IB Impact: Program brings a new ethical framework to school community

The task of all educators is to help form fully realized human beings, who will bring skills, knowledge, empathy and courage to the world in which they live. Schools cannot teach character education as though it were a discrete subject, separate from the rest of the curriculum and unconnected to the heart of the students' lives. Rather, the moral and ethical challenges and precepts we face and hold must be woven through every learning activity. Read more

List of International Baccalaureate schools


Branksome Hall Toronto, Ontario — Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age. View School Profile. 13-acre downtown campus Athletics and Wellness Centre IB programs: JK to Grade 12 Leadership opportunities Boarding starting in Grade 7 Grades: JK to 12 (Girls) Type: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $37,130 to $75,020 Living: Boarding/Day Enrollment: 960 Avg. Class: 16 to 22 View School Profile Our Kids Review School Videos (1)	Branksome Hall	37130	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls
Académie Ste-Cécile International School Windsor, Ontario — JK- 12/IB/AP , inter-faith/R.C.co-ed day, and boarding located in Windsor, ON Family of Schools includes Nursery, Elementary and Secondary Schools, athletic facilities, performing arts wing (music and dance studios). View School Profile. Small student teacher ratio Average class size of 12 students Offering courses from three different curricula (IB, AP and OSSD) Individual student care Family atmosphere Grades: JK to 12 (Coed) Type: Traditional, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $10,950 to $50,000 Living: Day/Boarding Enrollment: 250 Avg. Class: 10 to 16 View School Profile School Videos (2)	Académie Ste-Cécile International School	10950	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Lynn-Rose School Mississauga, Ontario — Lynn-Rose's philosophy is to create an environment that is challenging and rewarding; focusing on social, intellectual and emotional aspects of the students development through the International Baccalaureate program. View School Profile. French/English Drama/Virtual Theatre Production/ Virtual Instrumental Music Field Trips & Clubs Events: Book Fairs, Winter/Spring Concerts, Music & Art Gallery, French Cafe Transportation Available upon request Grades: PS to 12 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $16,950 to $21,550 Living: Day Enrollment: 600 Avg. Class: 16 to 18 View School Profile Our Kids Review User Reviews (4)	Lynn-Rose School	16950	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
The York School Toronto, Ontario — The York School is a JK-Grade 12 Gender Inclusive IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world. View School Profile. International Baccalaureate World School (JK - Grade 12) 100% university placement rate Gender Inclusive learning environment Progressive, contemporary approach International community Grades: JK to 12 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $35,000 Living: Day Enrollment: 742 Avg. Class: 15 to 20 View School Profile Our Kids Review User Reviews (3) School Videos (2)	The York School	35000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Sunnybrook School Toronto, Ontario — Sunnybrook School offers the IB Primary Years Program for all students in JK - Grade 6. We have a fully integrated co-ed and 1:1 iPad program for all the grades. Our inquiry approach leads to global citizens. View School Profile. 70 years IB PYP World School JK to Gr 6, coed 1:1 iPads, JK - Gr 6 Singapore Math Grades: JK to 6 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $31,500 Living: Day Enrollment: 140 Avg. Class: 16 to 20 View School Profile Our Kids Review User Reviews (3) School Videos (2)	Sunnybrook School	31500	Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
Delano Academy & Delano High Maple, Ontario — Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum. View School Profile. International Baccalaureate PYP/MYP Co-Educational & Non-Denominational STE[A]M Gifted High performance school Before & After school care Grades: PS to 12 (Coed) Type: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $16,700 to $20,700 Living: Day Enrollment: 200 Avg. Class: 16 to 18 View School Profile User Reviews (4) School Videos (1)	Delano Academy & Delano High	16700	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Coed
Upper Canada College Toronto, Ontario — Located in the heart of Toronto, UCC provides transformational learning experiences with exceptional day and boarding programs. Our highly sought-after graduates are awarded International Baccalaureate and OSSD diplomas. View School Profile. High-achieving, all-round students Challenging but rewarding IB program First rate academics, athletics and arts 19 different sports and 80+ clubs Boutique urban boarding program Grades: SK to 12 (Boys) Type: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $36,750 to $71,875 Living: Boarding/Day Enrollment: 1200 Avg. Class: 20 to 25 View School Profile Our Kids Review User Reviews (3) School Videos (2)	Upper Canada College	36750	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Boys
St. John's-Kilmarnock School Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario — SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration and experiential learning. Through its IB curriculum, SJK provides exciting experiences and guides students to discover their talents and passions. Go beyond at SJK. View School Profile. Accredited IB World Continuum School Experienced, passionate, professional teachers Project-based, design-thinking experiential learning Extensive co-curricular programmes in athletics, arts, leadership and community service Outdoor experiential learning Grades: JK to 12 (Coed) Type: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Tuition: $19,720 to $73,700 Living: Boarding/Day Enrollment: 470 Avg. Class: 10 to 17 View School Profile Our Kids Review School Videos (2)	St. John's-Kilmarnock School	19720	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
