Academic Programs
An internationally minded education, starting in Grade one.
Richmond Hill Campus · Grades 1–6 · PYP implementation since September 2024
Prestige School Richmond Hill Campus is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), on the path to becoming an IB World School, implementing the internationally recognized PYP framework alongside our enriched curriculum.
What is the IB PYP?
A framework for the whole child.
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in school and in the world beyond. The PYP offers a transformative experience for students, teachers, and whole school communities.
PYP learners know how to take ownership of their learning, collaborating with teachers to deepen understanding and increase their confidence and self-motivation. Through actively engaging in integrated ongoing assessment, they become effective, self-regulated learners who can act on constructive feedback.
Guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, students broaden their learning by developing conceptual understandings and strengthening knowledge and skills across, between, and beyond subject areas. The PYP is designed for students aged 3–12 — making it an ideal complement to Prestige School's existing JK–Grade 6 enriched curriculum.
IB PYP candidate school:
Richmond Hill Campus only
11 Headdon Gate, Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 9W9
Grades 1–6 · PYP implementation began September 2024
Six Transdisciplinary Themes
Who We Are
Inquiry into the nature of self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures.
Where We Are in Place and Time
Inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations.
How We Express Ourselves
Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity.
How the World Works
Inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world — physical and biological — and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles.
How We Organize Ourselves
Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
Sharing the Planet
Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities.
Candidacy Status
On the path to full IB authorization.
IB candidate status means Prestige School Richmond Hill has made a formal commitment to pursue authorization as an IB World School. During candidacy, the school works closely with the IB organization to implement the PYP framework, develop teachers, and build the systems needed for full authorization.
Spaces in Grades 1–6 at our IB PYP candidate campus are limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged for families interested in the programme.
Inquire About AdmissionPrestige School Richmond Hill Campus is a Candidate School* for the Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Prestige School Richmond Hill Campus believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
FAQ
IB PYP questions.
What is IB PYP candidacy?
IB candidate status means Prestige School Richmond Hill has made a formal, reviewed commitment to pursue authorization as an IB World School. During candidacy, the school works directly with the International Baccalaureate Organization to implement the PYP framework, develop teachers, and build the systems required for full authorization. Candidacy is a structured pathway with defined milestones, but candidate status does not guarantee that authorization will be granted.
Which grades are part of the IB PYP candidacy at Prestige School?
Prestige School Richmond Hill Campus is an IB PYP candidate school for Grades 1 through 6. As a candidate school, it began implementing the PYP framework in September 2024.
Is the Toronto campus an IB PYP candidate school?
No. Only our Richmond Hill Campus campus (11 Headdon Gate, Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 9W9) is an IB PYP candidate school.
How does the PYP differ from the regular Prestige School curriculum?
As a candidate school, we are adding a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based layer to our already enriched curriculum by implementing the PYP framework. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, PYP students explore knowledge across and between disciplines through six global themes — guided by essential questions and student-driven inquiry. Our rigorous academics remain; the PYP deepens how students engage with them.
Are spaces limited?
Yes. Grades 1–6 spaces at Prestige School Richmond Hill are limited. We recommend early registration for families who are interested. Contact our admissions team to discuss availability.
Is IB PYP recognized for future IB Diploma admission?
IB PYP and IB MYP (Middle Years Programme) are separate programmes. PYP experience gives students a strong foundation for inquiry-based learning. Admission to IB Diploma programmes is determined by the high school offering the diploma — not by prior IB experience, though it is an advantage.
“The IB approach changed how my son thinks about learning. He doesn’t just memorize — he asks why. His inquiry projects have become the highlight of our dinner conversations.”
Get In Touch
We would be pleased to connect with your family.
Whether you have a question, would like to arrange a campus tour, or are ready to begin the admissions process, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
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