International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)

AISJ Opens a New Chapter with PYP Candidacy Status
The American International School of Johannesburg (both Pretoria & Johannesburg Campus) earns IB Primary Years Programme candidacy.

Johannesburg, South Africa - October 2025

The American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) is proud to announce its candidacy to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), marking an exciting new chapter in its commitment to providing exceptional learning opportunities for every student.

In October, AISJ received official notice from the IB organization confirming that its application to offer the PYP was approved, making AISJ the newest IB Candidate School in South Africa. Teachers across both the Johannesburg and Pretoria campuses will now embark on professional development and begin integrating IB practices into their classrooms.

“We are thrilled to begin this journey with the PYP,” said Dr. Shannon McMahon, Johannesburg Elementary School Principal.
“The IB Primary Years Programme aligns beautifully with AISJ’s vision of cultivating internationally minded, globally connected learners. This step allows us to further empower our elementary students to think critically, act compassionately, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.”

AISJ will be the second school in Pretoria and one of only a few in Johannesburg - to offer the IB Primary Years Programme to its elementary students. The IB and AISJ share a common goal: to nurture inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

“The PYP is a natural fit for AISJ,” said Michael Schooler, AISJ School Director.
“It builds on our strong foundation of inquiry-based learning and encourages students to make meaningful connections between their studies and the real world. This approach supports our commitment to developing independent, curious, and confident learners.”

With campuses in both Johannesburg and Pretoria, AISJ has been a trusted educational leader for over 40 years, serving both expatriate and local families. Dedicated to preparing every student for their future, AISJ offers opportunities for exploration across diverse subject areas, inspiring learners to discover their passions and thrive.