ISM Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence During the 2025–26 School Year

The International School of Minnesota (ISM) is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 40 years of delivering academic excellence, fostering global citizenship, and nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community. Since its founding in 1985, ISM has been a place where students grow as scholars, leaders, and changemakers.

Now, as we enter the 2025–26 school year, ISM is thrilled to kick off its 40^th Anniversary Celebration—a yearlong tribute to four decades of inspiring minds, shaping futures, and connecting cultures.

“Our 40^th anniversary is more than just a celebration of the past,” said Mahdi Kansou, Executive Director of SABIS^®. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the incredible students, families, faculty, and alumni who have shaped ISM into the thriving community it is today — and to set our sights on the next 40 years of innovation and impact.”

A Year of Celebration: Events & Initiatives

To mark this historic year, ISM will host a variety of special events and community initiatives designed to honor our legacy, celebrate our present, and envision our future:

• Through the Decades Celebration – November 1, 2025
  Step back in time with a nostalgic evening in downtown Minneapolis. Families, alumni, and staff are invited to dress in their favorite decade’s fashion and enjoy a 3-course meal, drinks, music, dancing, and shared memories.

• Ruby Radiance Gala – March 28, 2026
  ISM’s 40^th fundraising event featuring gourmet dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions, and captivating entertainment — all in celebration of ISM’s 40-year legacy and future. ISM's 40^th fundraising event, featuring dinner, entertainment, and both live and silent auctions. This elegant evening will not only celebrate ISM's 40-year legacy but also support a transformative scholarship initiative.  

Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing the Future

Throughout the 2025–26 school year, ISM will spotlight its rich history and the incredible people who have shaped it:

• Alumni Spotlights – Celebrating graduates who are making an impact across the globe.

• Throwback Highlights – Reliving unforgettable moments, traditions, and milestones.

• Monthly Themes – Exploring the core values and global vision that define ISM.

Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a current student or family, a proud alum, a dedicated faculty member, or a longtime friend of ISM, this is your year to celebrate with us. Together, we’ll honor the achievements of the past and create new memories for the future.

Stay tuned for event details, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved throughout this exciting anniversary year. Let’s celebrate 40 years of ISM — and the bright future ahead.