"Education for the whole child:" Lowell Elem. is MPS’ 7th “International Baccalaureate” school

MILWAUKEE -- Teachers at one Milwaukee Public School (MPS) got some special training for the new school year. It was all to introduce a new curriculum known for giving students a more global education.

Lowell Elementary School

Milwaukee Public Schools’ Lowell Elementary School is officially the 7th MPS school to earn the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) World School designation.

The designation is provided only to schools that offer the rigorous, internationally recognized, college preparatory IB “programmes.”

International Baccalaureate is considered a more challenging program, and requires more critical thinking. If you take a look at the words inquirers, open-minded, communicators -- these are all IB attributes. That means they are qualities that IB schools are encouraged to develop.

"Asking those high-order thinking questions, asking the what, the why in those aspects, to really give them a clear perspective of what the lesson is about," said Principal Dr. Jeremiah Holiday.

IB puts a strong emphasis on teaching about new cultures.

"This is an education for the whole child. It includes not only the general curriculum but they become global citizens," said MPS Regional Superintendent Jesse Rodriguez.

Lowell helps funnel students to MPS IB middle schools and high schools. Laying a strong foundation for college and career.

Lowell Elementary School

With its seven IB schools, MPS is now home to more than 25% of all the IB “programme” sites in the state.

The addition of Lowell means MPS now offers International Baccalaureate education at: