Joyner Elementary is unique in that it has a dual magnet theme. We are an International Baccalaureate school and a Center for Spanish Language.

Through the IB Primary Years Programme learning focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is defined by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, and has a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

The IB Primary Years Programme addresses students’ academic, social and emotional well-being, encourages students to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own learning, supports students’ efforts to gain understanding of the world and to function comfortably within it, and helps students establish personal values as a foundation upon which international-mindedness will develop and flourish. An aim of the PYP is to create a transdisciplinary curriculum that is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant.

Kindergarten through fifth grade students participate in Spanish language instruction daily.  As an entire grade level receives Spanish instruction at the same time, students learning groups may vary throughout the year to ensure the most rigorous pace for each child based on their language development.  Additionally, all core courses (literacy, social studies, math and science) are taught through a transdisciplinary lens in which specials also can integrate their objectives.  The goal is for students to experience the relationship between everything that they learn as that is more like life after high school.  The transdisciplinary units explore the IB learner profile attributes, which enhance character development, social skills and leadership as well as concept and inquiry-based learning.