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The International Baccalaureate Programme at GPS at Granada Preparatory School

The International Baccalaureate Programme at GPS

An authorized IB World School developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people from Preschool through 8th Grade.

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GPS students engaged in outdoor inquiry

What is the International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational framework offered in over 5,700 schools across 160+ countries. Founded in 1968, IB develops students who are inquiring, knowledgeable, caring, and ready to engage with a complex and interconnected world.

Unlike traditional curricula, IB emphasizes inquiry-based learning, transdisciplinary themes, and the development of the whole child , academically, socially, and emotionally.

5,700+

IB Schools Worldwide

Source: ibo.org

160+

Countries with IB

Source: ibo.org

34%

MYP Students More Likely to Take AP

Source: IB Research 2017

7:1

Student-Teacher Ratio at GPS

Source: GPS

GPS middle school students in science class

IB at Granada Preparatory School

GPS offers two IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Childhood through 5th Grade and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for 6th through 8th Grade.

What makes GPS unique is how we combine the IB framework with our small school community. With a 7:1 ratio, inquiry isn't just a teaching method, it's a conversation between every student and their teacher.

PYP (K–5) arrow_forwardMYP (6–8) arrow_forward
Granada Preparatory School students and campus life
“The IB framework doesn't just teach kids what to think . It teaches them how to think. That's what sets GPS apart.”
, GPS Faculty Member

The IB Learner Profile

Ten attributes that every IB learner strives to develop

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Inquirers

Developing curiosity and skills for purposeful, constructive research.

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Knowledgeable

Exploring concepts and ideas of local and global significance.

psychology

Thinkers

Applying thinking skills critically and creatively to complex problems.

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Communicators

Expressing ideas confidently in multiple modes and languages.

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Principled

Acting with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of fairness.

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Open-Minded

Appreciating own cultures and open to perspectives of others.

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Caring

Showing empathy and compassion, making a positive difference.

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Risk-Takers

Approaching uncertainty with courage and forethought.

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Balanced

Understanding the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional balance.

self_improvement

Reflective

Thoughtfully considering learning and personal development.

Hands in soil during outdoor inquiry
Student curled up reading a book
GPS student at smartboard with fractions
Student playing guitar in music class

Inquiry-Based Learning

At GPS, learning begins with a question. The IB inquiry cycle guides students through wondering, investigating, constructing understanding, and taking action. Teachers design units of inquiry that connect subjects to real-world contexts, making learning relevant and engaging.

In practice, this means a math lesson might explore patterns found in nature, a language arts unit might investigate storytelling across cultures, and a science inquiry might lead to a school garden project. The question drives the learning , not the textbook.

Global Citizenship & International Mindedness

GPS fosters global awareness through multicultural events like the International Feast, service learning projects, and a diverse community that reflects the world our students will inherit.

The Peace Learning Center reinforces these values daily, teaching every community member to approach differences with empathy, respect, and genuine curiosity.

Service Learning & Community Projects

Service is woven into the GPS experience at every level. In Primary Years, students participate in community drives, environmental projects, and acts of kindness. In Middle Years, service becomes more structured and reflective.

The MYP Community Project is the capstone: 8th graders identify a genuine community need, design and execute a service project, and present their process and impact to an audience of peers, teachers, and parents.

Assessment & Achievement

IB assessment is criterion-based , where students are measured against clear criteria, not ranked against each other. This approach values understanding and application over memorization.

At GPS, assessment includes portfolios, project-based work, the PYP Exhibition (5th Grade), ongoing formative assessment, and student-led conferences. Parents receive detailed progress reports that go far beyond a letter grade.

Granada Preparatory School students and campus life
“My daughter didn't just learn facts . She learned how to think. That's the IB difference.”
, GPS Parent

IB Programme FAQ

GPS offers the PYP from Early Childhood through 5th Grade, focusing on transdisciplinary inquiry and the Learner Profile. The MYP serves 6th–8th Grade with interdisciplinary learning, the community project, and criterion-based assessment.
IB is rigorous but not in the way you might think. Rather than memorization and testing, IB develops deep understanding through inquiry. Students learn to think, not just to recall, and arrive at top LA high schools as stronger learners as a result.
Research from the International Baccalaureate Organization shows MYP students are 34% more likely to take AP exams and perform well in rigorous high school programs. See GPS placement results.
The Learner Profile is a set of 10 attributes that IB students strive to develop: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, and Reflective. At GPS these attributes are reinforced daily through the Peace Learning Center.
IB uses criterion-based assessment. Students are evaluated on understanding and application through portfolios, exhibitions, projects, and formative assessments, not standardized tests, visitors can see examples on a campus tour.
Absolutely. The IB framework welcomes all learners. Teachers support new students in adapting to inquiry-based methods. Schedule a tour to learn more.
The PYP Exhibition is a culminating project for 5th Grade students where they identify a real-world issue, conduct research, and present their findings. It demonstrates everything they've learned through the PYP framework at GPS.
The Community Project is the MYP capstone for 8th graders. Students identify a community need, plan and execute a service project, and reflect on their impact. Learn more about Middle Years.

See IB in Action at GPS

Schedule a tour to visit our IB classrooms and meet our faculty.

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Or call us: (818) 368-7254