All Palmer freshmen and sophomores are Middle Years Programme (MYP) students. The MYP is an internationally recognized IB framework designed to help students make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. Through inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and explicit development of skills such as communication, collaboration, research, self-management, and critical thinking, students learn not simply what to know, but how to learn, think, reflect, and apply their knowledge in new contexts.y that reflects their goals after graduation.

During sophomore year, students complete the MYP Personal Project, an independent inquiry into an area of personal interest. Through this experience, students develop the skills to set goals, conduct research, manage a long-term project, solve problems, reflect on their learning, and communicate what they have accomplished, skills that prepare them for college, careers, and life beyond high school.

During junior and senior years, all Palmer students enroll in at least one Diploma Programme-level course. This provides every student access to rigorous academic content, exposure to a wide range of perspectives, and the opportunity to develop the critical-thinking and communication skills expected in college and the workplace. Many students may also earn college credit or advanced standing through their coursework and assessments.

Students who want to pursue IB more deeply may participate in Palmer's full Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme, allowing them to build a course of study that reflects their goals after graduation.

The MYP provides the foundation of the Palmer experience for all freshmen and sophomores. Students learn through inquiry and interdisciplinary connections while intentionally developing the communication, collaboration, research, self-management, and thinking skills they need to become increasingly independent learners.

The DP is a rigorous, internationally recognized course of study for juniors and seniors. Students engage deeply with academic disciplines while developing research, critical-thinking, communication, and intercultural understanding. Students may take individual DP courses or pursue the full IB Diploma.

The CP combines IB academic study with career-related learning, giving students an opportunity to connect challenging coursework with a career pathway and the skills needed for further education, employment, and lifelong learning.

Students can explore career pathways connected to fields such as healthcare, art, culinary arts, cosmetology, multimedia, technology, and other high-demand professions. CTE and the IB Career-related Programme can work together to provide students with both specialized career preparation and a broader international, academic perspective.

Students can earn credit through meaningful real-world work experiences while developing workplace skills and preparing for future employment.

Palmer's performing arts programs provide students with opportunities to create, perform, collaborate, and contribute to the community. Students can develop their talents both onstage and behind the scenes while participating in programs recognized for excellence across the state.

Through IB coursework, Palmer courses, and partnerships throughout the Pikes Peak region, students have multiple opportunities to pursue college-level learning and potentially earn transferable college credit through Pikes Peak State College and other participating institutions.

Together, these opportunities reflect the IB belief that education is about more than mastering academic content. Palmer students are encouraged to apply what they know, explore different perspectives, take intellectual risks, develop their talents, and understand how their learning connects to the wider world.