featured St. Jude's Academy View Profile Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd JK to 12 Coed $10,095 to $14,395 We are different! As a leading IB World School and university preparatory school with a focus on student life, SJA students are inspired to confidently make their mark in the world. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (8)	St. Jude's Academy	10095	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Glenlyon Norfolk School View Profile Victoria, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $9,345 to $73,145 GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life. Day/Homestay/Boarding Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Glenlyon Norfolk School	9345	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Boarding Coed
featured Stratford Hall View Profile Vancouver, British Columbia K to 12 Coed $24,540 to $28,670 Stratford Hall takes learning beyond IB with its IDEA Lab, OEE and partner schools, where students strive to develop harmony between the urban and natural world through activities like camping, music, and orienteering. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	Stratford Hall	24540	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Elmwood School View Profile Ottawa, Ontario Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road PS to 12 Girls $16,160 to $30,900 Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Elmwood School	16160	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
featured TFS - Canada's International School View Profile Toronto, Ontario Bayview/Lawrence NS to 12 Coed $22,180 to $37,630 TFS - Canada's International School offers an exceptional bilingual education from age 2 to Grade 12. Average class size is 12 to 22 students. Entrance Scholarship to Grade 7 is available. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	TFS - Canada's International School	22180	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Rothesay Netherwood School View Profile Rothesay, New Brunswick Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd 6 to 12 Coed $25,130 to $70,830 Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support. Day/Boarding Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate User Reviews (8)	Rothesay Netherwood School	25130	MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
featured TMS View Profile Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 PS to 12 Coed $19,100 to $32,700 TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation of Significance for life. Day Montessori International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	TMS	19100	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured Southpointe Academy View Profile Delta, British Columbia K to 12 Coed $20,000 to $39,650 Southpointe Academy is one of the few schools in Canada delivering the full IB Continuum Programme from Kindergarten to Grade 12, Moving from AP to the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11-12 in 2023. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Southpointe Academy	20000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
featured La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science View Profile Toronto, Ontario Leslie/York Mills NS to 12 Coed $12,500 to $26,800 La Citadelle's Excellence in Bilingual Education and academically advanced curriculum develop successful global citizens through IB & AP programs and a holistic approach where students achieve their highest potential. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science	12500	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Académie de la Capitale View Profile Ottawa, Ontario Highway 417/Greenbank JK to 12 Coed $20,075 to $24,158 Acadecap International School (Académie de la Capitale), an IB World School, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from JK to Grade 12. Students thrive in a growth mindset environment and a culture of excellence. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	Académie de la Capitale	20075	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Richland Academy View Profile Richmond Hill, Ontario JK to 8 Coed $22,000 Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio-inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP Authorized and MYP Candidate School for children from JK to Grade 8. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Richland Academy	22000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Brookes Westshore View Profile Victoria, British Columbia 4 to 12 Coed $9,500 to $52,000 Brookes Westshore, an IB World School on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, offers grades 4 to 12 and both day and boarding programmes, with an average class size of 15 students. Boarding/Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (3)	Brookes Westshore	9500	MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Calgary French & International School View Profile Calgary, Alberta PS to 12 Coed $7,490 to $14,310 As western Canada's leader in French immersion education, Calgary French & International School students are active leaders and global citizens, graduating with a foundation for life long success. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	Calgary French & International School	7490	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Century Private School View Profile Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. PS to 12 Coed $17,700 to $27,500 Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students. Day Montessori International Baccalaureate	Century Private School	17700	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Bodwell High School View Profile North Vancouver, British Columbia Harbourside Drive/ 8 to 12 Coed $27,650 to $52,225 Bodwell High School emphasizes a well-rounded education with strong student support. The school's motto, "Strength in Diversity," pays homage to the 40+ countries students come from. Bodwell offers AP and IB courses. Day/Boarding/Homestay Progressive International Baccalaureate	Bodwell High School	27650	HighSchools Day Boarding Homestay Coed
