The International Baccalaureate Program at Birney

Birney is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the prestigious Primary Years Program. We are proud to be one of only 8 schools out of 226 in our district to offer the IB program.

Originally created to help high school students in different countries earn a diploma recognized by many universities worldwide, the IB organization is now known for its high-quality programs and curriculum at all educational levels and in countless countries around the globe.

The IB curriculum has four levels: the Primary Years Program for ages 3-12, which focuses on developing the whole child; the Middle Years Program for ages 11-16, which emphasizes intellectual challenge and making connections between subjects; the Diploma Program for ages 16-19, which prepares students for university with a rigorous curriculum; and the Career-related Program for ages 16-19, which combines academic study with practical, career-related learning.

“Birney’s International Baccalaureate mission is: Think Globally, Learn Locally”

Birney focuses on developing well-rounded students with strong academic, social, and emotional skills, preparing them for success in an interconnected world. Our neighbors, Roosevelt Middle School and San Diego High, also offer the IB curriculum, providing an opportunity for students to complete the entire IB pathway.

How does the IB program impact students’ day-to-day schooling?

In practice, here is how Birney’s IB program brings a rich, well-rounded experience beyond traditional academics:

  1. All instruction aligns with IB themes like "Who We Are," "Where We Are in Place and Time," "How We Express Ourselves," "How the World Works," "How We Organize Ourselves," and "Sharing the Planet."

  2. Students have four "Specials" classes—Garden, Dance, Art/Theatre/Music, and Spanish—integrated into their weekly schedule alongside core subjects.

  3. Enrichment opportunities, such as field trips and guest speakers, complement the IB themes. For instance, Kindergarteners visit the Air & Space Museum when studying Force and Motion. During "Where We Are in Place and Time," they do a walking tour around University Heights and learn about the history of the neighborhood. During the “Community Workers” unit, they hear from guest speakers in various careers.

  4. Community-building events are vital to an IB education because they maintain a supportive environment, encourage cultural understanding, and align with the IB's goal of developing well-rounded, globally minded individuals. Visit our Events page to learn more about our community-building events.

This holistic approach fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world, preparing students for a lifetime of learning and active citizenship.

Costs and Funding for Birney’s IB Program

Despite its value, the IB program faces a stark funding gap. Birney receives no funds from San Diego Unified School District to support the IB program.

The cost to sustain the IB program each year is $400 per student, a daunting goal in a Title I school environment where at least 40% of Birney students come from low-income households. Our annual budget of ~$210,000 is essential to the IB certification and programming we offer at our school. This budget is thoughtfully allocated across several key areas:

  • Teachers: The majority of our budget, 73%, is dedicated to paying our talented teachers for instructing our garden, dance, art/theatre/music, and Spanish classes.

  • Community Building: 16% goes towards fostering a strong school community. This includes activities for Teacher Appreciation Week and events like Passport to Adventure, which immerses students in the music, food, customs, and culture of different countries.

  • Enrichment Activities: With 8% we fund enriching experiences such as field trips, visits from local professionals, assemblies, and International Baccalaureate (IB) training for our teachers.

  • Fees: The remaining 3% covers necessary fees like PayPal/Venmo transaction charges for non-cash payments, insurance and software.

Our non-profit organization, Friends of Alice Birney Elementary, is part of the Birney Beekeeper Alliance and plays a crucial role in sustaining the IB program through annual fundraising activities.

Does IB programming impact teachers and staff?

Yes. To maintain our status as an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Birney teachers undergo continuous, specialized training. This ongoing professional development ensures they are well-versed in the IB’s rigorous academic standards and innovative teaching methods. Teachers participate in workshops, online courses, and collaborative planning sessions, all designed to enhance their understanding of the IB curriculum and philosophy. The weekly time set aside for Specials classes gives core subject teachers essential prep time, helping them stay organized and work together better within and between grade levels.This commitment to continual learning and improvement helps our educators effectively deliver the high-quality, globally recognized education that defines the IB program.