International Baccalaureate Candidate School
Howard Middle School (HU-MS2) is a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and we are excited to share that we are pursuing IB World School authorization. IB Candidate Schools share a common philosophy — a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science and our school community believe is important for our students.
Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes:
Candidate status gives no guarantee that IB authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org
Learn More About IB Programmes →We look forward to continuing our IB authorization journey!
The IB Middle Years
Programme at HU-MS2
Preparing internationally minded learners through inquiry-based education, conceptual understanding, and a commitment to service — integrated with our STEM pathways for a future-ready education.
What is an IB Education?
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. At HU-MS2, this mission drives everything we do.
International-Mindedness at HU-MS2
International-mindedness is a way of thinking, being, and acting characterized by openness to the world and recognition of our deep interconnectedness. At HU-MS2, we foster this through multilingual learning, engagement with diverse perspectives, and meaningful community service. Our students explore both local and global issues, developing the understanding needed to make progress toward a more peaceful world.
Why IB at a STEM School?
The IB framework perfectly complements our STEM focus. While STEM develops technical proficiency and innovation skills, the IB ensures our students also grow as ethical thinkers, effective communicators, and globally aware citizens. Together, they prepare students not just to excel academically, but to use their knowledge responsibly in an interconnected world.
The IB Learner Profile
The Learner Profile places the student at the center of education. These 10 attributes reflect the holistic nature of IB education — nurturing curiosity, compassion, knowledge, and skills. At HU-MS2, our students develop these attributes across every subject and experience.
The MYP at HU-MS2
The IB Middle Years Programme is designed for students aged 11–16, providing academic challenge while developing life skills during a critical period of adolescent development. The MYP curriculum framework is comprehensive, flexible, and fully aligned with our STEM pathways.
Concept-Driven Learning
The MYP promotes conceptual learning, focusing on powerful organizing ideas relevant across subject areas. Students explore connections between disciplines, building deep understanding that transfers to new situations and real-world contexts.
Learning in Context
Six global contexts provide the framework for meaningful inquiry. Students connect classroom learning to real-world issues, developing understanding of their place in the world and their ability to effect positive change.
Personal Project
The MYP culminates with the Personal Project, where students demonstrate their learning journey by investigating an area of personal interest. This develops self-directed learning, project management, and reflective skills.
Service & Action
Community service is integral to the MYP. Students move beyond awareness to engagement, using their developing skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to their communities — both local and global.
Global contexts direct MYP learning toward independent and shared inquiry into our common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet. They extend the PYP transdisciplinary themes, providing the framework for meaningful, contextual learning at HU-MS2.
Approaches to Teaching & Learning
Grounded in contemporary educational research, the IB's approaches to teaching and learning guide daily classroom practice at HU-MS2. They center on inquiry, action, and reflection — an interplay of asking, doing, and thinking.
Six Approaches to Teaching
Five Approaches to Learning (ATL)
Learning how to learn is fundamental. These five skill categories empower students to become self-regulated learners who set goals, pursue aspirations, and take ownership of their education.
Where STEM Meets IB
At Howard Middle School, our STEM pathways and IB curriculum work in harmony. The MYP's emphasis on inquiry, conceptual understanding, and real-world application naturally amplifies our Robotics, Data Science, Engineering, and Computer Science programs.
Discover the HU-MS2 Difference
HU-MS2 is currently in the IB authorization assessment phase — a rigorous evaluation process that validates our commitment to delivering a world-class IB Middle Years Programme alongside our dedicated STEM pathways. We're excited about this milestone in our journey. Have questions? We'd love to hear from you.