Why School Lane Charter School is the Right Choice for YOUR 9th GRADER?

We know that 9th grade is a time when some families are considering the best path forward for their child.

At School Lane Charter School, our International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program provides a seamless pathway to academic and personal growth and prepares them for the IB Diploma Program for grades 11-12.

Why Choose to Continue in the Middle Years Program
at School Lane Charter?

At School Lane Charter School, we provide an education that challenges students intellectually, prepares them for college, and equips them with the skills needed for lifelong success.

Families who thrive in our community value academic rigor, respect the expertise of our teachers, and want their children to be both challenged and supported in their learning journey.

For many families education is a stepping stone to greater opportunities. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) Program starting with 7th grade goes beyond traditional learning, ensuring students develop critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and a deep understanding of subjects that prepare them for the future.

How the IB Program Compares with AP Courses in Traditional High Schools

We know you may be considering a traditional high school education because of their AP programs. Unlike AP courses, which focus on mastering content for a test created by a group of teachers, IB courses teach students to think like historians, mathematicians, and scientists—analyzing problems, making connections, and developing skills that last a lifetime.

Our approach is concept-based, not content-based, meaning students don’t just memorize facts—they learn how to learn. In a time when self-motivation can be a challenge, we help students develop independence and drive by fostering curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to work through complex problems.

Teamwork is a core skill in today’s world, and our curriculum encourages students to work together, respect different perspectives, and take ownership of their learning.

Curriculum Overview

Middle Years Program
(Grades 7-10)

The Middle Years Program (MYP) offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to connect traditional subjects with real-world applications, preparing students for the IB Diploma Program and beyond.

Core Academic Subjects

The MYP curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary connections and skill development across core subjects.

STEM: Design classes apply technology and engineering principles through projects that emphasize innovation and problem-solving.

English Language Arts (ELA): Analyze global issues through a wide range of literature, fiction and nonfiction. Write in multiple genres and forms in creative and analytical ways.

Mathematics: Explore concepts in algebra, geometry, probability and statistics and data analysis with a focus on real-world problem-solving.

Sciences: Engage in hands-on experiments and inquiry projects that explore biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

Individuals & Societies: Examine global issues, innovations and changes in society through the lens of history and multiple nations.

World Languages: Expand Spanish proficiency through advanced grammar, cultural studies, conversational practice and writing skills.

The Arts: Develop creativity through visual and performing arts, integrating artistic expression with academic inquiry.

Diploma Program
(Grades 11-12)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) provides students in grades 11-12 with a rigorous and globally recognized curriculum that prepares them for college and beyond.

Spanning two years, the DP challenges students to develop analytical thinking, advanced writing skills, and a deeper understanding of the world through six subject groups and the DP Core.

Core Academic Subjects

The DP curriculum allows students to specialize in subjects they are passionate about while gaining a well-rounded education.

Language and Literature: In-depth analysis of texts, writing, and oral communication.

Language Acquisition: Advanced study of a second language, such as Spanish, focusing on fluency and cultural appreciation.

Individuals and Societies: Courses such as history of the Americas, psychology and business..

Sciences: Biology, chemistry, and physics courses include experimental work and research-based projects.

Mathematics: Options range from applied to theoretical courses, emphasizing problem-solving real-world connections in upper level mathematics through Calculus.

The Arts: Students can pursue visual arts, integrating creative expression with critical analysis.

Is the IB Program Right for My Child?

Use this checklist to see if the IB Program at School Lane Charter School is the right fit for your child and your family’s educational values.

✅ Values Academic Rigor – Your child enjoys intellectual challenges and wants to go beyond basic coursework.

✅ Wants to Be More Than Just “Good at School” – Your child is excited to think deeply, ask big questions, and explore complex ideas.

✅ Thrives in a Concept-Based Learning Environment – They prefer understanding the “why” behind subjects rather than just memorizing facts.

✅ Wants to Be Prepared for College & Beyond – Your family values a curriculum that builds lifelong learning skills, independent thinking, and global perspectives.

✅ Seeks a Learning Community That Encourages Growth – Your child benefits from working collaboratively with peers and learning how to tackle challenges as a team.

✅ Prefers Learning to Think, Not Just Learning for a Test – Unlike AP courses, which focus on test performance, IB courses teach students to think like historians, mathematicians, and scientists.

✅ Believes Education Is a Stepping Stone to Opportunity – Especially important for immigrant families and families of color, the IB program provides a strong foundation for future academic and career success.

✅ Needs Support Developing Self-Motivation – The IB curriculum nurtures independence, curiosity, and perseverance, helping students take ownership of their education.

If you checked most of these boxes, the IB Program at School Lane Charter School is the perfect fit for your child as they move into 7th through 12th grades. We encourage you to continue with the SLCS educational path.