Cleveland Middle Gains Its IB Certification

New International Baccalaureate certification solidifies commitment to a comprehensive catalogue of specialized schools in Albuquerque Public Schools.

Cleveland Middle School Principal Amy Veschusio Lissick and her team received great news over spring break.

Nearly two years into their journey as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Candidate School, Cleveland is now a fully certified IB National School. The announcement follows a grueling verification visit, in which evaluators from around the country observed classes, met with stakeholders and confirmed that the school is ready to deliver the IB program with fidelity.

The school has been working toward the designation for the past four or five years.

“I’m so excited,” Veschusio Lissick said, noting the hard work she and her team put into the process. “We did it because we want to offer our students a top notch education where they explore how everything they’re learning ties into the real world.”

IB is a rigorous program that helps students think critically and solve complex problems and can put learners on track to top universities. It is known worldwide and is highly regarded throughout the world.

“We’re committed to offering a world-class education through a comprehensive catalogue of specialized schools, ranging from dual language and the arts to engineering and sustainability,” said Superintendent Gabriella Blakey. “We are thrilled to be adding the rigorous International Baccalaureate Middle School program to our portfolio, further enabling students to explore real-world connections, gain confidence and develop critical thinking skills.”

Dr. Blakey recognized Principal Veschusio Lissick and the entire Cleveland staff and community for the hard work that resulted in the IB certification.

Albuquerque Public Schools has had an International Baccalaureate program at Sandia High School for nearly a decade, and district officials believe the Middle Years Program at Cleveland can form a natural connection with the Sandia IB program if students and their parents decide to pursue the offering in high school.