Lehigh Valley Academy recently completed a very successful International Baccalaureate (IB) school visit on April 8-April 10. A visiting team of representatives from the IB spent three days evaluating LVA’s approaches to teaching, our plans, development, they interviewed students, staff and parents and experienced the day to day procedures of LVA. These essential visits take place every five years for all authorized IB World schools in order to ensure that we continue to embrace the IB and are implementing the program with fidelity.
In the past we have always had one programme evaluated at a time; however this time, all four programmes (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme) were reviewed at the same time.
While the final comprehensive report will be available in the coming months, the visiting team graciously provided us with a preview of their findings during their exit interview with the administrative team and their presentation to the community. The team’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing several strengths of our school.
Strengths as an IB School
The team was very impressed with our school, the new building and our commitment to the IB programmes.
“LVA makes the IB happen.”
They shared that LVA makes you really feel the IB through the buildings, walls and the way that everyone interacts with each other and that IB permeates through everything that we do.
The team members were impressed with the way that teachers support the students. They recognized the strong relationships that the staff has built amongst each other, as well as with the students. Parents and students who met with the team shared how important the teachers are to the students. Students feel safe and that they are being supported in their learning.
The new building stood out for the team, as well. The purpose built facility helps everyone support learning in the school. They appreciated the resources that are available to our students like technology, flexible seating, calming spaces and the additional staff in the classrooms.
The team was also impressed by LVA’s commitment to removing barriers and allowing students to access “IB for All”. They recognized how hard everyone works to provide academic, as well as social-emotional support to the students.
Important Next Steps for LVA
While recognizing our achievements, the team also provided valuable recommendations for our continued growth. They advised on the importance of ensuring all teachers are adequately trained in the IB curriculum, suggesting a structured approach to ongoing professional development. Additionally, they highlighted the need for updates to certain IB policies to align with the organization’s standards.
They also encouraged us to embrace that LVA is a IB continuum school offering all four programmes by developing structured opportunities for collaboration across the programmes, as well as within each of the programmes.
Being an IB World School is an ongoing journey, where the process is often just as important as reaching the goal. The end of this visit means that we are ready to start our new chapter with a focus on continuing to make LVA the best possible choice for our students.
Thank you to everyone who supported LVA through this experience. Our IB Coordinators, teachers, students, administrators, and Board members worked incredibly hard in order to help LVA shine and we’re incredibly proud of everything that we have accomplished.
Lehigh Valley Academy RCS 