Frisco ISD : Bright Academy Named International Baccalaureate World School

Press release from Frisco Independent School District:

Jul 14, 2021

Bright Academy is the first elementary school in Frisco ISD to be named an International Baccalaureate World School with a Primary Years Programme, a prestigious designation.

As a designated IB Primary Years Programme, Bright Academy aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. 

“This designation is a culmination of three years of hard work by Bright Academy teachers and staff,” said Serita Dodson, Bright Academy principal. “We are excited about the opportunity to serve students from across FISD through this new program as the District’s only elementary School of Choice.”

“Bright Academy teachers have been actively participating in additional training for years in anticipation of this designation, with a commitment to an inquiry-based approach.”

Fewer than 70 public elementary schools hold this designation in Texas. Bright Academy is now officially listed on the International Baccalaureate website, joining Frisco High School, which was designated as an IB school last school year.

The IB program melds rigorous curricula with an interdisciplinary educational philosophy, infusing social and emotional concepts such as appreciation, respect and tolerance throughout the school day and asking students to think about globally significant topics.

Bright Academy instruction is student-driven, which uses the kids' interests and desires and questions to drive instruction. 

“Every child is naturally inquisitive and the components of IB set up an inquiry-based framework for all students to find success,” said Dr. Wes Cunningham, chief academic officer. “We are honored to officially have an elementary IB Primary Years Programme in Frisco ISD and the continued growth of opportunity for all students.” 

As the only elementary School of Choice in Frisco ISD, Bright Academy offers an exclusive Project Lead the Way Launch STEM curriculum to their students, Spanish instruction for all grade levels, one-to-one technology and inquiry-based instruction and enrichment. 

Congratulations to Bright Academy, which joins Frisco ISD’s other specialized programs including Frisco High School’s IB Diploma Programme. Click here to learn more about the extensive offerings. 

Apply to Bright Academy

While students who attend Bright Academy are within the Bright attendance boundaries, each year in the spring, the District opens up a lottery registration for all students who live in the Frisco ISD boundaries Kindergarten through 5th grade. Learn more.

This press release was produced by Frisco Independent School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.