It was only 7 years ago when Ferndale School District board members looked at closing Beach Elementary School on Lummi Island as an option to balance the district budget. But parents and Beach alumni rallied and created a foundation, Lummi Island Foundation for Education (LIFE), which has been able to keep the school open. Their continued efforts have now provided Beach with the designation of an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
According to the IB website,
International Baccalaureate® (IB) offers a continuum of international education. The programmes encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development.
According to the announcement on the district website,
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Click for more informationThe three-year process marked the transition to a student-centered, inquiry-based program that focuses on concepts, knowledge, skills, and personal action. The goal of the program is to develop young people who are internationally-minded learners committed to thoughtfully participating in their communities.
Staff members at Beach School have participated in many hours of professional development and work to meet the criteria for IB authorization.
LIFE was credited with, according to the district, providing financial support for the implementation of IB at Beach School. There are 31 other schools in Washington listed as IB authorized according to the IB website.
A ceremony celebrating the Beach’s new status will be held Wednesday, January 20, 6pm at Beach Elementary School. This event will be followed with the school’s Art Inquiry Night.
According to the district website, Beach serves 32 students.