ANSWER:

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a Grade 6 through Grade 10 framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers. 

Costs vary from year-to-year based on the number of staff members requiring professional development and the IB fees charged.  Adding a MYP at Martin Luther King Jr. and Roberto W. Clemente middle schools for FY 2014 would cost $234,986. This includes $130,036 for substitutes, professional part-time, travel for staff development, dues, registration and fees, and instructional materials. To add 1.6 teacher positions (.8 at each school) would cost $104,950, including employee benefits.

Program and cost configurations for adding MYP to the Seneca Valley cluster are indicated in the table below. It is expected that middle schools with MYP will provide an option for students to continue the program in Grades 9 and 10.

IB has an application process that typically takes two years to complete.  To demonstrate readiness for the program, schools are required to show commitment to the IB philosophy, professional development, curriculum and assessment, and financial support from the school district administration and school board.