International Baccalaureate

What is IB?

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) offers a continuum of international education. The programmes encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development. The programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. IB World School students develop strong academic, social, and emotional characteristics. Furthermore, IB students continuously perform at the top of their class.

IB Pathways

In Pasco County, we have two distinct IB Pathways: Central/East and West. Students have the opportunity to engage in IB’s approach to teaching and learning from elementary school through the high school diploma program.

Central/East Pasco IB Pathway:

  • Land O’ Lakes High School (Diploma Programme)
  • Pine View Middle School (Middle Years Programme)
  • Pine View Elementary School (Primary Years Programme)

West Pasco IB Pathway:

  • Gulf High School (Diploma Programme)
  • Gulf Middle School (Middle Years Programme)
  • Richey Elementary School (Primary Years Programme)

View the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Pathways map

What is the Primary Years Programme?

Pine View Elementary School and Richey Elementary School are authorized IB PYP World Schools. The Primary Years Program (PYP) is part of the International Baccalaureate Organization. The PYP provides a curriculum framework focusing on transdisciplinary learning by integrating across subject areas and using an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. The PYP nurtures independent learning skills, encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning, take action in their community, and develop international mindedness. Our goal is that students will become inquirers who are global thinkers through transdisciplinary studies. In the PYP, students will have an opportunity to learn Spanish as a secondary language.

How can I attend an IB PYP School?

All students who live in the attendance boundary for Pine View Elementary School (PVES) or Richey Elementary (RES) participate in the PYP program. Students from outside of the attendance boundary who want to attend PVES or RES should complete the Pasco Pathways School Choice Application. All out of zone students who apply are to be sent for the lottery, even if this number exceeds the total number of available seats. Preferences established in the Controlled Open Enrollment Plan will be followed when the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of seats open. Students residing in the district will be given preference, followed by students outside the district. Applicants are randomized and seats are filled by the number of open opportunities designated during the seat setting process. Students not placed during the lottery process will be placed on a randomized waitlist.

What is the Middle Years Programme?

Gulf Middle School and Pine View Middle School are authorized IB MYP World Schools. These magnet schools are a part of the continuum of the International Baccalaureate Organization, where students learn the Florida Standards through a framework that enriches conceptual teaching and learning in the classroom. The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and be well rounded members of society. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally, and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical, and reflective thinkers.

How can I become a part of the IB MYP Programme?

All students who live in the attendance boundary for Gulf Middle School and Pine View Middle School (PVMS) participate in the MYP programme. Students from outside of the attendance boundary who want to attend PVMS or GMS should complete the Pasco Pathways School Choice Application. All out of zone students who apply are to be sent for the lottery, even if this number exceeds the total number of available seats. Preferences established in the Controlled Open Enrollment Plan will be followed when the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of seats open. Students residing in the district will be given preference, followed by students outside the district. Applicants are randomized and seats are filled by the number of open opportunities designated during the seat setting process. Students not placed during the lottery process will be placed on a randomized waitlist.

What is the Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) at Gulf and Land O’ Lakes High Schools offers high-achieving, high-performing students an opportunity to pursue a rigorous program of study during their high school years while focusing on the IB mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who will help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The IB Diploma is widely accepted at universities and colleges throughout the world. The Diploma Programme offers the students the opportunity for college credit, as well as earning the IB Diploma. Students earning the IB Diploma qualify for the full Bright Futures scholarship known as Florida Academic Scholars tuition scholarship (with the completion of the required number of community service or paid work hours) and are waived from the minimum GPA and SAT/ACT requirements.

How can I become a part of the IB Diploma Programme?

All students interested must apply to be a part of the Diploma Programme utilizing the Pasco Pathways Application. Student applications will be reviewed to ensure the application meets eligibility criteria including: advanced or accelerated course participation as applicable to the grade level applying, proficiency on recent ELA and Math district and/or state assessments and above average grades in courses completed. Specific criteria will be outlined in the Pasco Pathways School Choice application for the program. Preferences established in the Controlled Open Enrollment Plan will be followed when the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of seats open. Students residing in the district will be given preference, followed by students outside the district. Applicants are randomized and seats are filled by the number of open opportunities designated during the seat setting process. Students not placed during the lottery process will be placed on a randomized waitlist.

Transportation

Attendance at a magnet school is a choice option, and as such, transportation is not provided unless the school is your zoned school and you live two miles or more from the school. Students attending their zoned school and who live two miles or more from the school will be provided neighborhood stops. Elementary students living less than two miles from the school who have hazardous walking conditions as defined in Florida Statute 1006.23 will also be provided transportation. Students living outside the boundary may not use existing stops within the boundary. 

Hub stops may be provided for students living outside the boundary; however, there is no guarantee that hub stops will be provided. If provided, hub stops will generally be located at district school sites. The location and number of hub stops available will be determined by the district. If hub stops are listed by the school, these are the current hub stops planned for the school. No additional hub locations will be provided besides those listed. If a hub location does not have sufficient interest or ridership, it may not be implemented or continued. If hub stops are not listed by a school, this indicates that either there will not be hub stops or that hub stops, if any, will be finalized after the second school choice window acceptances are received and interest in hub transportation can be determined. Hub locations are subject to change at any time. In the event that a hub location must be relocated, the new location would be in the same general area. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from the designated hubs or directly to the school.

View the current list of bus hubs for the 23-24 school year.

View the anticipated list of bus hubs for the 24-25 school year.

View the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Pathways map.

 

Prior to applying for school choice, you must have a Parent Portal account set up in our student information system (myStudent). Please visit Enrollment Services for additional information.

Sign up to receive more info via email and get a friendly reminder once the Pasco Pathways school choice application window opens later this school year.

 

Schools

Elementary:

Pine View Elementary School

Richey Elementary School

Middle:

Pine View Middle School

Gulf Middle School

High:

Gulf High School

Land O’ Lakes High School