Jefferson IB STEAM Magnet
Jefferson Elementary is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to every student on campus — one of only 5 IB PYP elementary schools in San Diego Unified, and the district's first elementary school to combine IB with STEAM.
IB + STEAM: Two Powerful Approaches, One Exceptional Education
Jefferson's IB STEAM curriculum combines the inquiry-based International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme with hands-on STEAM learning, inspiring students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
What is IB?
Learning how to think.
The International Baccalaureate was originally created to help high school students in different countries earn a diploma recognized by universities worldwide. Since then, it's grown into a family of programs used in countless countries, known for rigorous, high-quality curriculum at every educational level — not just high school.
Today, IB schools share a common goal: developing students who are inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring — prepared to thrive in an interconnected world. Learn more at ibo.org.
What is STEAM ?
Learning by doing.
STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics — is a collaborative, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach to learning that supports the teaching of grade-level content standards.
STEAM curriculum combines the Next Generation Science Standards and a project-based learning approach into a program that is hands-on, minds-on, and integrated. At Jefferson, it's woven into IB units, not taught as a separate class.
How IB and STEAM Come to Life at Jefferson
Jefferson's IB and STEAM programs goes beyond traditional academics, weaving rich, real-world experiences into everyday learning. Here's how it works in practice:
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Every unit connects to one of IB's six transdisciplinary themes, from “Who We Are” to “Sharing the Planet” — with STEAM's hands-on, inquiry-based approach woven into how each theme is explored.
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Spanish, Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Garden, and more enhance classroom learning throughout the year, reinforcing both IB themes and STEAM skills.
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Students learn by doing — working together on IB STEAM projects that bring classroom themes into the real world through design, testing, and iteration. In "Cardboard Arcade," students design and build working arcade games while studying forces and motion. In "Habitat Experts," they become environmental scientists, building habitat models to explore how we help preserve balance in nature. And in "Invention Convention," students create their own inventions to solve real problems in their lives, then showcase their work for the whole school community. These collaborative projects turn classroom concepts into lasting, hands-on learning.
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Community-building events keep IB's mission alive outside the classroom — fostering cultural understanding and a genuine sense of belonging. Jefferson families come together throughout the year at events like Children's Day and North Park's Salsa Fest, celebrating the same spirit of connection and collaboration that defines IB and STEAM in the classroom. [Visit our Events page →] to see what's coming up.
Together, these pieces build critical thinkers and globally minded citizens — kids ready for a lifetime of learning and active citizenship.
The IB Pathway
Four programs, one continuum
IB offers four programs spanning early childhood through university preparation. Jefferson offers the first stage — the foundation for everything that follows.
Primary Years Programme
Focuses on developing the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally.
Jefferson Is Here
Middle Years Programme
Emphasizes intellectual challenge and making connections across subjects.
Diploma Programme
A rigorous curriculum that prepares students for university.
Career-related Programme
Combines academic study with practical, career-related learning.
Why it Matters
Preparing well-rounded students for an interconnected world
Jefferson focuses on developing well-rounded students with strong academic, social, and emotional skills — preparing every child not just for the next grade, but for success in a connected, changing world.
IB International Primary Years Programme
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.
SDUSD STEAM
STEAM enables students to see opportunities, build empathy, and create innovations with the potential to impact their world in real and powerful ways.
Jefferson Elementary
The mission of Jefferson Elementary School is to develop internationally-minded students who, through a rigorous program of inquiry, become knowledgeable and caring citizens of the world.