Achieving excellence through global education—School of the Nations proudly celebrates its latest milestone as an authorized IB World School for both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP)
School of the Nations is officially an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the globally recognized Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger learners from Early Childhood to Elementary, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for High School students. This accomplishment marks a transformative moment in the school's history, solidifying its position within a network of institutions dedicated to fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
The journey began in May 2023, when the school initiated the process to become an IB World School. By August 2024, authorization for the Diploma Programme (DP) had already been achieved, and in November 2024, the long-anticipated authorization for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) was granted. This milestone reflects the unwavering dedication of our community, shaped through months of rigorous training, collaborative planning, and alignment with IB’s high standard
What It Means to Be an IB World School
With over 50 years of experience, the International Baccalaureate (IB) provides a holistic educational framework designed to nurture knowledgeable, compassionate, and resilient students. Tailored for learners aged 3 to 19, IB programs emphasize inquiry-based learning, fostering critical thinking, and cultivating a shared responsibility for building a better future.
The PYP is designed for young learners, focusing on inquiry and conceptual understanding. It empowers students to take ownership of their education and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Meanwhile, the DP equips older students with the skills and tools needed to excel in university and beyond. Its core components—the Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK)—foster academic rigor, personal growth, and ethical development.
Ms. Mirella Kacinskis, Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator, provided details about the process to achieve authorization. According to her, the authorization process to become an IB World School is extensive and detailed and requires the participation of the entire school.
“Different departments play crucial roles, and even family members participate in meetings with the IB team. For the Diploma Programme, the authorization process involved several key steps: the initial preparation of documents to demonstrate the school’s interest, followed by acceptance by the IB. The team involved—including directors, coordinators, counselors, teachers, and administrative staff—participated in specialized workshops to understand their responsibilities and how to support students."
"At the same time, the program coordinators completed the required documentation, assessed the facilities, and aligned the curriculum with IB standards. The result was a report that culminated in the final authorization letter, received in August 2024. At this moment, all of the staff involved in the authorization process felt extremely accomplished, as the authorization represented the product of everyone's dedication and effort, willingness to learn new things, teamwork, and collaboration."
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As an IB World School, School of the Nations remains steadfast in its mission to develop students who are academically excellent, ethically grounded, and prepared to serve humanity. The IB framework enhances this mission by preparing students to become active contributors to their communities and confident global citizens.
Reflecting on this journey, Ms. Tatiana Mesquita, PYP Coordinator, shares her aspirations:
“Looking ahead, I envision education at Nations becoming an even stronger embodiment of our mission to educate students as world citizens who strive for academic and ethical excellence. With the implementation of the PYP, I expect our curriculum to further empower students to take ownership of their learning, deepen their capacity to understand complex issues, act with love and empathy toward others, and serve their communities with purpose."
"This milestone is not just about meeting high standards; it’s about creating an environment where students feel inspired, teachers feel supported, and families feel connected. Together, we can foster a culture of curiosity, empathy, and purpose that extends far beyond our classrooms.”
School of the Nations is proud to take this step forward, offering an education that transforms lives and shapes futures. Welcome to a school where students learn not only to succeed but also to contribute to a better world.
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