Amid pursuing authorization as an International Baccalaureate World School, Windermere Preparatory School strives to support students as they grow into independent critical thinkers with compassionate world views

Inquisitive. Principled. Reflective. Tolerant. Resilient. 

With an education from Windermere Preparatory School, students are all of these things—and so much more. They are strong global citizens who are ready to give back to their community and the world beyond.

“I think the biggest benefit of our curriculum is the holistic development of the whole learner. We’re really getting our kids not just college ready, but life ready,” says Mariko Bliss, Windermere Prep’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator. 

“We want them to be good people,” Bliss continues. “The IB helps them establish a lot of those soft skills—approaches to learning—to not just succeed in school, but to succeed in life.”

Windermere Prep is part of Nord Anglia Education, a global family of 85 schools in 33 countries guiding its students to be creative and impactful citizens by ensuring they are equipped with the skills and experiences to be successful in whatever future endeavor they choose. As such, Windermere is focused on IB education. With a two-year IB Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th grade students in place, the school is currently a candidate school for the IB’s  MYP and Primary Years Programme (PYP), which will enhance the school’s existing lower, middle, and ninth and twelfth grade curriculums. Once certified, Windermere Prep will be one of the only IB continuum schools serving students aged 3-18 in the state, according to Bliss.

“It brings all of the pieces of the puzzle together,” she says. “A child that goes through all three programs essentially comes out with the best education that we can offer.”

The rigorous IB Diploma Programme challenges and motivates students with a pre-university course of study, all the while encouraging them to develop an international perspective through their learning. 

“The International Baccalaureate Programme is one to help students to be globally minded. To be thinkers. To be risk takers,” says Nancy Gerena, Windermere Prep’s Director of College Counseling. 

A continuum of IB learning

In bringing IB to the younger students—Windermere Prep serves children aged 3 years through 12th grade—students will not only be better prepared for their advanced classes, but will also be more well-rounded overall.

“What sets us apart is the focus on developing the PYP and MYP to align in this continuum that connects with the Diploma Programme we’ve had since 2008,” Bliss says. “We really want to focus on providing a framework for learning that promotes skill development.”

Bliss calls the IB Diploma Programme the most well respected international curriculum in existence. Students take standard level and honors level classes that run for the two years of the program. And having the IB education throughout their entire Windermere experience will help ensure they’re ready once they leave school.

“To set our students up for success, we provide them with all the tools to handle life and all that comes with it,” Bliss says.

Laker Learner Concentration Program

The Laker Learner Concentration Program was launched by the Windermere Prep High School last year to provide students with options in addition to the IBDP.

The Laker Learner Concentration Program gives students the opportunity to focus on one of three concentrations: STEM, social impact and leadership, or fine arts. In addition to their chosen concentration, they will take a minimum of three IB courses (two higher levels and one standard level). Each senior will present a personal project on a global topic within their chosen concentration.

“It will give you a focus when you’re going through high school,” Gerena says of the program. “It allows students to be able to really tell their story.”

With the IBDP, concentration program, and various additional courses, students have the options they need to pursue their interests and discover who they are as they apply to best fit colleges and universities.

“Our team of college counselors works directly with each high school student, starting in ninth grade, to build an open dialogue about their goals and where they want to go in life” she says. “It’s a continuous conversation with the student and their family. It takes a village, and that’s what we do here. We guide and mentor them as we watch them grow into these amazing adults.”

Windermere Preparatory School
(407) 905-7737
WindermerePrep.com