meet varying academic needs:

  • Gifted/Talented (G/T): The highest level of academic rigor.

  • Advanced: A challenging curriculum that prepares students for higher-level learning.

  • Standard: A solid foundation in core subjects and skills, aligned with the MYP framework.
    Each level maintains the core MYP principles of interdisciplinary learning, global contexts, and the Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework.

• Emphasis on the IB Learner Profile
  Students develop attributes such as being inquirers, principled, risk-takers, and balanced individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Pathways and Opportunities

Sanford Middle’s MYP is a school-wide initiative accessible to all students. It offers rigorous academics, specialized electives, and real-world skill development. Eighth graders completing the MYP have priority placement for the IB Diploma Programme at Seminole or Winter Springs High Schools, based on zoning.

Community and Real-World Connections

The MYP integrates service learning, encouraging students to take action and apply their knowledge through community-based projects. This hands-on approach fosters empathy and intercultural understanding while preparing students to address global challenges.

The Road Ahead

Sanford Middle is fully aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessments with IB standards during the authorization process. As a candidate school, we are building the foundation for a high-quality, internationally minded education that empowers students academically and personally.

Note: Candidate status does not guarantee IB authorization. Learn more at www.ibo.org.

*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.