Here at The International School of Minnesota (ISM), we have taken a moment to reflect on our achievements as a school community as 2023 comes to a close. We would like to thank our dedicated students, teachers and staff, parents, and volunteers, for their part in making 2023 a success at ISM. With the valued support of the entire community, ISM has continued progressing and living up to its reputation as the #1 private school in Minnesota.
A few of our 2023 highlights include:
- Honor Roll: Earning the Platinum badge on the 2023 AP® School Honor Roll, the highest level of distinction. This recognition by the College Board exemplifies our dedication to a college-preparatory education by delivering results and broadening access for students. ISM is one of nine high schools in Minnesota to receive the Platinum badge.
- International Experiences: Student Life Organization (SLO) students saw the return of the in-person annual Student Life Training Conference which was held in Cairo, Egypt. Two SLO leaders from ISM attended the conference. The SABIS® Educational Summer Camp in Bath, England re-opened this summer to students in Grades 6-11 across the network.
- The return of domestic travel: High School students had the opportunity to travel to NYC to experience the city’s iconic sights and immerse themselves in the arts, with additional travel opportunities for Middle and High School students in 2024.
- Husky Pride: ISM’s High School Math Team captured another AA Title in the Spring and as a result moved up to AAA for the 2023/24 season; Varsity girls volleyball won their conference tournament and made it to Sections; ISM was represented at the State meet for cross country, and Varsity girls’ basketball is back!
- Social Responsibility: Supporting our local community and being of service to others continues to be a priority. We started off the school year packing 31,320 meals at My Starving Children, collected over 2,184 pounds of food and necessities in Fight Against Hunger, and made the holidays a little brighter for six families in need through SLO’s Adopt-a-Family initiative.
- New and engaging after-school offerings: ISM’s inaugural debate team had a strong and successful start; many students are also looking forward to the speech club in the spring. Lower school students were able to join new clubs including intro to robotics, co-ed soccer and basketball, yoga, and Arabic language learning.
- Facility enhancement: The gymnasium received a beautiful new wood, Husky-approved floor. We look forward to many more wins on the new home court.
In 2023, ISM won six education categories in Star Tribune’s Best of Minnesota Contest:
- 2023 Gold Winner: Minnesota’s Best High School, Preschool, and Summer Camp
- 2023 Silver Winner: Minnesota’s Best Private School, Middle School, and Elementary School
In addition, 2024 rankings at Niche.com were recently announced, with ISM maintaining its A+ rating, ranking as the:
- #1 Best Private High School and #1 Best Private K-12 School in Minnesota
- #1 Most Diverse Private School in Minnesota
- #1 Best High School for STEM in Minnesota
We are grateful for the recognition we achieved this year, but we are more grateful for our community—students, teachers, staff, and families—for showing up each day with their best foot forward, ready to learn something new, teach something valuable, and ultimately make a difference.
We are looking forward to seeing what’s in store for our students in 2024!
