RMMS Achieves IB Goal

Goal Achieved: RMMS Officially an International Baccalaureate School

Regional Multicultural Magnet School (RMMS) has achieved its coveted goal to become an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) school.

On April 11, Principal Dr. Susan Iwanicki received official approval that RMMS had met the extensive criteria for IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) status. RMMS becomes the only elementary school in the southeastern region of Connecticut to offer an accredited IB program. There are now 10 total PYP schools statewide.

“This authorization is a testament to the legacy of RMMS as an innovative school,” Iwanicki said. “We will now be able to extend our hands-on approach to learning from our local programming and community partnerships to over 900 authorized PYP schools worldwide.”

LEARN runs RMMS, the oldest magnet elementary school in the country. The school is committed to diversity and multiculturalism, bringing together students of all backgrounds from towns across southeastern Connecticut. RMMS’s mission and curriculum share many facets of the internationally-recognized IB model, which emphasizes development of intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills across all nationalities.

“We are delighted that RMMS has achieved this distinction,” said Dr. Eileen Howley, LEARN’s executive director. “IB is a natural fit with the school’s more than 25 years of providing multicultural education to its students in southeastern Connecticut. We are all so proud of the faculty and staff and their dedication to continuous learning and strengthening the school’s program for the children and families that they serve.”

RMMS has been an IB PYP candidate school since 2016 and undergone rigorous curriculum development and review. The school built upon programs that celebrate diversity and inclusiveness, such as the Puentes Dual Language immersion program. More STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) offerings were created to engage students, including robotics opportunities for all grade levels. Additionally, the school offers many programs designed for students to explore their talents and passions. 

In February, IB delegates visited the school to review the school and determine whether IB standards were met. Their feedback was positive and RMMS expected a decision by late spring. Administrators received approval earlier than expected and are excited about what full IB status will mean for the school.

“Recognition from the IB reflects the hard work and dedication of RMMS educators and gives a global lens to student’s learning that is so critical for creating future citizens,” said Lynne Ramage, the school’s IB coordinator.

The school will celebrate its achievement later this spring with events for students, staff, and families.

“We could not have accomplished this work without the tremendous dedication of our staff and the support of the families we serve from over 20 towns,” Dr. Iwanicki said. “We have always been united in our efforts to empower students to become active, compassionate, lifelong learners, but we are thoroughly excited as this authorization opens us to a whole new international level for our students.”