Why is ISM considered an International School?
ISM is considered an international school because we are part of SABIS®, a global network of schools operating on five continents. Our student body is a wonderful mix of students from the Twin Cities metro area (90%) as well as international and boarding students (10%).
The curriculum at ISM is aligned with national and international standards and prepare students for internationally recognized standardized exams that add to their qualifications and acceptance at universities around the world. The curriculum also offers French and Spanish taught daily by a native speaker beginning in preschool allowing them to develop fluency in the language.
As part of the
SABIS® Network, our students benefit from participating in international events and travel opportunities like the
SABIS® Global Sports Tournament and
SABIS® STARS, held in a different country every year, the
SABIS® Educational Summer Camp in the U.K., the
Student Life Training Conference , and more.
What is included in tuition?
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Preschool-Grade 12 tuition covers the cost of required field trips, retreats, activity nights, and the school yearbook.
- Lunch is included for students in Preschool to Pre-KG; K-12 lunch is billed separately.
- Textbooks are included in the cost for Preschool – Grade 8. Textbooks for students in Grades 9-12 are billed separately.
- Extended Day for Preschool to Grade 5 is offered at no additional cost.
- Extracurricular activities, sports, clubs, music lessons, bus, athletics fees, optional field trips, and all other fees are billed separately.
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Does ISM have transportation options?
ISM offers transportation to students residing in the West Metro Area and Minneapolis by partnering with Coherent Bus Company. To learn more about our Transportation options, please
click here .
Do all students graduate and attend college?
100% of our high school graduates are accepted to and attend 4-year colleges or universities. To learn more about our college counseling process and which colleges our students are accepted to, please
click here Is there a uniform guideline?
We do have a uniform policy, which is included in the Student-Parent Handbook shared with parents. Uniforms may be purchased at
Lands' End or used uniforms may be purchased through Friends of ISM.
When will I know if my child has been accepted?
We review and admit students on a rolling basis throughout the year. Once all components of the application have been completed and turned in to our admissions team, they will give you a better estimate of time frame for the decision.
What are the school hours ?
The school is open from 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Students will be in class between 8:00 AM and 3:40 PM. (Time is subject to change based on grade level.)
Which educational approach or curriculum does ISM follow?
ISM is a member of the SABIS® Network and as such, the school educates its students through the SABIS® Educational System, an approach to learning that has proven itself over the past 138 years and is built on 6 important pillars:
1. The curriculum:
Students enrolled in ISM will follow a dynamic, rigorous, international curriculum that gives them the strong foundation of knowledge and skills they will need to achieve future success. The curriculum is aligned to national and international standards and prepares students for external exams, such as the American SAT and Advanced Placement® (AP®), or the British IGCSE, as well as AS and A Level exams.
2. SABIS® Book Series:
Students will use books that have been specifically written and developed for them by SABIS®. This allows students to follow a natural, sequential progression as they build their knowledge base. The SABIS® Book Series is specifically tailored for every grade level and subject and is aligned with national and international requirements, effectively preparing students for a wide range of external examinations. The SABIS® Book series includes over 2,800 books in both electronic (e-books) and traditional formats.
3. Teaching Methods:
Teachers at ISM deliver their lessons using the SABIS Point System® of instruction. The SABIS Point System ® is a proven instructional method that keeps students engaged and learning efficiently, through the use of interactive flipcharts, paced content, the Integrated Learning System (ILS), and many other tools and technologies. Every instructional period has distinct learning objectives to be met and includes opportunities for students to work independently and in groups under their teacher's guidance.
4. Testing and Monitoring:
ISM uses regular assessments to help students build a solid foundation of knowledge, particularly in the subjects of English and Math, as well as world languages in some schools. In ISM and all SABIS® schools, what we teach in one week, we test in the next.
Informative and summative examinations occur regularly throughout the school year, mainly AMS, Periodic, and Homework exams. Exams are generally computer-based, using the SABIS® Integrated Testing and Learning (ITL).
5. Follow-up and Support:
At ISM, the progress of every student is continuously monitored through a series of regular tests. In addition to praise and encouragement, students are given the support they need. All available means are used to help those students who fall behind. Students are advised on study techniques, motivated by the academic staff, and encouraged by receiving help from peer tutors or teachers.
6. SABIS Student Life Organization® (SLO®):
Students at ISM are encouraged to take an active part in their school and lead an engaging and meaningful social life. This is done through the SABIS® Student Life Organization or SLO, which is the beating heart of every SABIS® school. Through the SLO, students benefit from many opportunities for academic, emotional, social, and moral growth. Students also develop essential 21st-century skills through real-life experiences.
Which world languages do you teach?
Beginning in Preschool students may choose to take Spanish or French. Languages at ISM are taught by native speakers and students attend a language class daily. We also offer additional language learning opportunities in our after-school program.
What is the admission process at ISM?
The admissions process at ISM differs for local students and international students. Generally, both consist of a meeting with the school, filling in the application form, submitting required documents, sitting for diagnostic assessments, and tuition payment. Please visit the Application Process page or the International Student Admissons Page for more details.
Will students need to sit for any entrance exams or assessments?
As part of the admissions process, students will sit for diagnostic or placement assessments to determine the child's current skills and abilities and ensure they are placed in the appropriate level of coursework.
