Paisley Magnet School

What makes IB different?
International Baccalaureate (IB) schools were established around the world in the 1950s to standardize curriculum and promote the strongest instructional practices in schools attended by the children of diplomats. Sixty years later, the International Baccalaureate Organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, continues to monitor all IB schools to ensure standards of integrity within the curriculum. No other middle school in Forsyth County offers this degree of external monitoring or validation.

Paisley Magnet School's curriculum encompasses state and national standards such as the North Carolina Standard Course of Study but goes further by including the IB globally relevant and interdisciplinary focus.  In keeping with the Community and Service component, as well as to promote civic responsibility in our young people, Paisley's students participate in community service activities each year.

Why IB and not some other highly accelerated program?
Data shows that fewer than 25% of all high school students who take the ACT college entrance exam possess the academic skills necessary to pass entry-level courses.  However, the Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC) comparing IB standards with the Knowledge and Skills for University Success (KSUS) found International Baccalaureate highly aligned with the expectations of university faculty. 

Who can attend?
This is a challenging program that demands the best of curious and motivated students.  Classes are taught at the most advanced level.  Though many of our students are "certified" AG or HAG, Paisley is open to all students, based on the belief that all students deserve access to the best educational practices. 

Does it matter what my child is "certified"?
Regardless of your child's designation (Regular, AG, or HAG certification), Paisley Magnet School believes that all students have the ability to perform at a high level. The IB mission at Paisley is to fully prepare each student with a rigorous program of study at the secondary level and on into grades 9 and 10 if your student chooses to stay for the entire Middle Years Programme.

Does "Rigor" Mean "More Homework"?
Actually, rigor has more to do with the type of homework our faculty members assign than how much. Paisley Magnet School students may have anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes of homework each evening. Depending on when projects are due and how individual students budget their time, homework on any given night may vary. At Paisley IB Magnet School, we welcome parental input concerning your child's progress and this includes how successfully he or she manages schoolwork at home.

What are the qualities of an IB student?
The ten aspirational qualities of an IB student, called the IB Learner Profile, inspire and motivate the work of students, teachers, and the school, provide a statement of values, and define what is meant by the goal of being "international-minded", IB learners strive to be:  Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Caring, Open-minded, Courageous, Balanced, and Reflective.  


What benefits come with the Middle Years Programme?  What are the academic subjects my child will be expected to enroll in during the Middle Years Programme?
MYP students take a balanced program of study.  Students take Language A (English), Individuals and Societies (history/social studies), Math, Science, Physical Education, Fine Arts  (visual art, orchestra, band, chorus), Language B (French, German, or Spanish), and Technology (Robotics, Exploring Technology, Business Computer Technology, Keyboarding, Career Decisions, Life Skills). 


What are the enrollment guidelines?
Any elementary and middle school student enrolled or eligible for enrollment in WS/FCS may request an application to Paisley Magnet School.  The number of system-wide slots will be determined by available space.  A goal of the selection of students for the system-wide magnets is to reflect the geographic composition of Forsyth County. 


What is the selection process for students interested in the IB Programme at Paisley?
Students will be selected for available spaces by random sample method from those students whose parents submit written (online) applications by the "Early Bird" registration deadline of a date to be announced by WS/FCS.  Applications will be dated and numbered in the order they are received.  Any remaining spaced will be filled by a random drawing from the rest of the pool of applicants.  Students in the Primary Years Program at Speas will have first preference for their continuation in the IB Program at Paisley. 


If there are more applicants than there are vacancies at Paisley, what is the procedure for admitting students?
If there are more applications than there are spaces available, a waiting list shall be created by the date applications are received.  If vacancies occur after the school assignments are made or at any time prior to the 20th day of the school year, students shall be admitted in the order that their names appear on the waiting list.