Students from MDUSD's 4 International Baccalaureate programs present to Governing Board

MDUSD is proud that four of our schools participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, which stresses an international education focused on developing inquiry skills, critical thinking skills, confidence building, communication skills, global mindfulness, risk-taking and caring among student learners. Students and staff members from Monte Gardens and Sequoia elementary schools, Oak Grove Middle School and Ygnacio Valley HS presented an update on their programs to the District Governing Board on Wednesday, April 22. 

Monte Gardens Elementary student Isabella (pictured fifth from right below) told the Board she was inspired to enter the Concord Mayor's Art contest because her school's IB Learner Profile Attributes include being "risk-takers." She ended up winning the Elementary Grade Level Award. 

Sequoia Elementary students spoke about their UN Sustainable Development “lines of inquiry” exploring issues affecting the world including clean energy, ending hunger, and resource consumption. Their teacher Kim Ovadia invited the Board and community to the Sequoia Elementary 5th Grade IB Exhibition at 9 a.m. Friday, May 15 (see flyer).

Oak Grove MS students presented the animal shelter display board (pictured below) that they created for their Community Project, explaining that the local shelter is struggling due to limited resources. They said the project helped them to develop teamwork skills, as they shared in the responsibilities, as well as IB traits including communication, and being open-minded, knowledgable and caring. 

Ygnacio Valley HS students said they enjoyed connecting with high school students in Marietta, Georgia through an IB "exchange" program, which they found to be reassuring, as well as inspiring. They also connect with Oak Grove MS students by tutoring them in math to help build their problem-solving skills. And they were proud to announce that their program is growing, with a 75% increase in students who are IB Diploma candidates this year, including some who have been accepted to UC Berkeley, Cal Poly, University of Oregon, and Saint Louis University in Madrid, Spain.

Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark praised the students, saying the inquiry and project-based IB program provides them with excellent skills that will benefit them as adults. Board President Debra Mason also complimented the group, saying she looks forward to attending the IB Gala at Ygnacio Valley HS every year.

MDUSD International Baccalaureate (IB) program students and staff from Monte Gardens and Sequoia elementary schools, Oak Grove MS and Ygnacio Valley HS stand with Superintendent Dr. Clark and Board Members after their presentations on April 22, 2026.