Terrific Teacher: Wisconsin International School
By: Millaine Wells
Updated: January 17, 2013
DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV) - A local school has earned a special distinction.
They are the first independent school in the state to be authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School.
"They are making the dream of a global society happen with the many different cultures represented" says Mary Vanden Busch, Head of the School.
Starting at just 18 months old kids at the Wisconsin International School in De Pere learn Mandarin and Spanish.
"When they are three they start choosing between one or the other" she explains.
At three is also when the school starts its International Baccalaureate program.
"Our world is getting smaller and smaller because of technology and networking that we have and in order for them to be successful in our global society they need to know about each other, have a greater tolerance, understanding" says Vanden Busch.
It has taken five years for the school and its teachers to become authorized.
"A lot of education goes into it. They are all trained" she says.
Curriculum encourages students to make connections between what they are learning and solving real world problems.
"It really changes the way learning happens and what kids remember and love about education" says Vanden Busch.
Several public schools in our area offer International Baccalaureate programs at a High School level, including Green Bay, and Howard Suamico.
Green Bay is also working to become the 2nd in Wisconsin to offer the program from kindergarten through 12th grade.
