Valley Students Get International Education

An international program helped one valley school earn statewide recognition. Benjamin Franklin Elementary School has been recognized as a California Distinguished School.

Staff members say the school’s International Baccalaureate program, or IB program, has a lot to do with the success. The IB program is aimed at shaping the entire student by incorporating foreign language, performance, music, arts and community service.

“It’s taught me a lot about different cultures and languages. We have so many opportunities to learn,” said Rebecca Henein, Benjamin Franklin student.

“We have ballroom dancing, which helps students to be less shy and to dance with each other. We also get to learn different languages,” said Clarissa Stella, Benjamin Franklin student.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary is one of fewer than 100 elementary schools in the nation that’s part of the IB program.