K4 - 5th Grade

Marvin E. Pratt Elementary School

K4 - 5th Grade

Marvin E. Pratt Elementary School

K4 - 5th Grade

Marvin E. Pratt Elementary School

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. 

Teachers at Marvin E. Pratt Elementary School carefully integrate state academic standards within the internationally focused PYP framework. Scholars build a knowledge base and skillset, backed by Common Core Standards, that prepares them for middle and high school.

Programme of Inquiry

The PYP programme of inquiry is a school-wide learning map connecting IB learner profile attributes, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, transdisciplinary themes, and specified concepts to lessons and projects in all subjects. Students learn new material, build research and communication skills, and develop IB attributes like “knowledgeable” and “reflective.”

Pratt educators collaboratively plan units of inquiry to capture scholar interests, teach academic standards through inquiry-based learning, and help scholars develop the learner attributes.

Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills

  • Social
  • Research
  • Thinking
  • Communication
  • Self-management skills

Specified Concepts

  • Form
  • Function
  • Causation
  • Change
  • Connection
  • Perspective
  • Responsibility

Transdisciplinary Themes

  • Who we are.
  • Where we are in place and time.
  • How we express ourselves.
  • How the world works.
  • How we organize ourselves.
  • Sharing the planet.

PYP Scholars

Teachers guide Pratt scholars through a challenging curriculum that encourages them to take risks, reflect on their learning, and become effective communicators. Scholars develop their creative voice and vision in music and art classes. They explore the mind-body connection and team-build during physical education class. Spanish lessons start in kindergarten.

PYP Parents

The International Baccalaureate maintains a small library of videos, brochures, frequently asked questions, and other resources that explain the PYP and other programmes. Parents and caregivers can learn more about our PYP curriculum during parent-teacher conferences and IB Family Night.

Scholars who complete fifth grade at Pratt can continue thinking globally and preparing for college and career in International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programmes (MYP) at three Milwaukee Public Schools.