From Curiosity to Confidence: How San José Unified’s IB Pathway Inspires Global Learners from Elementary to High School

San José Unified is proud to offer a powerful educational experience that begins in kindergarten and continues through high school—one that challenges students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop a deep appreciation for the world around them. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway, offered at Horace Mann Elementary, Muwekma Ohlone Middle, and San José High School, provides a seamless, globally minded continuum of learning for students from grades K–12. Across our IB Schools, students discover the tools not just to succeed academically—but to understand themselves, their communities, and their place in an interconnected world.

At Horace Mann Elementary, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) lays the foundation for inquiry-based learning. Students as young as five learn to ask big questions, build their research skills, and explore concepts through hands-on, student-driven projects. For many of our youngest learners, this early exposure to IB’s approach is what makes learning feel joyful, meaningful, and exciting. “My favorite thing about learning at our school is we get to collaborate a lot, and for PYP we get to learn about a bunch of cool stuff like poetry,” said Harper Gregory, a fourth grade student at Horace Mann student. This spirit of collaboration and inquiry prepares students for future success—not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

As students move into the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Muwekma Ohlone Middle School, they continue building on the foundation of the PYP. Through interdisciplinary projects, research opportunities, and real-world problem-solving, students begin to understand how what they learn applies to the world around them. Many of our high school IB students—including those now thriving at San José High—often reflect on these middle school years as the moment their confidence as learners began to grow.

At San José High, the IB experience culminates in two rigorous and transformative high school pathways: the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-Related Programme (CP). Both pathways challenge students to think independently, manage complex projects, ask deeper questions, and reflect on their learning—skills that prepare them for college, career, and life.

For San José High teacher and alum Paul Da Silva, this is exactly what makes IB such an impactful model. “What I really like about IB education is it values critical thinking and challenges students to take on new and difficult projects,” said Da Silva. “Students learn how to think, not just what to think—and that’s an incredibly powerful foundation for their future.”

One of the most unique aspects of the IB pathway in San José Unified is its accessibility. Unlike many districts, SJUSD offers IB programs at no cost, ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can access a world-class educational experience.

IB students across our district learn to:

• Think critically and independently
• Build strong communication and collaboration skills
• Explore cultures and perspectives different from their own
• Make meaningful connections to local and global issues
• Manage time, research, and major projects with confidence

They also benefit from a globally recognized curriculum accepted by colleges and universities around the world.

Across all three IB schools, the goal is the same: to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are prepared to make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world. Whether it starts with writing poetry in the PYP, exploring identity in the MYP, or tackling college-level coursework in the DP and CP programs, the outcome is consistent—students who see the world with curiosity, respect, and purpose.

Families interested in learning more about San José Unified’s IB pathway are encouraged to contact Horace Mann Elementary, Muwekma Ohlone Middle, or San José High School directly and explore program offerings.

To learn more about the International Baccalaureate offered at San José Unified, visit https://www.sjusd.org/learning/programs/ib, and stay tuned for our upcoming video, where students and teachers across our IB pathway share their stories and bring the IB experience to life.