International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP)
“The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.”
Middle Years Programme Candidate School*
What is an IB Education?
International Baccalaureate (IB) is a framework, not a curriculum. The programme follows three guiding principles: holistic learning, intercultural awareness, and communication. It focuses on working with diverse people with different perspectives.
This framework helps develop self-reliant learners, interested in discovery, learning, application, and learning about the environment and cultures around them. Students take responsibility for their own learning.
These students will:
- ask challenging questions
- think critically
- learn across disciplines
- develop research skills proven to help them in higher education
Why do Families Choose IB?
Parents who want the best possible education for their children choose this programme because it includes:
Rigorous Learning Objectives
Ensures breadth and depth of understanding through study in eight subject groups.
Student-Centered Learning
International Perspectives
Helps students appreciate their own culture and personal history, as well as the values and traditions
of others.
Multi-Lingual
Education
Every student in the program will have a language class.
Develop Learning Strategies
Students focus on approaches to learning with a critical lens and evaluate application of their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Learner Profile: What Does an IB Student Look Like?
At the core of all IB Programmes is the learner profile, 10 attributes fostered in students that promote their development as responsible members of their local, national, and global communities.
What does it mean to be Reflective?
Reflective people give thoughtful consideration to their learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
Parent Learner Profile Activity: How to help develop the Reflective attribute?
Part of developing the Reflective attribute is understanding our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development. Read on for more ideas.
IB MYP Policies
Assessment
Assessments are designed to gauge what and how a student knows and thinks at any point during the instructional cycle. This document outlines our policy for assessments.
Download: Assessment Policy
Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring that all students receive the resources, guidance, accommodation, and differentiated instruction needed to become college, career, and life ready. Our inclusive approach celebrates diversity and supports the unique needs of all learners.
Download: Inclusion Policy
Language
At Sussman Middle School, we believe in fostering linguistic and cultural literacy to develop globally minded, open-minded, and balanced thinkers.
Download: MYP Language Policy
Academic Honesty
At Sussman Middle School, academic honesty is viewed as a foundation of ethical scholarship and the IB learner profile.
Download: Academic Honesty Policy
Admissions
Download: Admissions Policy
Programme News
25-26 IB MYP Community Project
In case you missed it, check out our presentation on the 2025–2026 IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Community Project.
The IB Middle Years Programme Info Night | Jan. 16
DUSD’s 5th grade elementary families are invited to learn about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) at Sussman Middle School.
You are invited to our Future Pioneer Night | Jan. 9
You are invited to join us for a first-hand look at our beautiful campus. Meet our principal and learn more about the great programs available to our students.
How to Apply
We are excited that you are interested in this program! Students who demonstrate dedication to learning and value education are good candidates for an IB MYP journey. The application window for the 2026-2027 school year will open in January 2026.
Incoming 6th grade students must submit an application which must contain:
Submit Records
4th grade grades, behavior, and attendance records
Recommendations
Minimum of one teacher recommendation (provide email for digital entry)
Transfer Requirements
If requesting a transfer, must meet all permit requirements (minimum 2.5 GPA and permit release, etc...)
Upcoming Events
Future Pioneer Night!
Thursday, January 22, 2026
6:00 pm
Whether you're looking for innovative academics, a supportive environment, or a place where your child can truly thrive, we've got it all. Come meet the team, tour the campus, and get answers to all your questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to see why we could be the perfect fit for your family!
IB Info Night
Thursday, January 29, 2026
6:00 pm
RSVP Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Do IB MYP teachers receive special training?
All MYP teachers receive professional development in the IB’s approaches to teaching and approaches to learning from certified IB workshop leaders. This is a requirement for IB World Schools implementing the MYP.
Are IB MYP programmes considered “gifted” programmes?
In most cases, the MYP requires schoolwide implementation and encompasses all students. All teachers in MYP classrooms must participate in collaborative planning and reflection to make their teaching practices consistent and foster a holistic approach to education. A growing body of evidence suggests a positive relationship between teacher collaboration and student achievement.
Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme.
Does implementing an IB MYP programme mean my child’s school will not teach local or national standards such as the Common Core?
The IB is committed to ensuring that students in IB programmes, such as the IB MYP, meet and exceed local or national standards. With the implementation of any IB programme, schools are required to examine their curriculum carefully to ensure that there is alignment with local, state or national standards. More information on the IB and the Common Core is available at www.ibo.org.
Have studies been done on the impact of the MYP?
The IB places great value on external validation of its programmes, curriculums, and professional development. A recent study found that Middle Years Programme students in a US public school district were more likely to achieve a proficient or advanced
performance level on state mathematics and science assessments than their counterparts in five comparison schools. Additional studies on programme impact, quality assurance, programme development, and assessment research are available at www.ibo.org/research.
How can I learn more about the IB MYP?
• Visit the IB website at www.ibo.org
• Attend school meetings and events
• Speak with your school’s MYP coordinator
• Speak with your child’s MYP classroom teacher
*Sussman is an IB Candidate School* for the Middle Years Programme.“This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that Sussman 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.
Learn more about the IB and its programmes: www.ibo.org.