Ever feel like choosing the right school is a full-time job?

You scroll through websites, read brochures, talk to other parents—and still, you're left wondering if you're getting the full picture. Somewhere in that search, the IB Primary Years Program probably came up. Maybe someone told you it's a "global curriculum." Maybe you heard it’s great for independent thinking. Maybe you even saw the term International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and thought: “Wait… is this for my kid or for some genius world traveler?”

If that’s you, you’re not alone.

A lot of parents hesitate when they first hear about the Primary Year Program. It sounds intense. Academic. Maybe even elite. And if you’re trying to figure out if it fits your child—especially a younger one—it can be hard to know what’s real and what’s just marketing noise.

Here’s the thing: most of what people think they know about the IB program for young kids? It’s outdated, oversimplified, or just plain wrong.

That’s exactly why this post exists. We're going to walk through the 10 biggest myths about the IB Primary Years Program. By the time you're done reading, you’ll know if this program is a good match for your child’s mind, heart, and future.

Let’s break it down.

1. "It’s Only for Gifted or Advanced Kids"

Nope. That’s just not how it works.

The Primary Year Program isn’t designed for a certain “type” of student. It’s not an exclusive club for genius-level children. It’s built for curious learners—at any level—who are ready to grow, question, and explore. The program adjusts to meet the child where they are. That’s the beauty of it.

2. "It’s Basically a Private School for International Families"

Let’s break that down.

Yes, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme was developed with a global mindset. But it’s not only for expats or bilingual households. More and more American families are choosing the PYP because it teaches kids how to think for themselves, work well with others, and understand the world beyond their own neighborhood.

It’s not about where you’re from. It’s about where your kid can go.

3. "It’s Too Academic for Young Kids"

This one’s easy to believe if you’ve never seen a real PYP classroom. But it’s also off-base.

The IB Primary Years Program is designed for how young children actually learn—through play, hands-on projects, and real conversations. Kids don’t just memorize stuff. They explore ideas. They ask questions. They find connections between what they’re learning and what’s happening in their lives.

Academic? Yes. Overwhelming? Not even close.

4. "There’s No Time for Creativity or Play"

Wrong again.

If anything, the Primary Year Program brings creativity into the core of learning. Kids aren’t sitting at desks all day filling out worksheets. They’re building things. Telling stories. Acting out ideas. Painting. Experimenting.

The PYP doesn’t treat creativity as an “extra.” It’s part of the learning process from day one.

Read more: Why a Student Portfolio is Important in the IB® Primary Years

5. "IB Just Means More Memorization"

It’s the opposite.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme is built around inquiry—not repetition. That means students don’t just learn the answer. They learn why the question matters in the first place.

Instead of memorizing a list of facts about animals, they might ask: How do animals adapt to survive? Then they research, share ideas, and apply what they find. That’s how real learning sticks.

6. "It Skips Over Core Subjects Like Math and Reading"

It doesn’t skip them. It integrates them.

The IB Primary Years Program still teaches math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. But instead of splitting them into separate, disconnected chunks, it weaves them together through themes and real-world connections.

Your child won’t just do math—they’ll use it to solve a problem that matters to them. That’s how the PYP builds both skills and purpose.

7. "It Doesn’t Prepare Kids for Standardized Tests"

Let’s be real: most kids don’t enjoy test prep. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be ready.

Students in the Primary Year Program still hit benchmarks in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. They just get there through a different path—one that makes them better problem solvers, not just better test takers.

The payoff? IB students tend to perform at or above grade level when it’s time for assessments. And they do it with less burnout.

8. "There’s Too Much Homework"

No. There’s purposeful homework.

What this really means is that assignments in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme are designed to extend thinking, not exhaust it. Your child might write a reflection, do a quick research task, or prepare a small project—but they won’t be grinding through two hours of worksheets after school.

You’ll see short, focused activities. The kind that sparks good dinner-table conversations. Not meltdown-inducing marathons.

9. "Parents Can’t Get Involved in IB Programs"

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Primary Year Program encourages strong school-home connections. Parents are invited to events, projects, and even classroom exhibitions. You get to see what your child is learning and how they’re growing—beyond just grades.

At schools like Strelitz International Academy in Virginia Beach, teachers make a real effort to partner with parents. You’re not kept at arm’s length. You’re part of the team.

10. "It’s Just a Trend. It Won’t Matter Long-Term."

Think again.

The IB Primary Years Program is part of a global education system that’s been around for decades. It’s used in more than 5,000 schools across 160 countries. Top universities around the world respect it. Employers value it. And more U.S. schools are adopting it every year because it works.

This is not a trend. It’s a shift toward real, lasting learning. And it starts early.

What This All Means for Your Child

If you’re trying to figure out what kind of learning environment will help your child grow not just academically, but as a human, the IB Primary Years Program is worth your time.

It teaches kids to think for themselves, ask good questions, care about others, and see their role in the world. That’s a foundation that lasts.

And yes, they’ll get solid math skills. They’ll read and write with purpose. But more importantly, they’ll want to learn. They’ll come home excited to talk about what they did in school.

That’s the difference.

Got Questions? Ask Them.

So here’s what it all adds up to:

The IB Primary Years Program isn’t about pushing kids to do more, memorize faster, or grow up too soon. It’s about giving them the space and tools to think better, ask smarter questions, and care about something beyond themselves. It doesn’t rush kids—it raises them.

If you’re in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Norfolk, there’s one place doing this right:

Strelitz International Academy is the only IB school in Virginia offering the full Primary Year Program.



What does that mean? Your child can get a world-class, values-driven education without leaving your zip code.

But here’s the deal: reading about a program is one thing. Seeing it in action, asking your real questions, and getting honest answers—that’s what helps you make the right choice.

So if you’re even thinking about a better learning experience for your child, reach out.

Contact us here and let’s talk about what your child needs and how we might help.