Lower Canada College View Profile Montreal, Quebec Av de Monkland/Boul Cavendish K to 12 Coed $19,425 to $25,970 Lower Canada College is a gender-inclusive, K-12 university preparatory school, committed to excellence in teaching and learning. It is the only high school in Quebec offering both the IB MYP and DP. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	Lower Canada College	19425	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
MacLachlan College View Profile Oakville, Ontario Trafalgar Road/Cornwall Road PS to 12 Coed $23,043 to $29,395 MacLachlan is a world-class school offering the benefits of small class sizes, highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	MacLachlan College	23043	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
NOIC Academy View Profile Markham, Ontario 9 to 12 Coed $5,000 to $18,000 /semester Markham, Ontario; IB School; OSSD; OSSD online credit course; NOIC ACADEMY’s annual university enrolment rate is 100% and more than 85% of graduates are admitted by University of Toronto. Boarding/Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	NOIC Academy	5000	HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
London International Academy View Profile London, Ontario Richmond Street/King Street 9 to 12 Coed/Girls $28,000 A Canadian Private Secondary Boarding school, located in the heart of London, Ontario. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate	London International Academy	28000	HighSchools Boarding Boarding Coed Girls
Meadowridge School View Profile Maple Ridge, British Columbia 240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road JK to 12 Coed $28,400 to $38,400 Our practices in teaching and learning are exemplified by our outstanding academic results and are achieved through the active engagement of the head, heart, and hands. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Meadowridge School	28400	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
St. Stephen's School, Rome View Profile Rome, --------------- Ponte Sublicio/Lungotevere Aventino 9 to 12 Coed EUR €28,960 to EUR €49,413 An IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care; culturally inspiring students since 1964. Boarding/Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	St. Stephen's School, Rome	28960	HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Brockton School View Profile North Vancouver, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $25,900 to $29,100 Brockton School is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational, IB World School inspiring the growth of outstanding humans, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Brockton School	25900	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Bishop's College School View Profile Sherbrooke, Quebec 7 to 12 Coed $30,000 to $75,710 Bishop's College School is an English boarding and day school for students in grades 7 through 12. Small in size and culturally diverse, BCS is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme and Canadian curricula. Boarding/Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	Bishop's College School	30000	MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Ridley College View Profile St. Catharines, Ontario Ridley Road/Henrietta Street JK to 12 Coed $25,875 to $82,500 Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational IB boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society. Day/Boarding Progressive International Baccalaureate Our Kids Review	Ridley College	25875	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Mulgrave School View Profile West Vancouver, British Columbia Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit PS to 12 Coed $26,850 to $30,290 By inspiring excellence – the continuous pursuit of personal best - in education and life, Mulgrave strives to equip lifelong learners to thrive in a diverse and interdependent world. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Mulgrave School	26850	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Town Centre Private Schools View Profile Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue NS to 12 Coed $7,700 to $17,750 Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® World School and offers a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme. Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	Town Centre Private Schools	7700	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Maple Leaf World Schools - Canada View Profile Richmond, British Columbia Lansdowne Road/Kwantlen Street 10 to 12 Coed $22,000 to $37,950 MLWS-KPU offers a truly unique high school experience. Students receive the support and community of small high school classes along with the academic opportunities of learning within world-class university facilities. Day/Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	Maple Leaf World Schools - Canada	22000	Day Day Boarding Coed
