Third grader Jose B. is building his legacy at Frank Guzick Elementary School.
“I love learning about each thing in class with so much detail,” said Jose.
His days this school year look a little different. The pre-K through fifth-grade campus is officially a Primary Years IB Program.
According to Principal Andreana Davis, this milestone comes after a three-year candidacy process, a one-year authorization application, and a visit period.
Achieving IB authorization, Davis said, required a cultural shift involving teachers, students, parents, and community partners.
Over time, classrooms began to look and feel different, with more student voices, more authentic connections, and greater joy in learning.
“The transformation wasn’t overnight,” said Davis. “But every year we moved closer to creating a learning environment that truly reflected IB’s mission.”
That mission is to cultivate globally minded learners who are prepared to thrive academically and socially.
Parent Stephanie Molina, who served on the IB Parent Panel, said she was drawn to the program’s emphasis on character development and community involvement.
“It teaches students to be caring, reflective, and respectful of other perspectives, and that’s exactly what I want for my child,” she said.
Jose agrees.
While his favorite parts of IB are the projects and hands-on activities, he says the most rewarding aspect is learning to appreciate different perspectives.
“At times it’s hard because everyone has a different answer when we work together,” he said. “Listening and being respectful helps me so much.”
Molina hopes the IB experience will continue to shape her son long after elementary school.
“As he advances grade levels, I hope what he has learned here can be applied to any aspect of learning in his future,” Molina said.
Davis says IB opens a world of opportunity for students by providing a pathway of global learning that begins in elementary and extends through middle and high school.
To learn more about the IB program at Frank Guzick and how students can launch their legacies, attend Discover Dallas ISD on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Automobile Building in Fair Park.
