International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is a curriculum framework for K–5 Evergreen students that encourages inquiry-based learning rooted in curiosity and wonder about God’s world. Through the inquiry cycle—“Ask, Think, Do”—students explore meaningful questions, investigate real-world problems, and respond with thoughtful action. This process nurtures a love for learning while helping students recognize their role as active participants in God’s story. Grounded in a Christian worldview, the PYP framework fosters conceptual understanding, international-mindedness, and a desire to serve others, all within a supportive environment where students grow as thoughtful and compassionate Disciples of Christ.

Concept-based learning helps students see God’s world with deeper understanding by connecting facts and information to larger, meaningful ideas. Rather than just memorizing isolated facts, students group knowledge into concepts, allowing them to make connections, think critically, and apply their learning with purpose. This approach reflects how God designed our minds—to seek understanding, find order, and discover truth. By thinking conceptually, students grow in wisdom and discernment, seeing how all learning fits into God’s greater story.

At GRCS, we believe every child is uniquely created in God's image with gifts and potential to grow. The IB PYP is inclusive of all learners, and we are committed to supporting each student’s learning journey through intentional collaboration, reflection, and evidence-based practices. By recognizing and nurturing the God-given strengths of every student, we create a Christ-centered environment where all can flourish and be equipped to live out their purpose in God’s world.

At GRCS, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) helps each child grow academically while seeing how all learning connects to God’s world and His purpose for their life. The same academic standards are taught as on all GRCS campuses, but through a unique, engaging framework that brings subjects together around meaningful, God-honoring themes. These themes include: Who We Are, Where We Are In Place and Time, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organize Ourselves, and Sharing The Planet.

Your child will explore big ideas—like perspective, responsibility, community, and stewardship—through units of inquiry that include Bible, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Co-Curricular classes. This approach supports students in discovering how their learning connects to God’s presence and work in the world.

Christ-centered teaching integrates faith into every aspect of the classroom. In the IB PYP framework, our Christian values remain at the heart of everything we teach. The core components of the program align with GRCS mission, vision and our Christian worldview. We continue to emphasize spiritual practices such as prayer and worship, acknowledge God's sovereignty, and foster a sense of wonder for His creation. Teachers model Christ-like behavior through their inquiries, actions, responses, and relationships, creating a classroom community grounded in love, grace, and service. Our inquiry-based instruction includes our Christian worldview, helping students understand their identity in Christ, their purpose in His story, and inquire how to use their gifts to serve others and impact the world for good. At its heart, Christ-centered teaching ensures students feel known, seen, and loved—reflecting God’s grace daily.

The IB PYP helps your child grow into the person God created them to be—curious, compassionate, and ready to make a difference. Through this program, students become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong explorers who see the world through the lens of faith and compassion.

Students develop a sense of global awareness and cultural competence, understanding that they are part of God’s bigger story. With a heart for service and leadership rooted in Christ, each child will carry the skills and character they’ve developed at Evergreen into middle school and beyond—ready to sing a new song and live their lives in tune with the good news of Jesus Christ.