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IB Authorized MYP School

The middle school curriculum offered through the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is both balanced and broad, incorporating a wide range of curricular areas designed to support the development of the whole child. At Sequoia Middle School, students in grades 6–8 enroll in eight subject areas: Language and Literature (English), Mathematics, Science, Individuals and Societies (Social Studies), Language Acquisition (Spanish), Visual and Performing Arts, and Design. Together, these eight disciplines create a well-rounded schedule for all middle school students.

The newest subject area to our students will be IB Design. IB Design is a hands-on, problem-solving class that helps students become creative thinkers, effective planners, and responsible innovators. In Design, students learn how to identify real-world problems, develop thoughtful solutions, and improve their ideas through reflection and feedback. IB Design is not just about building or crafting. Students follow a structured Design Cycle, which teaches them how to:

  1. Investigate a problem
  2. Plan a solution
  3. Create the solution
  4. Evaluate the outcome

This process helps students learn how to think, not just what to make.

In addition to their academic coursework, all students participate in a CREW class after lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. CREW serves as a dedicated space to focus on the IB Learner Profile attributes as well as the four pillars of CREW: Compassion, Responsibility, Empowerment, and Well-Being. This structure supports students’ social-emotional growth and reinforces a strong sense of community and belonging.

Sequoia Middle School teachers make learning conceptual by linking curriculum to big ideas and universal concepts. Teachers intentionally forge connections between classroom learning, students’ lived experiences, and the broader world to deepen understanding and relevance. The Global Contexts are embedded across all subject areas to help students develop an awareness of their shared global responsibilities. The six Global Contexts include: Identities and Relationships; Personal and Cultural Expression; Orientations in Space and Time; Scientific and Technical Innovation; Fairness and Development; and Globalization and Sustainability.

A defining feature of the MYP is the shared responsibility among all teachers to support students in becoming independent, confident learners who are willing to take risks and apply their skills and knowledge in new and unfamiliar situations. This goal is achieved through explicit instruction and consistent application of the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, with a focus on developing students’ thinking, research, communication, social, and self-management skills.

The final component that makes the MYP at Sequoia Middle School unique is its strong emphasis on Service and Action. Students are encouraged to apply their learning beyond the classroom by engaging in meaningful service, whether by supporting someone at home, contributing to the school community, or serving the broader Sequoia community. In the 8th grade, all student participate in an IB Showcase where community members and families are invited to attend.

For further information about the IB MYP Programme at Sequoia Middle School, you can email our IB MYP Coordinator, Ms. Hochevar at khochevar@conejousd.og

What is IB