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In just two years, Northwood Elementary has received International Baccalaureate school status.

This is normally a three- to four-year process, principal Scott Winslow said.

Ferndale Middle School also received the designation in two years.

The designation means the schools’ curriculum is based on inquiry-based and hands-on learning and the learning process is student-driven.

The schools must also offer a second language. Northwood offers Chinese, which it’s had since the 2007-08 school year, a year prior to starting the International Baccalaureate application process.

Being part of the program also opens up partnerships with schools throughout the world, like Northwood has with a school in China. This gives students an international and global perspective.

Northwood has gone a step further by implementing a cultural exchange with its sister school, Winslow said. The school’s Chinese teachers are visiting faculty, made possible through another grant.

Winslow said the school would also like to send staff and students to China for cultural exchanges, too.

The IB Organization evaluates and accredits schools around the world.

To begin the accreditation process, a school first creates a plan and then implements it. Then the IB organization tours the school and conducts interviews with staff, students and parents. If a school meets the criteria, it is given accreditation and recognized worldwide as an IB school.

As an IB school, Northwood is required to continue reviewing and updating its curriculum. The accrediting organization reevaluates schools every three to five years.

Winslow said the most exciting part of this accreditation is that students can now be part of an IB curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students at Northwood Elementary will move on to Ferndale Middle School and then to High Point Central.

Once students enter high school at Central, students will be familiar with IB and can decide whether to continue on that track or select a traditional high school route.

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241,or elizabeth.seagraves@news-record.com