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School View Profile Okotoks, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W K to 12 Coed $18,020 to $25,220 Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, full IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12 close to Calgary, AB. Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School	18020	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Walden International School View Profile Oakville, Ontario QEW Highway/403 Highway PS to 8 Coed $9,850 to $20,180 Walden International School, Oakville, offers enriched, child-centred, academic programs from Pre-K through Grade 8. Class sizes up to 18 students depending on grade level. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Walden International School	9850	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Luther College High School View Profile Regina, Saskatchewan 9 to 12 Coed $9,530 to $45,180 Luther College High School values excellence in teaching and cares for our students as individuals in our tight-knit community. Our focus in on the whole student - social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual. Day/Boarding Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate User Reviews (2)	Luther College High School	9530	HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Unisus School View Profile Summerland, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $14,800 to $59,480 Unisus empowers global-minded citizens. The PreK-12 school is rooted in the IB/Technology, Entrepreneurship/ Outdoor Education - Offering Day & Boarding. Day/Boarding Progressive International Baccalaureate	Unisus School	14800	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
The Maples Academy View Profile Amaranth, Ontario PS to 8 Coed $9,895 to $11,745 The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). Daily French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	The Maples Academy	9895	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Ashbury College View Profile Ottawa, Ontario Mariposa Avenue/Springfield 4 to 12 Coed $32,110 to $74,230 This traditional private school in Ottawa, Ontario offers Grades 4 to 12 with 100 boarding and 600 day school students. Tuition is from $30,585 to $71,720. Day/Homestay/Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate	Ashbury College	32110	MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Boarding Coed
King Heights Academy View Profile Thornhill, Ontario Weston Road/Rutherford Road NS to 12 Coed $18,598 to $24,998 King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade 12 which includes the IB Program. Preschool, Pre- Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary Programs offered. Day Traditional International Baccalaureate	King Heights Academy	18598	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) View Profile Mississauga, Ontario Cawthra/Lakeshore PS to 7 Coed $12,130 to $30,180 TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate	TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus)	12130	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
King's-Edgehill School View Profile Windsor, Nova Scotia College Rd/King St 6 to 12 Coed $19,950 to $63,550 Benefitting from its safe and beautiful Nova Scotia location, King's-Edgehill facilitates the opportunity for every student to Be More – in the classroom, on the sports fields, on stage, in the community and beyond. Day/Boarding Traditional International Baccalaureate	King's-Edgehill School	19950	MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Aspengrove School View Profile Lantzville, British Columbia JK to 12 Coed $11,000 to $33,300 With a 40-acre campus, Aspengrove School teaches the International Baccalaureate curriculum through a team of passionate faculty committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for their students. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate	Aspengrove School	11000	Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Wheatley School View Profile St. Catharines, Ontario Edinburgh Dr/Scott Street NS to 8 Coed $7,075 to $14,775 We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community. Day Montessori International Baccalaureate	Wheatley School	7075	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Ashwood Glen View Profile Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street PS to 8 Coed $14,000 to $20,000 Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies the IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum. Day Progressive International Baccalaureate User Reviews (6)	Ashwood Glen	14000	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Balmoral Hall School View Profile Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. PS to 12 Girls $16,500 to $69,400 We offer a supportive environment for girls’ learning with a strong sense of community. We encourage the love of learning in a place of belonging that nurtures resilience, inspires creativity, and celebrates diversity. Day/Boarding Progressive International Baccalaureate	Balmoral Hall School	16500	Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls
Island Pacific School View Profile West Vancouver-Bowen Island, British Columbia 6 to 9 Coed $20,925 Our four year program is developed to equip and inspire students to cultivate their humanity. We are distinctly different: a small (IB) middle school that fosters intellectual engagement, citizenship and leadership. Day Liberal Arts International Baccalaureate User Reviews (1)	Island Pacific School	20925	MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Much like true language learning does, learning ethical behaviour requires immersion into an environment where right action is examined and lived each moment by all teachers and learners, rather than encapsulated as a topic for study. Learning leads to right action in such a school, and right action leads to further and deeper learning.

