What is the IB program?

International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognized program for elementary through high school students. IB schools start as candidate schools and must complete a thorough and rigorous process to be officially recognized as an IB World School. The elementary program is referred to as the Primary Years Programme by the IB organization. Rockford Public Schools is launching an International Baccalaureate Candidate School at Conklin Elementary School in the 2023-24 school year for K-5 students.

This program is unique because students learn concepts through six themes:

1. Who we are
2. Where we are in place and time
3. How we express ourselves
4. How the world works
5. How we organize ourselves
6. Sharing the planet

The students’ day is integrated across subject areas. For example, students might learn about math, science, language, and social studies during their theme of “Sharing the Planet,” versus the traditional school day where each subject has a dedicated time during the day. IB also offers the opportunity for all students to learn a world language. At Conklin, students will learn Spanish. Teachers are required to participate in annual staff training about the program, curriculum, and teaching practices specific to IB.

This program is for learners who are independent, curious, work well in a team, are creative, enjoy projects, would benefit from an interactive and non-traditional school environment, and are interested in learning Spanish.

This program may be difficult for learners who need more direct instruction from the teacher, struggle with language development, find it challenging to manage their time, and/or benefit from the traditional school setting.

Families must attend a required orientation before completing the application. IB program families will be expected to:

1. Commit to the IB program for the duration of the child’s elementary experience
2. Maintain regular communication with the classroom teacher
3. Regularly attend meetings (such as conferences and IB nights)
4. Support my student learning Spanish
5. Encourage my student to ask questions about their learning and support student-led learning
6. Maintain regular student attendance
7. Recognize that this is a non-traditional learning environment geared toward academic achievement and social emotional development

Any students who don’t receive a seat in the lottery are given a random place on the kindergarten waitlist. Seats will be filled based on availability.

Current kindergarten through 4th grade students attending a RPS 205 school or zoned to a RPS 205 school submit their interest via an online interest form. Interest lists for incoming 1st through 5th grade students are sorted by grade level and time stamped by submission date. Seats will be filled based on availability.

Yes, sibling priority will be given based on space availability.

The IB program is located at Conklin Elementary School, 3003 Halsted Road.

The school will serve kindergarten through fifth grade students at Conklin Elementary School during the 2023-24 school year. In the 2024-25 school year IB at Conklin will house 6th grade for one year while the district creates the plan for further roll out at the identified middle school and high school.

The school hours will remain the same as all other schools in the northwest quadrant (7:35 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Yes. Students can transfer into the school during designated time periods if space allows. However transfers will not likely be accepted during the third trimester.

Yes, and they will continue to learn English and Spanish in their class within the IB program. Half of the day will be in English and half of the day will be in Spanish.

Yes, student services will continue, such as: ESL, IEP, 504, health, counseling and intervention.

Yes. Transportation is provided for students who live more than 1.5 miles away from the school or live at an address that is certified as meeting serious safety hazard criteria outlined by the state. Please refer to isbe.net for more information and answers.

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge to all students in Rockford Public Schools.

Students will participate in library, art, music, physical education, and Spanish.