MYP is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The IB program offers a globally recognized educational framework divided into three programs:

• the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-12, focusing on inquiry-based learning;
• the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, promoting critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections and community engagement;
• and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19, a curriculum which emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and a holistic approach to education.

Vancouver School Board (VSB) offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in several schools:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP): Southlands Elementary (K-Grade 7)
• Middle Years Programme (MYP): Elsie Roy and Lord Roberts Elementary (grades 6-7), King George Secondary (grades 8-10)
• Diploma Programme: Britannia and Churchill Secondary (grades 10-12)

Each program operates independently; students do not have to complete PYP to be eligible for MYP, or complete MYP to apply to DP. 

PYP and DP are in compliance with IB World program requirements and the District is not seeking the Board’s direction regarding these programs. 

It is important to note: 

-Data shows MYP students consistently choose to remain at their catchment school, King George Secondary, rather than pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP) at Churchill or Britannia, indicating a low level of interest in continuing with the IB pathway in their final years of secondary education. Unlike MYP where students are automatically enrolled, entry into the DP requires an application and assessment process

In the early 2000s the King George family of schools (Elsie Roy, Lord Roberts, King George) began to offer MYP. At that time, these schools were facing declining student enrolment and MYP was seen as an internationally recognized curriculum that could attract and retain students to these schools. During this time, there was also an oversupply of teachers in the education sector, and many were eager to distinguish themselves and improve their employment prospects by choosing to undertake the additional training required to become an IB-certified teacher.

Currently there are 659 students at King George, Elsie Roy and Lord Roberts who participate in MYP, totaling about 1 per cent of the student population in VSB (~51,000 students). The MYP is unique in that school districts can choose to offer it for two to five years. VSB offers the five-year MYP, spanning grades 6-10 between three sites. Within Metro Vancouver, MYP is also offered in North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Richmond school districts.

Since its implementation, MYP has operated as a school-based program, meaning only the grade 6-10 students within the three school catchment areas can enrol. The only way an interested out-of-catchment family could apply is through the cross-boundary process. Currently, the schools offering MYP are at capacity and are not accepting out-of-catchment students. In contrast, District Choice programs, such as French Immersion and the IB Diploma Programme, operate through an application process open to all students within the District.