The introduction of the PYP educational framework in the primary years demonstrates how TCS is gradually becoming more international. TCS is transitioning from a Colombian standardized learning culture to an international, inquiry-based, and holistic educational framework. The Columbus School is becoming more and more globalized every day through a transdisciplinary educational framework that teaches students how to be leaders, how to be self-sufficient, and how to coexist in a community. ( International Baccalaureate Organization, 2025).
The PYP proposes a transdisciplinary education model where subjects are connected to one another, implying teaching more than one discipline at the same time. “In Spanish, we have to write about human transformation, and basically, in P.E, we also have to have notebooks and write about how we transform with exercise,” stated 5th-grade student, Bella Lawrence. Additionally, the PYP establishes the concept of learning as a community through activities such as group games, group projects, etc. Merging academic and social areas. “We do math games in teams to get to know each other,” said Bella Lawrence, a 5th-grade student, as she explained some of the community-based activities her class does on a daily basis.
The application of the PYP in TCS reflects how TCS is detaching from a standardized educational system and opting for modern and dynamic learning strategies. “ I think the school decided to implement the PYP in the early years and elementary school because it takes a holistic approach to educating the whole child. Suddenly academic, but you’re learning social emotional concepts that are transdisciplinary that connect to nath, literacy, art, P.E, science… all things, and it is a much more cohesive way to teach children,” indicated first-grade teacher Jade Leana.
Moreover, this new educational framework shows how TCS has a globalized and culturally rich learning environment; now that it is adopting a European educational framework and leaving behind a Colombian educational framework. “ The PYP encourages kids to explore, ask questions, and make connections between what they learn and the real world. The traditional Colombian system is more focused on the teacher leading the class, memorizing information, and keeping subjects separated,” noted K5 teacher, Picio Muñoz.