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Charlotte County Public Schools

Punta Gorda Middle School enters International Baccalaureate candidacy

Posted Date: 05/26/26 (03:24 PM)


Logo for Charlotte County Public Schools, featuring a map of Florida and the year 1921.

Punta Gorda Middle School enters International Baccalaureate candidacy

May 26, 2026
The International Baccalaureate logo and text "INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE" are displayed on a blue background.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – Charlotte County Public Schools is proud to announce that Punta Gorda Middle School is a candidate school* for the MYP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students. 

The Middle Years Programme is designed for students ages 11 to 16 and focuses on developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people through rigorous academics, intercultural understanding, and real-world learning experiences. The program encourages students to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners while building the critical thinking and leadership skills needed for success in a global society. 

“Punta Gorda Middle School continues to build strong academic momentum while creating meaningful opportunities for students,” said Superintendent Mark Vianello. “Pursuing the IB Middle Years Programme reflects our commitment to high-quality, challenging instruction that prepares students to think critically, embrace diverse perspectives, and become lifelong learners. PGMS will be the only school in Charlotte County to offer the International Baccalaureate framework.” 

As part of the candidacy process, school and district leaders will work closely with the International Baccalaureate Organization through a multi-year implementation and evaluation process that includes staff training, curriculum development, and program alignment. During the candidacy process, the programme will initially be available to incoming sixth-grade students, with expansion to all grade levels the following year.

Incoming sixth-grade families interested in learning more about Punta Gorda Middle School and the IB Middle Years Programme, including information on program expectations and how to apply, are encouraged to visit the school’s website or contact Assistant Principal Kristina Kelch at Kristina.Kelch@yourcharlotteschools.net.
For further information about the IB and its programmes visit http://www.ibo.org
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* 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 (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.