We invite all 2025–2026 incoming 6th graders to learn about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Sussman Middle School.
All 5th-graders in Downey Unified have the opportunity to apply for this program, and yes, space is limited. All students must submit an application that contains end-of-year 4th grade grades and citizenship, attendance record, and a letter of recommendation from at least 1 teacher.
The program application window will open from January 15 until February 14, 2025.
Why is the IB programme different?
The IB Programme encourages critical thinking, global awareness, and the development of essential life skills like communication and research, preparing students for academic success in high school and beyond. Its rigorous curriculum encourages students to see connections between different subjects, fostering a holistic understanding of the world. IB also promotes student agency, allowing students to take ownership of their learning and develop effective study habits.
We encourage you to attend an information session to learn more about this program, which will challenge your students and truly prepare them to develop the skills needed for the 21st century.
Join us for our upcoming events:
Future Pioneer Night
You are invited for a firsthand look at our beautiful campus! Meet our principal, learn more about the programs available to our students, and discover what it means to be a Pioneer!
Thursday, January 9, 2025
6:00 pm at Sussman Middle School Gym
IB Information Night
Learn about what IB stands for and what it means to be an IB student. The meeting will cover the Middle Years Programme, how it runs, and how it differs from other programs. Learn how your student will benefit.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
6:00 pm at Sussman Middle School Gym
Applying to the program:
When the application window opens on January 15, 2025, visit apply.dusd.net/sussmanibmyp to apply.
Please note: you will have to “register” for an account if you do not have one already. If you already have one, you will need to “log in”. We encourage you to use an email address you use frequently as this will be where all communications will go.
Select IB Candidate School — Sussman to begin the application.
For the application, you will need the following:
4th Grade, 3rd trimester (end of year) report card that shows both grades and behavior/citizenship and a minimum of one teacher recommendation.
We encourage you to have this document ready before starting the application process so you can easily upload the necessary documents. Admissions results will be communicated via email directly from Sussman staff in March.
We wish you the best of luck!
*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.