In 1992, Rutherford High School began offering the highly successful International Baccalaureate program. Now, a neighboring school wants to help prepare future Rutherford students for the rigors of the IB program.

As a feeder school for Rutherford, Everitt Middle School administrators say the IB middle years program is a perfect fit for their students.

The program will begin this fall and takes three years to fully implement the new curriculum. There will be a strong focus on community service and international education.

With the new school year right around the corner, teachers and faculty are busy getting ready and getting students like sixth grader Thomas Abbott excited about middle school. His father, Tom Abbott, is supportive of the new changes.

"Anything schools do to encourage kids to challenge themselves is formula for success," Abbott said.

Suzanna Farrar, an instructional specialist of secondary education, says the school has been looking at different curriculum programs that will better help students prepare for high school. This curriculum will target every learner, rather than benefit select students.

"What we were looking at, and what Everrit was looking at, was a curriculum that could be implemented school wide," said Farrar. "Something that would benefit every learner and that is the benefit of this program."

"We will have different layers of the program that we will implement at the school," said Principal Shirley Baker. "Every student is going to benefit from the IB framework."

Principal Baker also believes the new program will help make the school more competitive and will help students in their continued education.

While the curriculum will be more rigorous, parents are excited for the positive challenges students will face.