Canyon Springs High School Earns Special Status

MORENO VALLEY>> It has been several years of work in the making, but Canyon Springs High School has finally received confirmation that it is now an International Baccalaureate or “IB” school. The new status means CSHS will begin offering IB classes next fall of 2017, both for students wanting to earn an IB diploma, and for those who want to take individual IB courses. International Baccalaureate is an advanced learning program that brings a global perspective. It offers an especially rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum that challenges and encourages students’ personal and academic development. The IB Diploma is highly regarded by colleges and universities around the world. The two-year diploma program requires students to take a series of courses and exams, write a college-level research paper, and engage in community service. “I’m especially pleased with what this says about the quality of our staff,” said Principal Tamara Kerr. “We have outstanding teachers, prepared to work with the IB curriculum, who are fortunate to be strongly supported with ongoing professional development by a school district and governing board whose sole focus is doing what’s best for students. Having an IB option in MVUSD is great for our students.” MVUSD School Board President Jesús M. Holguín said the addition of IB builds upon a string of successes the district has experienced in the last five years under a new superintendent and her team. “MVUSD has by far the fastest-growing graduation rate in Riverside County; we’re sending more students than ever before to America’s top colleges and universities with a record amount of scholarship money; and we’re closing the achievement gap at the same time,” Holguin said. “Adding IB is yet another example of how we are responding to student needs.”