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Specialty Programs

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme

Program Type

Transfer Program – Students participating in this program will transfer to the program location for all courses and activities. Express Bus Transportation is available to accepted students living outside the program location boundaries through Specialty Program Transportation.

Note: Applications for this program are open for rising 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Limited seats available.
 
Specialty program applications will be accepted November 2, 2026 - February 1, 2027. Families will be notified on March 1, 2027, and must accept the offer by Friday, March 5, 2027.
 
Students who are zoned to attend Ellis Elementary will not see the IB Program listed as an application option.  Zoned students are automatically enrolled in the IB program at Ellis Elementary. 
 

Criteria for IB Programme Consideration

Ellis Elementary is proud to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), which nurtures curiosity, global awareness, and academic growth. When considering students for participation, we review the following criteria:

  • Academic Performance – Academic performance is considered as part of the overall review process.
  • Attendance – Students should have no more than 10 absences during the current school year to ensure consistent engagement in learning.
  • Behavior and Discipline – A positive and respectful learning environment is essential. Students must be in good disciplinary standing, which includes:
    • No disciplinary incidents in the past 12 months related to fighting, vaping, disrespect, classroom disruption, or vandalism.
    • No history of serious infractions, including assault or battery, sexual assault or harassment, arson, possession of weapons, or involvement with drugs or alcohol.

These criteria help us ensure that all students thrive in a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching IB learning environment.

School-Based Information Sessions

October 22, 2026, 4 p.m. at Ellis Elementary School.

January 21, 2027, 2 p.m. on Zoom. Form to access Zoom information

Attendance Areas

Bennett ES, Cedar Point ES, Ellis ES, Innovation ES, The Nokesville School, Signal Hill ES, T. Clay Wood ES, West Gate ES, and Victory ES

More information

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme

What is the IB Primary Years Programme?

IB PYP Program Model

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Ellis Elementary offers an exciting way for students to learn. Ellis ES became authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School in 2012 and is one of the five elementary schools in Prince William County with a PYP program.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy-a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education. Through questioning and an inquiry-driven approach, students become actively engaged in their learning.

Students are guided by their teacher with the opportunity to make their own decisions in their learning. We help students develop "agency" – which means we give students the tools to direct their learning within the guidelines that are set in the classroom.

Through the six-year PYP program at Ellis, teachers link the Virginia Standards of Learning to six transdisciplinary units called units of inquiry. The program goes beyond simply teaching curriculum. The PYP is designed to help students become globally-minded, critical thinkers who help make the world a better place.

For more information, please review our IB PYP Brochure:

Ellis IB PYP Brochure

Ellis IB PYP Brochure Spanish