St. Edward HS & Lakewood Catholic Academy Seeking To Form Nation's First Catholic IB Partnership

Recent approval paves the way for the two Lakewood institutions to deliver the world’s premier teaching framework for students in grades 6-12

St. Edward High School and Lakewood Catholic Academy have been approved by the International Baccalaureate Organization in Bethesda, Maryland to pursue the IB Middle Years Programme as partner schools. The partnership would be the first of its kind for Catholic schools in the United States, and would be a major stimulus for both schools.  

The IB Middle Years Programme is a pedagogical framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, and creates an environment where students learn through exploration and action. Lakewood Catholic Academy will be the first Catholic school in Ohio to deliver the IB Middle Years Programme (grades 6-8). St. Edward High School is home to the largest IB Diploma Programme (grades 11 and 12) in the state.

“Lakewood Catholic Academy is the best possible partner to continue to grow the IB Programme in the Catholic schools,” said Jim Kubacki, President of St. Edward High School. “Their combination of exceptional leadership and innovative vision will ensure that the IB Middle Years Programme enhances the academic experience of every student and fosters the critical thinking, creativity, analytical skills and work ethic that are the foundation for student success in high school and college. We’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of the IB curriculum. At the Middle Years level, every student will experience this world class education.”

The partnership will expand the IB Programme at St. Edward to grades 9 and 10, and create an opportunity for students attending both Lakewood Catholic Academy and St. Edward to experience an uninterrupted IB Programme from grades 6-12. St. Joseph Academy is also pursuing the IB Middle Years Programme independently, although the three schools are working closely together.

“This collaboration is a win for the Catholic school community and the Lakewood community” said Brian Sinchak, President of Lakewood Catholic Academy. “St. Edward has become the leader in growing quality instruction in Northeast Ohio, and our partnership will bring talented educators together in a deliberate way to deliver the most exceptional academic opportunities to students at both schools.” The two schools have already begun collaborating on curriculum development and teacher training, and will work in lockstep through a rigorous 3-year authorization process conducted by The IBO and the best educators in the world. The schools are also collaborating on a new Model United Nations Conference for October 2015 that will be hosted on both Lakewood campuses.

“The IB Middle Years Programme provides the framework for success for every type of student, especially with the dramatic changes we’ve seen in how young people learn in the 21st century,” said Dr. Gregg Good, St. Edward’s Executive Vice President and Vice President of the Ohio Association of IB Schools. “MYP students are active and engaged in the classroom and embrace learning because it’s so student-centered. There is no better framework for curriculum, instruction and assessment in the world, and it’s exciting that St. Ed’s and LCA can work together to deliver the program in such a unique way.”

Mike Deneen

Mike Deneen has extensive experience covering sports and community stories for the Lakewood Observer. Mike has been a Senior Industry Analyst for the Freedonia Group in Cleveland, Ohio, since 1998. He has appeared on CNBC’s Closing Bell, NPR’s MarketPlace and has been quoted multiple times in The Wall Street Journal. He has made multiple guest appearances on ESPN Cleveland radio. Mike also writes for Inside Northwestern, a website that covers Northwestern Wildcat Athletics. You can reach him on Twitter at @MikeDeneen1 

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Volume 11, Issue 19, Posted 5:42 PM, 09.15.2015