GRPS: Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy Achieves Distinguished Designation

Press release from Grand Rapids Public Schools:

January 10, 2022

Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy Achieves Distinguished Designation

PK-6 theme school becomes one of only two schools in Kent County to earn International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme designation

Grand Rapids Public Schools announced today that Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy has officially been designated as an International Baccalaureate World School for the Primary Years Programme, making it one of only two in Kent County (Coit Creative Arts Academy being the other) and 26th overall in the state to achieve this level. For more than 50 years, International Baccalaureate (IB) has been recognized as the global leader in providing international education curriculum programs and is known for its rigorous application process.

“The International Baccalaureate designation is recognized as the best-of-the-best for K-12 education,” said Dr. Leadriane Roby, Superintendent of Schools. “Sherwood Park joins Coit Creative Arts Academy as a shining example in the county for their commitment to delivering high-quality programs of international education for our elementary age scholars.”

IB offers four programmes, each focused on specific age groups. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for children ages 3 to 12. PYP focuses on nurturing and developing young students as caring, active participants in the lifelong journey of learning through a student-centered approach to education. The PYP also encourages developing student connections to the local and global community and expression through the arts.

“IB and Sherwood Park share a common commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of scholars by delivering challenging, high-quality programmes of international education,” said Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy principal Sherrie Ross. “The real payoff will be evident when these scholars enter adulthood and undertake activities that enhance their social, cultural, and economic environments. I can’t wait to see where life takes our Sherwood children!”

Sherwood Park joins Coit Creative Arts Academy as the only two IB PYP schools in Kent County. City High Middle School was the region’s first IB Middle Years and Diploma Programme.

Sherwood is a PK-6 theme school that offers an educational program that focuses on language and global studies. It is one of 12 GRPS theme schools, each with customized curriculum and unique academic offerings centered around a certain theme (i.e., environmental science, arts/music, Montessori, dual-immersion, college prep, etc.). Applications are required and available at http://apply.grps.org.

Grand Rapids Public Schools is appreciative of the Frey Foundation’s financial support for the IB program at Sherwood.

This press release was produced by Grand Rapids Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.