Pacific Beach Middle International Baccalaureate (IB) World School has recorded the highest gains among all middle schools in the San Diego Unified School District, with a 50-point jump on its Academic Performance Index (API) for the 2012-13 school year. Pacific Beach Middle’s score of 817 surpassed the statewide performance target of 800 points. School officials said the score is a tribute to the hard work of students, teachers, administrators and families. “The community as a whole should be commended for its dedication and commitment to PB Middle and the Mission Bay Cluster Schools,” said PBMS principal Ernie Remillard. “The PB Middle staff is devoted to student success, both academically and socially. Learning happens throughout the school day, as well as after school with unique academic programs, athletic teams and clubs enhancing student learning. “Our school’s IB Middle Years Program units lead students through a relevant, hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum, which truly matches student needs and pushes learners to strive for personal excellence,” he said. Jennifer Sims, the school’s IB baccalaureate coordinator and Spanish teacher, agreed. “Our students, teachers, and school have become a model for IB schools in California,” said Sims. “Because of our growing reputation of excellence, we have not only won local and statewide awards but are now recognized beyond our borders. “Every month, we receive requests for visitors to see our program in action,” she said. “Just last year, we hosted officials and educators Malaysia, China, Vancouver and from around the United States. In addition, we are now one of two destination schools, along with Kate Sessions Elementary, for practicum teachers from the University of Zurich and University of Heidelberg.” Pacific Beach Middle officials said they are proud to provide the gift of a high-quality international education to the beach area. The test scores, said officials, are just one of the many accomplishments that residents of Pacific Beach can boast about when it comes to Pacific Beach Middle School. For more information and to discover why the school is now “on the map,” so to speak, visit www.sandi.net/pbmiddle.