Eakin is an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years Programme school.
In the primary years, IB is an inquiry based method of instruction that “challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.” Through IB, students are actively engaged in their own learning by drawing on prior knowledge, applying it to new experiences, and reflecting on new discoveries. Teachers model questioning statements aloud and encourage students add the words “I wonder” to their vocabulary. In so doing, students are encouraged to question, consider, and refine their understanding of the world across local, domestic, and international levels. The end result of IB should be to develop “Global citizens” who are open-minded and caring. Learning in the IB program takes place under six main themes:
- Who we are
- How we share the planet
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
- Where we are in place and time.
IB is a way of providing instruction. Within the IB framework, Eakin is still responsible within the IB framework for ensuring that students are meeting the instructional requirements of the state of Tennessee at each grade level.
Our Eakin students are part of one of the only school systems nationwide to offer IB education from kindergarten through to 12th grade. Eakin is zoned to flow into West End Middle School and Hillsboro High School, both of which offer the IB curriculum.
