Gilbert schools to offer K-12 IB pathway

Gilbert Public Schools plans to offer a fully authorized International Baccalaureate pathway for students from kindergarten through 12th grade beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

The district expects final authorization of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at Gilbert Accelerated Middle School in 2026, completing a continuous IB pathway that begins at Patterson Elementary School and continues through diploma and career-related programs at Gilbert High School.

Gilbert High School received authorization for its IB program in 2020 and is set to graduate its fifth IB class in May. Patterson Elementary School received authorization for the IB Primary Years Programme in 2025.

“With our IB programs, students build on their curiosity year after year,” said Meghan Gray, IB coordinator at Gilbert High School. “By the time they reach high school, they are applying critical thinking and research skills developed throughout their education.”

At Patterson Elementary School, the IB Primary Years Programme serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Instruction focuses on inquiry-based learning across subjects, with students exploring broad themes such as community, systems and shared responsibility.

Curriculum is designed to align with Arizona academic standards while encouraging goal-setting and reflection.

According to the district, Patterson Elementary students score above district averages in English language arts and mathematics assessments and record a 94.7% attendance rate.

The school has also reported a decline in behavior referrals during the current school year.

Students in grades seven and eight may continue the IB pathway at Gilbert Accelerated Middle School, which is housed on the Gilbert High School campus.

The Middle Years Programme emphasizes skill development in research, organization and communication, with coursework connecting classroom learning to real-world and global contexts.

Ninth- and 10th-grade students at Gilbert High School also have the option to complete the IB Middle Years Programme. Students who meet assessment criteria across multiple subject groups and complete a personal research project may earn an IB Middle Years Programme certificate.

In grades 11 and 12, students may enroll in the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme at Gilbert High School.

These programs emphasize independent coursework, extended research and career-focused instruction, including opportunities for professional certifications.

District officials said the IB pathway is designed to balance academic rigor with accessibility by offering multiple methods for students to demonstrate learning, including projects, presentations and collaborative work.