Raising Children Who Are Curious, Thoughtful, and Ready to Explore
As of 24 August 2026, Bystra škôlka is officially a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).
We have entered the pathway towards authorization as an IB World School, and under the guidance of the International Baccalaureate, we continue to develop an educational approach that prepares children not only for school, but also for life in an ever-changing world.
What Is the IB PYP?
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an internationally recognized educational framework for children aged 3 to 12. It views children as active participants in their own learning and encourages their natural curiosity, independence, creativity, and ability to collaborate with others.
Rather than simply receiving information, children learn to ask questions, make connections, solve problems, express their ideas, and reflect on their learning.
What Will the PYP Bring to Your Child?
Curiosity and a Love of Learning
Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore the world around them, and discover their own answers.
Independence and Self-Confidence
They learn to make decisions, express their opinions, take age-appropriate responsibility, and trust their own abilities.
Critical and Creative Thinking
Instead of relying on memorization alone, children learn to analyse, compare, connect ideas, identify patterns, and explore different solutions.
Social and Emotional Skills
They develop the ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, understand and manage emotions, respect differences, and resolve everyday conflicts.
Learning Through Meaningful Connections
A single topic can naturally connect language, mathematics, science, arts, physical development, and understanding of the world.
Preparation for Future Learning
Children develop skills that will support them in any school environment, including concentration, independence, communication, collaboration, and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
IB PYP Naturally Builds on the Values of Bystra škôlka
Many of the principles of the PYP are already reflected in our daily practice. Our respectful and individualised approach, Montessori-inspired learning, bilingual environment, experiential learning, and support for independence share many common values with the PYP philosophy.
The PYP does not replace the Slovak National Curriculum. Instead, it enriches the way children acquire knowledge, make connections, and apply their learning in everyday life.
We remain Bystra škôlka, with our own identity and values. The PYP provides an internationally recognised framework that enables us to develop and strengthen these values in a structured and purposeful way.
What Does Our Status as an IB PYP Candidate School Mean?
Candidate School status means that Bystra škôlka has officially entered the process of becoming an authorized IB World School.
During the candidacy phase, we:
- provide ongoing professional development for our teaching team,
- implement and evaluate the PYP in daily practice,
- develop a shared system for planning, teaching, and assessment,
- work closely with our assigned IB consultant,
- participate in consultation and verification visits,
- continuously review and evaluate our progress against IB requirements.
Official Statement
Súkromná materská škola (Bystrá škôlka) is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international
*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.