Skip To Main Content

Blog Posts

Keyword search

Date Range
-

Search by Category

Children learning through play outside

At Seven Peaks School, an independent IB World School in Bend, Oregon, we believe education is about more than preparing students for the next grade level. Through inquiry-based learning, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to build confidence and self-advocacy, students develop the skills they need to thrive in high school and beyond. Discover how our International Baccalaureate approach helps students become lifelong learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged community members prepared for what comes next.

Read More about Prepared for What Comes Next
Our very own PYP Performing Arts Instructor shares his improv work with his students

Improvisation and International Mindedness in Spain

Over Spring Break, Seven Peaks School Performing Arts Teacher Clayton Pearce traveled to Valencia, Spain to attend Narrativa, an international improv festival focused on narrative longform improvisation. The experience brought together performers from around the world to collaborate, create, and perform original full-length stories in real time.

Throughout the festival, Mr. Pearce participated in workshops and performances led by internationally recognized improv artists while also soaking in the local culture of Valencia. From musical improv to collaborative storytelling, the experience strengthened both his creative practice and his sense of international mindedness.

“I had an absolute blast and am excited to share some of what I learned with my students in the near future,” Mr. Pearce shared.

Experiences like these reflect the spirit of lifelong learning and global connection that help shape the arts program at Seven Peaks School.

Read More about Improv Takes the Stage!
Thinking Like Scientists: How the IB Pathway Prepares Students for High School Physics

Seven Peaks’ IB Middle Years Programme prepares students for 9th grade physics by building a strong foundation in conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and scientific inquiry. Through a progression of hands-on learning and problem solving from grades 6–8, students develop the confidence and skills to think critically, apply equations with purpose, and succeed in advanced science courses.

Thank you to our MYP science teachers, Kori Donley and Rodney Kopish for their support in content creation.

Read More about Thinking Like Scientists: How the IB Pathway Prepares Students for High School Physics
Learning Never Stops: A Year of Faculty Growth at Seven Peaks

In the 2025–2026 school year, Seven Peaks School faculty participated in a wide range of professional development opportunities that strengthen teaching, leadership, and student support across the school. Educators attended national conferences, International Baccalaureate workshops, literacy training, and experiential learning programs both in the United States and internationally. From science and mathematics instruction to art education, crisis response, and inquiry-based learning, these experiences allow teachers to bring new ideas, strategies, and renewed energy back to their classrooms. This ongoing commitment to professional learning reflects the core values of an IB school, where reflection, collaboration, and growth are essential to providing students with a dynamic and thoughtful education.

Read More about Learning Never Stops: A Year of Faculty Growth at Seven Peaks
Celebrating learning in Kindergarten at Seven Peaks School.

The 100th day of school is a joyful milestone in kindergarten, but at Seven Peaks it also represents something deeper. In just a few months, students grow not only in early literacy and math skills, but also in confidence, independence, and their ability to collaborate and communicate.

Through purposeful play, inquiry based learning, and a strong focus on relationships, kindergarteners develop the habits of the IB Learner Profile from the very beginning. They learn to ask questions, solve problems together, and see themselves as capable learners.

As Kindergarten Teacher Kristen Brannan shares, by midyear students are confidently finding their voice, taking ownership of their learning, and building the foundation for a lifelong love of discovery.

Read More about 100 Days of Wonder: How Play, Inquiry, and Growth Shape Kindergarten at Seven Peaks
Student takes a swing at pinata

How Culture Shapes Learning at Seven Peaks

At Seven Peaks School, students learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences that bring culture and language to life. Exploring traditions like piñatas and participating in an ofrenda helps students understand how culture shapes history, language, and community. Through these shared experiences, students develop global-mindedness, deepen language acquisition, and build empathy—key elements of our IB educational journey from Pre-K through 8th grade.

 

Read More about How Culture Shapes Understanding: Bringing Global Learning to Life
Rock Bands Perform at Domino Room

As Seven Peaks School begins a new year and semester, January’s IB Learner Profile focus—Risk-Taker—invites students, educators, and families to embrace change with confidence and curiosity. This post explores how the 10 IB Learner Profile traits are intentionally woven into learning from Pre-K through 8th grade, shaping not only academic growth but the mindset needed for lifelong learning. Through everyday classroom moments and a shared sense of purpose grounded in the IB mission, Seven Peaks students are encouraged to take thoughtful risks, build resilience, and trust the learning process. The post also invites families to reflect on their own experiences with growth and uncertainty, reinforcing the partnership between school and home as we move into a semester filled with courage, creativity, and possibility.

Read More about January Learner Profile Focus: Risk-Taker