As we opened Wade King Elementary School for the first time this fall, I have been enthused about both the beautiful facility and the program we offer our students. In fall 2007, I was charged with working with the community to establish the initial vision for this school. Our process included considering a variety of models and programs designed to prepare children for college, career, and citizenship in a rapidly globalizing world. This consideration phase led us to the vision of King Elementary becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Primary Years Program.

The IB's challenging educational programs for a worldwide community of schools to develop children who will create a better and more peaceful world matches our vision. Our feasibility study included touring several authorized IB World Schools offering the Primary Years Program and attending professional development workshops offered by the IB Organization. Most importantly, we worked to ensure commitment and support from staff, families, and district leadership.

As a new school, we have the opportunity to create a school culture that has tight alignment and commitment to the philosophy and the attributes of the Learner Profile, as a foundation piece. Our classroom teachers have attended the three day introductory workshop offered by the IB Organization and are starting to align our Washington State standards into a Program of Inquiry using six transdisciplinary themes. We have created a half-time position by reallocating existing resources to coordinate our efforts toward reaching candidate school status through Application A. Lastly, we have arranged for an intern from China as an interim strategy to develop world-mindedness by learning the language and culture of China.

Working as a school community, we anticipate moving forward with the three year authorization process. As a staff, we are excited and energized about the journey ahead.

-Rob McElroy, Wade King Principal

New Elementary School Boundaries

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