Instructional Model
International
Baccalaureate
Alturas offers Southeastern Idaho’s only full IB program pathway, giving students a consistent, research-backed educational approval from elementary through high school. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized framework that helps students ask thoughtful questions, explore big ideas, and understand the world and their place in it.
At its core, IB teaches students how to think, not what to think. Through inquiry, reflection, and real-world application, students become curious, confident learners who approach challenges with an open mind and can communicate and collaborate effectively.
IB is woven into daily learning at Alturas—not as an “extra,” but as the guiding structure for instruction, classroom culture, and character development.
The IB Mission
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
What this means for your child:
At Alturas, the IB mission translates into classrooms where students learn to think critically, appreciate diverse perspectives, and take responsibility for their learning and their impact on others.
At Alturas, IB learners become:
*IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students.
**Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes visit http://www.ibo.org
Academic Programs
PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP) • Grades K-5
A hands-on, inquiry-driven foundation f young learners.
Alturas incorporates the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) to create a learning environment where children’s
natural curiosity is encouraged and celebrated. The PYP helps students make meaningful connections across subjects, explore big ideas, and build
the skills they need to understand the world around them.
Through inquiry-based learning, students investigate questions, solve problems, and develop strong communication, collaboration, and thinking skills. They learn how to learn—an essential skill that prepares them for future IB programs and for life.
What Learning Looks Like in the PYP
In the supportive and academically rich environment PYP creates, your child will:
- Develop a strong academic foundation
- Learn to ask meaningful questions and think critically
- Build confidence as a communicator and collaborator
- Make connections between school and the world
- Develop empathy, cultural awareness, and social responsibility
- Be well-prepared for the Middle Years Programme (MYP)
How the PYP Wks at Alturas
Inquiry at the Center
Students actively explore questions and ideas, building on what they already know. Learning is hands-on, relevant, and rooted in real-life contexts.
Transdisciplinary Learning
Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, the PYP uses connected “units of inquiry” that weave together math, language arts, science, social studies, and more. This helps young learners see how ideas relate across disciplines.
Spanish Language Exposure
Students participate in Spanish instruction twice a week. Most learners start with no prior knowledge of Spanish, creating an inclusive environment where
everyone can embark on this linguistic journey together. This approach encourages confidence and language development while fostering a love for learning and cultural appreciation through engaging and interactive experiences.
A Nurturing Environment
Collaborative and supportive classes ensure the school community can support each child’s academic, social, and emotional development. In a
caring, safe environment, students feel free to wonder, explore, and take intellectual risks.
Caring, Experienced Teachers
Our teachers guide learning through structured inquiry, helping students construct meaning and refine understanding. They are active participants in the Alturas community both inside and outside the classroom.
PYP Transdisciplinary Learning Themes
These units of inquiry are structured around six transdisciplinary themes that guide student exploration throughout the PYP:
- Who we are
- Where we are in place and time
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
- Sharing the planet
Together, these themes help students explore local and global perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their community.
Real-Wld Connections
PYP students apply their learning beyond the classroom. Whether they are investigating community needs, exploring scientific concepts, or examining cultures, they learn to collaborate, solve problems, and communicate their thinking.
A highlight of the PYP is the 5th Grade Exhibition, where students choose a topic they care about, conduct independent research, and present their findings to families and the community—a true capstone demonstration of inquiry, reflection, and growth.
MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (MYP) • Grades 6-10
A challenging, inquiry-driven pathway for emerging adolescents.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a dynamic framework for students in grades 6-10 to deepen their understanding of the world, think critically, and develop the skills they need for high school and beyond. Through inquiry, reflection, and real-world connections, students learn to navigate complexity, consider multiple perspectives, and take responsibility for their learning.
What Learning Looks Like in the MYP
As students grow through the MYP at Alturas, they will:
- Strengthen their ability to analyze, question, and think critically
- Build independence, responsibility, and strong organizational skills
- Connect their learning to real-world issues and global perspectives
- Develop confidence as communicators and collaborators
- Explore concepts across disciplines through project-based learning
- Prepare for advanced coursework, including the IB Diploma Programme (DP)
How the MYP Works at Alturas
Inquiry and Conceptual Understanding
Students explore big ideas that span multiple subjects, helping them understand not just what they learn, but why it matters. Inquiry encourages curiosity, deeper thinking and meaningful connections.
Interdisciplinary Learning
The MYP emphasizes learning across subject areas, encouraging students to make connections between math, science, humanities, arts, and language. This prepares them to think flexibly and apply knowledge in new contexts.
Global Contexts
Every unit is anchored in a global context such as identities, cultures, fairness, innovation, or sustainability. This helps students understand their place in the world and engage with diverse perspectives.
Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills
Students develop essential skills for lifelong learning, including:
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Research
- Critical and creative thinking
- Self-management
These skills help students grow academically while becoming more independent and confident.
