MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet School completed the application process to the International Baccalaureate Organization for authorization as an official International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP).

MacFarlane Park IBPYP is a strong academic incentive for students to choose a magnet program and is also an excellent preparation for students to choose middle school and high school magnet programs including International Baccalaureate (IB). Students who are better prepared for the middle and high school magnet programs are better prepared to earn an IB diploma and to successfully complete Advanced Placement courses and exams that result in increased student achievement levels and success in postsecondary education.

MacFarlane is one of two Primary Years Programmes on the west coast of Florida. MacFarlane received the Primary Years Programme authorization after only three years in the authorization process rather than the usual five years.

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

The cost of the application and implementation process for MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet School was approximately $30,000 which included: application fees; annual fees; Programme resources and staff development for teachers; and travel expenses for International Baccalaureate Organization consultants. The initial costs were funded by the federal Magnet School Assistance Program grant. Funds of $18,000 are included in the general operating budget to provide staff development, website resources for the implementation of the program, and updated reading materials in other languages.