Idlewild Elementary's principal Jim Pfeiffer knows a foundation for success is built at a young age. He believes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is the best way to foster that foundation among elementary school students.   

"We want our students to grow into highly successful people," said Pfeiffer. "The International Baccalaureate Program helps build a foundation for learning and success."

Lakewood's Idlewild Elementary is an official candidate for the IB Primary Years Program, a program meant for students aged 3 to 12. This program focuses on the development of the child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and the world outside.

As a candidate, Idlewild undergoes a trial implementation period of IB curriculum before the school is officially accepted as an IB World School. Idlewild began implementing school-wide IB curriculum at the start of the 2011-12 school year. Pfeiffer said the IB program encourages students to learn beyond their subject areas, helping children build their own identity in the world.

"The Primary Years Program helps kids become problem solvers and effective communicators," said Pfeiffer. "These are attributes that help people succeed not only in school, but in a global community."

Once accepted as an IB World School, Idlewild joins a group of over 3,000 schools in 141 countries that also offer the International Baccalaureate Program. Pfeiffer believes the ability to continue an IB education in a different area of the world is an important perk of the IB Program. Especially important since many of Idlewild's students come from military families.

"We are close to the base and have a lot of kids from military families," said Pfeiffer. "The IB Program at Idlewild gives those families piece of mind, knowing that this is a program taught throughout the world."

Pfeiffer acknowledges that the IB Primary Years Program differs a bit from standard methods of teaching and learning. But he thinks Idlewild's students will benefit from the opportunity to learn in a new way.

"We are excited about the rigorous journey we have embarked upon," said Pfeiffer.