IB Middle Years Programme

Richmond’s only Catholic IB MYP

Our incredible faculty and staff represent a balanced mix of time-honored traditions and fresh global perspectives. We are fortunate to have strong retention among our family of employees–some of whom are Monarch Alums–who help carry the mantle of Monarch pride from generation to generation. Some of our newer employees bring personal and professional experiences from overseas including Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America!

This special blend of Monarch Pride can best be experienced at signature community events throughout the year where IB students have the opportunity to plan, participate and volunteer their time in order to earn community service hours. Annual favorites include Constitution Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Saints Day, Middle School Dances and Night of Nations to name but a few!

ABOVE: Students share some tips for success.

The Middle Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organization is for all enrolled students in grades 6, 7 and 8 at Saint Mary’s Catholic School; there is no special application to gain admission into the program.

This means that your student will benefit from the unique characteristics of the IB Curriculum paired with the unparalleled rigor and religious foundations of a Catholic education as outlined below.

Upon graduation, our students have up to four high school credits depending on their course selections.

And did we mention that they still have recess every day?!

What to expect from our IB MYP

A strong academic program emphasizing holistic instruction, interdisciplinary curriculum, developmentally appropriate classroom practices, positive school climate, communication skills and international mindedness preparing students to enter a global economy.

Opportunities to explore and develop proficiencies in technology, music, visual arts, physical education and health.

Two-periods of daily English Language & Literature instruction that emphasizes both literature (vocabulary) and writing (grammar) preparing students for the demandws of high school. That’s twice what their peers receive and it shows!

Language Acquisition instruction preparing students to earn a Level 1 foreign language credit for high school. Students may choose between French or Spanish.

In addition, depending on their course of study, our students are eligible to earn a high school credit for Algebra, Geometry, World History and Science.