Spanish Language Acquisition
All students learn Spanish as part of the MYP, expanding their ability to communicate across cultures and strengthening global awareness.
A Supportive, Caring Environment
Teachers know students well and provide personalized feedback that supports intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Collaborative and supportive classes and strong relationships help students navigate the increasingly complex middle and early high school years.
Real-World Application
Students engage in projects, investigations, and hands-on learning that connects academic concepts to real-world issues. This includes service learning and problem-solving experiences that build confidence and help students develop voice, choice, and ownership of their learning.
The MYP Personal Project
In the final year of the programme, students complete the Personal Project—a months-long independent investigation into a topic they are passionate about. They design, create, reflect, and present their work, demonstrating the skills, curiosity, and perseverance they have developed throughout the MYP. It is a signature milestone that prepares them for the rigor of high school and the IB Diploma Programme (DP).
MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAM COURSES
Language &
Literature - English
Language Aquisition
Mathematics
Science
Individuals &
Societies
Visual Arts
Design & Media
Physical & HealthEducation
Performing Arts - Music
Service in Action
DIPLOMA PROGRAM (DP) • Grades 11-12
A rigorous, college-level program that prepares students for life after high school.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year academic pathway for highly motivated juniors and seniors. The DP challenges students to think deeply, communicate clearly, manage complex workloads, and engage with real-world issues—all while developing the skills and habits of successful college learners.
Universities across the United States recognize the DP for its rigor and depth. IB students are more likely to be admitted to selective universities, earn college credit, and persist through their degree programs.
What Learning Looks Like in the DP
As students navigate this advanced academic pathway, they will:
- Engage in college-level coursework across multiple subject areas
- Strengthen research, writing, analysis, and time-management skills
- Gain confidence in leading discussions and presenting ideas
- Explore big questions through Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Conduct an independent research project through the Extended Essay
- Participate in creativity, activity, and service experience (CAS)
- Prepare for success in college and beyond through sustained academic challenge
How the DP Works at Alturas
A Balanced, Two-year Course of Study
Students take six DP subjects—three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)—over their junior and senior years. HL courses go deeper and include more instructional time, while SL courses build strong foundational mastery. This balance allows students to challenge themselves while managing a sustainable workload.
College-Level Rigor with Personalized Support
Collaborative and supportive classes and close relationships with teachers ensure students receive individualized guidance throughout the DP. Regular feedback helps students grow academically, manage deadlines, and develop study habits.
Recognition by Universities
DP coursework is widely accepted for college credit, advanced placement, and scholarship consideration. IB students benefit from higher acceptance rates at many competitive universities and tend to outperform their peers in college.
DP vs AP: What’s the Difference?
AP courses are taken individually over one year, with a single end-of-course exam.
The DP is a coordinated two-year program with ongoing assessments, interdisciplinary skill development, and a cohesive set of requirements that build depth and resilience.
The DP Core
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
TOK invites students to explore how knowledge is constructed and how we decide what to believe. Through discussion, reflection, and research, students examine questions that unify all subject areas. TOK is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600-word essay.
Extended Essay (EE)
Students complete an independent, university-style research paper of up to 4,000 words on a topic of their choice. Supported by a mentor (their TOK teacher), students learn to plan, research, write, and revise a substantial academic paper—an invaluable preparation for college.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
CAS encourages students to balance academics with new experiences, physical activity, and meaningful community engagement. Students complete a long-term CAS project requiring initiative, perseverance, and collaboration.
Example CAS experiences include:
- Designing a mural or leading a creative project
- Organizing a sports team or coaching younger students
- Leading a community garden effort
- Tutoring younger students or supporting a community organization
Diploma Requirements
Students earn the IB Diploma by:
- Completing 3 HL and 3 SL courses (or 4 HL and 2 SL courses)
- Passing internal and external assessments scored on a 1-7 scale
- Completing TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS
- Achieving a minimum of 24 points across all components
Assessments take place in early May of senior year, and Advanced Opportunities funding covers DP exam fees for Idaho students.
For more information about the DP curriculum and requirements, visit the official IB website.
Supporting Every Learner’s Path
At Alturas, we recognize that students grow and succeed in different ways. While we encourage students to pursue the IB Diploma Programme—our most rigorous and comprehensive college-preparatory pathway—we also provide a traditional high school diploma experience that honors each student’s needs, goals, and readiness.
Both pathways are supported by caring teachers, collaborative and supportive classes, and a commitment to helping students reach their full potential. Our goal is to meet every learner where they are and help them chart a path forward that fits.
DP Subject Groups
DP students take six subjects total, including at least three Higher Level (HL) courses.
*The Arts SL courses will be taught 2 trimesters/year and HL courses will be 3 trimesters/year.
Language &
Literature (HL,SL)
Spanish
Mathematics (HL,SL)
History
Biology