Hello Vernon Community,

Vernon is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood school with an international focus. Because Vernon is home to diverse, creative, and supportive community, it lends itself like no other to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Our diverse population and the IB framework help to create a uniquely rich school culture.

Vernon is an authorized International Baccalaureate/Primary Years Program (IB/PYP grades K-5) and International Baccalaureate/Middle Years Program (IB/MYP grades 6-8). Our teachers have completed extensive IB training that helps them hone their skills in the latest instructional practices, assessment and child development in order to bring your child an educational experience that is world-renowned.  We know that IB offers tremendous advantages for students, helping them to become internationally minded students who can be successful at any level.

Our use of the IB framework allows us to provide a well-rounded program that incorporates the PPS curriculum with a focus on conceptual learning and our connectedness to a global society. In kindergarten through eighth grade, students explore world language. In addition, our curriculum builds on district and state standards delivered through internationally developed, research-supported educational practices. Inquiry is a primary vehicle for learning, and is used to integrate higher order thinking, questioning, and application of content knowledge through interdisciplinary learning. Students participate in authentic projects that promote responsible citizenship, applying content knowledge through community action. Developing students as learners is fundamental to IB, and our use of Learner Profile as well as IB Attitudes and Outcomes help us strive to be the best we can be. Students regularly assess and reflect on their mastery of becoming a thoughtful learner.

Finally, parents are actively involved at Vernon. Volunteers are welcome in classrooms, helping to extend and enrich the curriculum. Programs offered through our SUN after school program provide additional academic and enrichment opportunities to hundreds of students each year. We invite families to join us for these wonderful opportunities as part of our learning community. As the Principal at Vernon, I hear everyone from staff to families talk about the positive atmosphere here. They describe Vernon as a place that just feels good to be, where the environment is deeply caring. Vernon's quality staff, dedicated to academic achievement for all, makes Vernon a great place to learn for over 460 students.

Come grow with us,

Ben Keefer

Principal