International Baccalaureate (IB) at St. Christopher's By-the-Sea
We’re thrilled to announce St Christopher’s By-the-Sea has been officially been granted candidacy for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP)!
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, this integration will be a seamless extension of our Montessori philosophy. Both Montessori and the IB PYP share a child-centered, inquiry-based approach, making them a perfect match for our students.
Designed for children aged 3 to 12, this globally recognized program fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
IB Mission Statement
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.
The Best of Both Worlds for Your Child
Inquiry-Based & Hands-On Learning
Encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and exploration.
Whole-Child
Development
Fosters academic, emotional, and social growth.
Student-Led,
Teacher-Guided
Empowers independence while providing structured support.
Global Perspective & Real-World Application
Prepares students to engage with and impact the world positively.
Montessori education naturally lends itself to an interdisciplinary approach, making it relatively easy to integrate the six PYP transdisciplinary themes. By using a thematic approach, Montessori educators can structure lessons around big ideas, fostering deeper connections between Montessori content and the broader world. This approach helps children develop global awareness and critical thinking skills, preparing them to become active, responsible citizens of the world.
The goal is to demonstrate how Montessori content aligns with the transdisciplinary themes within an inquiry-based learning framework. This includes exploring the role of inquiry in both Montessori and IB, emphasizing the importance of fostering curiosity and exploration.
How PYP's Six Transdisciplinary Themes Enrich Our Montessori Curriculum
🧐
Who We Are
Exploring personal identity, emotions, cultural awareness, and relationships. Montessori’s focus on grace, courtesy, and social-emotional learning blends perfectly with this theme, helping children develop self-awareness, empathy, and responsibility within their community.
🗺
Where We Are in Place and Time
Understanding history, geography, and cultures. Through Montessori’s cultural studies, students naturally explore historical perspectives, geography, and timelines, fostering a deep appreciation for global connections.
💡
How We Express Ourselves
Creativity, communication, and storytelling From Montessori’s language materials to hands-on art and music exploration, this theme encourages students to express their thoughts and emotions in creative and meaningful ways.
🔬
How the World Works
Science, nature, and technological exploration Montessori’s sensorial and science materials allow students to investigate physics, biology, and environmental systems, reinforcing PYP’s emphasis on scientific inquiry and hands-on experimentation.
🏛
How We Organize Ourselves
Understanding systems, leadership, and collaboration Through practical life activities and community roles, Montessori students learn about responsibility, teamwork, and real-world economic and social systems, making this theme a natural extension of their daily experiences.
🌱
Sharing the Planet
Creativity, communication, and storytelling From Montessori’s language materials to hands-on art and music exploration, this theme encourages students to express their thoughts and emotions in creative and meaningful ways.
🔍
inquiry-Based Learning
Both Montessori and PYP encourage children to explore their interests, ask meaningful questions, and take an active role in their education.
🎓
Student-Centered Approach
Just like in Montessori, PYP values student agency, allowing children to make choices, reflect on their learning, and develop independence.
🌍
Global Perspective
While Montessori fosters cultural appreciation and respect for the world, PYP expands this by connecting students to global themes and real-world challenges.
🖐️
Hands-On Learning
Montessori materials and experiential learning blend seamlessly with PYP’s transdisciplinary approach, making learning meaningful and engaging.
🤝
Social & Emotional Growth
Both approaches emphasize collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence, helping children build strong relationships and confidence.
🎨
Creativity at the Core
From art to science, expression and imagination fuel every lesson.
join us in embracing this exciting evolution of montessori learning with iB PYP!
This is the next step in our commitment to an exceptional, holistic education at St. Christopher’s By-the-Sea IB Montessori School!
The PYP is more than a curriculum—it’s an adventure! With hands-on learning, student-led projects, and a focus on whole-child development, your child will be inspired to ask questions, solve problems, and shape the future.
© 2025 Movely. All Rights Reserved.
International Baccalaureate, Baccalauréat International, Bachillerato Internacional and IB logos are registered trademarks of the International Baccalaureate Organization.
