IB Charter School Welcomes Eighth Graders

Originally published 2:48 a.m. Aug. 1.

Building on the addition of seventh grade when Imperial Beach Charter School opened for the first time last year, the school has grown to serve seventh and eighth grade students.

Each class has about 60 students each, said principal Pamela Reichert-Montiel. All middle school students have laptop computers to keep up with the school's 21st Century skills focus, which stresses things like problem solving, creativity, communication and technology.

Kindergarten and first grade classes have moved to Imperial Beach Charter School West Campus, formerly West View Early Learning Center, to accommodate middle school students at Imperial Beach Charter School, formerly Imperial Beach Elementary School.

The change comes after attempts to improve academic performance at nearby Mar Vista Academy. Formerly Mar Vista Middle School, the school replaced half its teachers and opened with a restructured curriculum last week. Most IB students who do not go to Imperial Beach Charter School attend Mar Vista Academy.

To provide the kind of experience afforded to students at larger middle schools, clubs for art, chess, journalism and more will be integrated into the weekly schedule.

"Students in eighth grade serve as ASB representatives and facilitate all ASB activities, including dances, nutrition break, and movie nights, to name a few," Reichert-Montiel said.

Students can also play basketball, flag football and volleyball.

"We will be contracting with the YMCA for these organized sports opportunities," Reichert-Montiel said.

Desiree Million and Ryan Martinez were added to the middle school teaching team, she said.

"Desiree is teaching U.S. History and eighth grade English, while Ryan is teaching Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and eighth grade Physical Science," she said.

Visit the Imperial Beach Charter School website to learn more about the school.