Select Schools - Elementary Schools

Programs:
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program

Description of Programs:
Sandy Searles Miller Elementary School is the first elementary school in Nevada to be authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. The IB's successful teaching and learning model focuses on comprehensive inquiry-based learning, student learning styles, diverse teaching methodologies, and comprehensive assessment strategies. An international relevant curriculum and a rigorous academic course of study places an emphasis on foreign language, mathematics, science, literacy, fine arts, and technology. Research and world-wide best practices are utilized to address the total growth of the developing child and create an educational program that addresses the concerns that all people share, no matter what their backgrounds or where they live. Students develop into globally-minded young people who approach life as inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers. These same children evolve as caring, reflective, knowledgeable, open-minded, well-balanced, and principled citizens ready to take on the challenges of a changing world.

Highlights:

• College bound culture
• Inquiry-based curriculum
• Exploration of divergent perspectives of global interests
• Field trips matched to units of study
• Positive character trait development through the attitudes and profile of an IB student
• Extensive Literacy Lab containing texts with a range of K-12 reading levels
• Spanish Instruction with native-speaking teachers
• Alesis Piano Keyboard Lab
• Hydroponics Lab
• Archeology/Geology Lab
• Robotics Lab
• Star Planetarium with sun spotters and high-powered binoculars and telescopes
• Teleconference lab for virtual field trips and shared lessons with students across the world
• Use of extensive technologies including desktop and laptop computers, palm pilots, science probeware, flexible-head microscopes, and TI-15 calculators for every student.