International Baccalaureate Reauthorizes Monarch Global Academy Laurel - The Children's Guild

Monarch Global Academy Laurel, a public contract school with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, was reauthorized as an International Baccalaureate World School for the next five years. The school provides the Primary Years Programme, which offers a curriculum designed to prepare kindergarten through sixth grade students for future education and careers.

“We’re proud to announce our reauthorization as an International Baccalaureate World School,” Principal Donna O’Shea said. “Evaluators were astounded by our knowledge of the program and gave us a stellar report regarding our growth of the Primary Years Programme. Our commitment to inquiry and excellence was evident.”

As an International Baccalaureate World School, Monarch Global Academy Laurel develops students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, focusing on international-mindedness and strong personal values. The program incorporates local and global issues into the curriculum, asking students to look at six related transdisciplinary themes, including “who we are,” “where we are in place and time” and “how the world works.”

The evaluation report for reauthorization recognized Monarch Global Academy’s understanding of the Primary Years Programme philosophy, collaborative learning structures and commitment to student-centered learning. The school was encouraged to serve as a model program by participating in school visits, regional and global conferences and professional networking.

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate is a nonprofit educational foundation offering four programs of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.