School Profile
Whittier International is a neighborhood school with an international focus.

• Whittier is the only fully authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) in Boulder Valley. In our 5th year of IB implementation, we have gained recognition throughout the USA as a model program.
• Whittier includes students from more than 25 countries speaking 15 languages.
• Whittier is fully enrolled with a waiting list at most grades.
• Whittier’s academic ranking increased from “average” to “high” in its third year of the IB/PYP authorization process. The school also receives high marks on its School Accountability Rating from the State of Colorado.
• Whittier has an active parent community and dynamic Parent Teacher Association, encouraging parent/community involvement.
• Whittier offers a full range of before/after school options, including an on-site, YMCA day care program.
• Kindergarten students attend half days. For families who prefer on-site kindergarten enrichment for the other half of the school day, we are proud to offer a fully integrated Kindergarten Enrichment program.
  

At Whittier International, all students are expected to excel in literacy and math, to have exposure to a world language, and to participate in a rigorous curriculum of arts, sciences and humanities.

• The IB/PYP program includes six interdisciplinary Units of Inquiry at every grade level, created to meet state standards and the required Boulder Valley curriculum. Units of Inquiry go beyond the required curriculum, integrating in depth study of science, social studies, and language with technology, art, music, and physical education to develop students’ international perspective.
• At the end of every Inquiry Unit, students engage in a reflective process leading to thoughtful personal action.
• Students learn Spanish as a world language. Emphasis is placed on an appreciation of language.
• Whittier’s Talented and Gifted Education program supports high ability earners through specific classroom accommodations and extension activities including a partnership with CU. IB has been nationally recognized as particularly well suited for TAG students.
• English language instruction (ESL) is provided for students who enter school not yet proficient in English.
• All students are recognized for their unique cultural identities. Every fall families join together in a celebration of family culture at Heritage Night.
  

The IB/PYP curriculum builds on district and state standards delivered through internationally developed, research-supported educational practices.

• "Inquiry" is a primary strategy used to integrate higher-order thinking, questioning, and application of content knowledge through an in-depth study of science and social studies.
• In addition to report cards, individual IB portfolios are created. Twice a year students lead their own parent-teacher conferences and portfolio review.
• Fifth-grade students participate in the Exhibition, a culminating event that demonstrates their academic, social, emotional and cultural proficiencies, including a group project that benefits the local/world community in a meaningful way.
  

IB/PYP offers academically challenging opportunities for students, preparing them to take their place as "citizens of the world." Whittier’s highly qualified teachers and the IB/PYP curriculum work together to create a unique and rich school culture for the diverse student population.