Preschool (3, 4 and 5-Year-Olds)
Elementary School (K-5)
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) is the basis for the Middle School
curriculum. BCD is one of the few stand alone MYP programs in the country and the first approved IB
program in Boulder Valley.As an IB school, BCD seeks to connect all subject groups: Humanities,
Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages (2), Technology, Fine Arts, and Physical Education in a
unique interdisciplinary way. Along with the core academic pieces of the IB program, Middle School
students are expected to be responsible young adults by participating in community service, studying
health and social education, developing their study skills, and seeking to discover their own unique
potential. As young leaders, Middle School students are also charged with living and modeling the core
values of the school as espoused by our motto, "Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Take Responsibility
for Your Actions."
Small class size, one-on-one attention and a welcoming and caring environment distinguishes the
Preschool program at BCD. Inviting classrooms and creative outdoor spaces encourage active participation
and combine activities and materials designed to enhance children's social, emotional, intellectual, and
physical growth. The academically-based curriculum is a mix of teacher-directed/child-initiated learning
that focuses on providing the youngest BCD students with the skills needed to advance during their
Preschool years and beyond. In addition to language, literacy and math, Preschool students also experience
weekly classes in music, library science, foreign language, and movement. BCD promotes strong
family school connections. Parents are always welcome and many are active participants in classroom
activities, field trips and other events.
The BCD Elementary School curriculum is a blend of old and new. Here, as at every level, tried and true
educational strategies are infused with the latest and best instructional practices enabling teachers to
provide student-focused instruction that is challenging yet meets the needs of each student. In addition to
the core academic classes of Math, Literature, English, Social Studies and Science, all Elementary students
study a modern foreign language. Also, the study of Latin begins in the fourth grade. "Specials," including
music, art, technology, library, and physical education round out students' Elementary School experience.
In grades K-4, the classrooms are self-contained; students have the same teacher for basic subjects, but
leave the classroom to attend specials. In grade 5, curriculum is taught by a two teacher team. Students
spend approximately half the day with each teacher. Fifth grade students continue instruction in art, library
skills, foreign language (2), Physical Education, technology and music. Students also learn organization
skills and time management in preparation for the transition to Middle School.
Middle School (6-8)
Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with
challenging assessment, the International Baccalaureate organization
aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual
talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of
the classroom with the realities of the world outside. Beyond
intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is
placed in the ideals of international understanding and responsible
citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and
compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners, and informed participants
in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that
binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures
and attitudes that makes for richness in life.
The International Baccalaureate
Middle Years Program Mission Statement