On Valentine's Day, teachers and staff at Ashley Elementary School received the good news that the school had received official authorization to offer the International Bacclaureate Primary Years Programme.

The honor reflects work that lasted several years to allign the school's mission and the state's required curriculum with the goals of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), which is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Fewer than 250 schools worldwide have received authorization to offer the Primary Years Programme, which focuses on the total growth of developing children.

According to the IBO, the Primary Years Programme "combines the best resarch and practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant and engaging educational framework for all children."

The IBO also stresses an appreciation for different cultures and an understanding of how they relate to students' personal experiences.

Congratulations to Ashley for this achievement!