ISM Launches Sports Academies with Chris Carr Leading Inaugural Basketball Academy

ISM, The International School of Minnesota, has announced the launch of ISM Sports Academies, a new initiative designed to give student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest levels of their sport while receiving the rigorous college-preparatory education that has earned ISM recognition as Minnesota's #1 ranked private school and #1 college prep school, as ranked by Niche.

For many aspiring student-athletes, pursuing elite competition has traditionally meant making a difficult choice between athletics and academics. ISM Sports Academies was created to eliminate that tradeoff, providing students with an environment where they can train, compete, and excel in the classroom without sacrificing either pursuit.

Supported by ISM’s rigorous college-preparatory curriculum—including an Advanced Placement^® program that has earned Platinum recognition on the AP^® School Honor Roll for three consecutive years—and the internationally respected SABIS^® Educational System, the academies combine professional-level athletic development with a challenging academic experience that prepares students for success in college and beyond. Student-athletes also benefit from personalized college counseling, leadership development, and opportunities that support their growth both on and off the field of play.

"ISM Sports Academies reflects the growing demand among families seeking rigorous academics alongside elite athletic development without sacrificing either," said Mahdi Kansou, Executive Director of The International School of Minnesota. "Our vision is to create an environment where student-athletes can train at the highest level, thrive academically, and graduate prepared for success in college, careers, and life."

The first program to launch is ISM Basketball Academy, led by veteran NBA player Chris Carr, who will serve as Executive Director, Founder, and Head Coach.

Carr brings more than two decades of player development experience to the academy following a six-season NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Chicago Bulls. Since founding 43 Hoops in 2003, he has helped develop the next generation of basketball talent throughout Minnesota, mentoring student-athletes who have gone on to earn college scholarships and professional opportunities.

Most recently, Carr celebrated another milestone as his son, Cameron Carr, was selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, continuing a family legacy rooted in basketball development and excellence.

"I'm tired of ISM being the best-kept secret in town," Carr said. "This institution offers an unparalleled global education, and by building a sports academy here, we're creating an environment where students no longer have to compromise between elite athletics and top-tier academics."

The inaugural boys basketball academy will compete nationally through The Grind Session, one of the country's premier prep basketball leagues and a showcase for many of the nation's top recruits, NCAA Division I athletes, McDonald's All-Americans, and future NBA players. For the first time, student-athletes in Minnesota will have the opportunity to compete on one of the nation's premier prep basketball circuits while remaining enrolled in a nationally recognized college-preparatory school.

Beyond competition,the ISM Basketball Academy is designed to develop the complete student-athlete. Players receive elite coaching, strength and performance development, individualized college guidance, leadership training, and media experience through ISM's professional in-house broadcast center. The program welcomes both local and boarding students, creating opportunities for talented student-athletes from across the United States and around the world.

Basketball marks the beginning of a broader vision for ISM Sports Academies. Future academies are planned in football, women's basketball, and additional sports, creating new opportunities for student-athletes to pursue elite athletic development without sacrificing the academic foundation that prepares them for success beyond competition.