Adoption of the International Baccalaureate program at Branksome Hall in Toronto has shifted our outlook from just teaching about ethics to teaching and living ethically as a school community. Such learning requires rigorous thought and well-developed critical enquiry skills. In fact, rigorous thought is a prerequisite for meaningful and purposeful action.

Here is an example. Before the 2004 Christmas vacation, Grade 11 biology students were studying the effects of pathogens in the natural environment. Over the holiday, the tsunami assaulted southern Asia. When the students returned to school after New Year's, they reviewed their knowledge of pathogens that were emerging in the standing fresh water of the affected areas, and examined the consequences for the people needing that water. Flowing from this deepened understanding was a compelling call to action, especially as reports at the time indicated that more than 150,000 people were killed. But the teacher did not immediately move to the question "What can we do?"

Instead he paused and asked students to research the number of deaths that occurred from HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa over the same period. Statistics kept by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health estimated that more than 82,200 had died. Then the teacher asked "What should we do?", so students could explore the deeper layers of ethical decision-making.

As part of their study of justice and government, Grade 6 children at our school research a "good cause" in the city. They discover the complex political structures and agendas of "helping" organizations and must move beyond questions of form and function toward questions that probe the underlying organizational, financial and philosophical challenges charities face. Then students debate the obligations of governments to support such institutions. The girls must think through the benefits and challenges of democracy along the way, assessing the rights and responsibilities of some of our great philanthropic institutions.

Rachel Tobin, a Grade 6 student investigating the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, remarked, "I never knew how important the foundation was. I didn't know that the hospital couldn't be the best in the world without the foundation. Raising money is really hard, then deciding what to spend it on is even harder."

All students in the International Baccalaureate program must write an extended essay in the last two years of high school. Original thinking, which bridges traditional subject disciplines and requires a real life connection, is a core demand of the task. Some of this year's essay topics include: "Invasive Species in Ontario and Their Effects on the Environment," "Applying Noam Chomsky's Propaganda Model to a Canadian Newspaper" and "The Nuremburg Trials as Precedent in International Law." Each topic requires an understanding of the necessity of ethical action and the capacity to reflect, at an advanced level, on human behaviour.

At the heart of the IB program is a community service requirement. Community service focuses expressly on action and forces a link between classroom study and out-of-classroom charitable work.

Each student's adviser and a community service co-ordinator guide her toward enriching service activities. A girl's talents and skills, prior experiences and goals are all taken into account as she chooses a service project that is relevant to her and so increases her capacity to see herself as a vehicle for change in the world. Students strong in math may tutor inner-city children, a skier may teach the blind to ski, a girl interested in marine biology is given the opportunity to escort dolphins born in captivity back to the wild.

The school's mission to cultivate an international perspective allows students to experience service opportunities in faraway locations so that they will meet the intercultural challenges of providing service to others first-hand. Branksome has "adopted" an orphanage for girls, the Sheela Bal Bavan Center in Jaipur, India, and groups of Branksome students travel there to tutor and sister the orphans.

A school is being built in the impoverished eastern cape of South Africa. Branksome girls tutor its pupils and, beyond that, plan to foster longer-term friendships with the children after travelling there. Because action must push toward further learning, all girls are required to submit a structured reflection on their projects and contributions.

Finally, the day-to-day life of the school itself – its timetable, its code of conduct, its hiring and teacher-training policies, its committee structures – all have changed in order to be congruent with the central ethical framework of the International Baccalaureate program. Democracy, respect and the employment of sound critical thinking must come into every administrative and teaching decision. At Branksome, the leaders are learners, and the learners take the lead.

We need our children to approach the ethical complexities of our world with confidence and competence. We can only do this, as we try to do at Branksome Hall, by making each new lesson or activity, each club, team or committee, a place where knowledge is critiqued, its uses understood and its consequences for action embraced and lived.

—Patricia Parisi

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IB Impact: Program brings a new ethical framework to school community

List of International Baccalaureate schools

Series: Trends in Education

In the spotlight:

Sustainability, responsibility, and accessibility (in service of student success)

Focusing on more than just academics

Focusing on affordability in private education

Where learning takes root

Start here: Five steps to finding the perfect school.

Latest Articles

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