New Bedford’s Keith Middle School Earns International Baccalaureate Designation

New Bedford’s Keith Middle School has officially been designated an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, authorizing it to offer the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) beginning March 18.

The designation, granted by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), recognizes Keith’s commitment to global academic standards and rigorous educational practices.

Keith Middle School joins New Bedford High School, which earned IB status in 2023. Superintendent Andrew O’Leary noted that Normandin and Roosevelt Middle Schools are also pursuing IB MYP certification, expanding the program’s reach across the district.

IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen congratulated Keith Middle School in a letter to Principal David Mather, emphasizing the program’s role in shaping globally minded, critical-thinking students.

“As an IB World School offering the MYP, you are part of a global community of schools committed to developing knowledgeable, caring young people who will be ready to negotiate their futures successfully and make contributions resulting in a more harmonious and peaceful world,” Heinonen said.

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The IB Middle Years Program is a three-year academic framework designed for students in Grades 6-8, focusing on inquiry based learning, critical thinking, and global engagement. The curriculum includes eight subject groups, emphasizing intercultural understanding and communication skills.

“This is a big moment for Keith,” Mather said. “Becoming an IB school elevates the academic experience for our students, giving them opportunities to learn in new and exciting ways.”

The rigorous certification process took over two years and involved comprehensive curriculum reviews, staff training, and verification visits. Educators, students, and families played key roles in meeting IB standards.

Elizabeth Metzler, Keith’s MYP Coordinator, highlighted the impact of the program.

“Being an MYP school is a game-changer. It’s about encouraging our students to be global citizens, think critically, and approach problems from different angles,” she said.

Students and parents also expressed excitement about the milestone. Sixth-grader Jayce Nova expressed self-interested excitement, and appreciated how it gave students a voice in their education.

“I think that the process of becoming an IB school was interesting, though not necessarily easy. I also enjoyed the process because it benefited me. It was a great opportunity to express myself and share my feelings about how great Keith is as a school,” they said.

Parent Nicole Vaz praised the dedication of Keith’s staff, and how this dedication is gratifying.

“I know the staff put in a ton of work to make this happen – training, adjusting lesson plans, and making sure everything aligned with IB standards. As a parent, it’s great to see a school so dedicated to improving the learning experience for our kids,” she said.

With its IB certification, Keith Middle School strengthens New Bedford Public Schools’ mission of fostering academic excellence and preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world.