Terra Schools
An IB World School
At Terra Schools, we are proud to announce that Terra San Francisco School is now an officially authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. This significant milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, multilingual fluency, and inquiry based learning. As an authorized IB World School, we continue to nurture globally minded, compassionate, and curious learners who are prepared to make a positive impact in an interconnected world.
Get to know us at an upcoming info session, tour, or open house.
What is the IB?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally respected educational framework that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding.
The IB Primary Years Program (PYP), designed for students ages 3-10, emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary connections, and a student-centered approach that encourages children to construct knowledge through exploration and reflection.
IB at Terra Schools
As an IB World Candidate School, we integrate the PYP with our nature-based, multilingual Mandarin and Spanish immersion programs.
Our approach combines the best of Reggio Emilia philosophy, experiential learning, and structured inquiry to empower students as active participants in their education.
Through this dynamic framework, students develop essential transdisciplinary skills, including:
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Communication: Expressing ideas confidently in multiple languages
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Critical Thinking: Questioning, analyzing, and solving real-world problems
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Social & Emotional Growth: Developing empathy, collaboration, and global awareness
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Research & Self-Management: Cultivating independence, curiosity, and resilience
Primary Years Programme (PYP):
Pre-K through 3rd Grade
The PYP curriculum is unique in that it addresses real-world problems and looks at them through various lenses.
The PYP’s transdisciplinary approach motivates our students to learn traditional subject area skills, because they can perceive—in real time—how their scholarship will lead them to real-world solutions.
In the Preschool and Lower School years, units of inquiry interweave core subject areas such as mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, arts, and physical education.
The six transdisciplinary themes that guide the PYP units of inquiry and compose a year of study are:
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Who we are
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Where we are in place in time
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How we express ourselves
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How the world works
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How we organize ourselves
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Sharing the planet
Through the lens of a central idea that is engaging, relevant, challenging, significant, and concept-driven, each unit is paired with three or four lines of inquiry, which further clarify the central idea and define the scope of inquiry.
The IB Learner Profile:
Shaping Future Leaders
Inquiry & Knowledge
Students are driven by a passion for discovery and are deeply engaged with both local and global issues.
Thinking & Problem-Solving
They approach challenges with analytical creativity, reflecting thoughtfully on their learning journey.
Communication & Collaboration
Articulate and multilingual, they are empathetic and foster strong community connections.
Resilience & Adaptability
Confident and adaptable, they face challenges with courage and an open mind to diverse perspectives.
Ethics & Integrity
Guided by strong moral principles, they make responsible and ethical decisions.
Well-being & Balance
Holistically developed, they maintain a balance of intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being.
A Unique Educational Experience
The integration of the IB PYP with our nature-based, multilingual curriculum allows our students to explore learning beyond traditional classrooms.
Weekly outdoor excursions, hands-on projects, and student-led discussions deepen their understanding of the world while fostering independence and leadership skills.
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As an officially authorized IB World School, we are proud to provide an educational experience that fosters confident, compassionate, and globally engaged learners. We invite families to discover how our unique blend of the IB Primary Years Programme, Spanish and Mandarin language immersion, and nature based education creates a transformative learning journey for every child.
Get to know us at an upcoming info session, tour, or open house.
