ISM Named Minnesota’s #1 Private School for Fifth Consecutive Year

The International School of Minnesota (ISM) has been named Minnesota’s #1 Private K–12 School by Niche for the fifth consecutive year, continuing an extraordinary run at the top of the state’s private school rankings.

But this year’s recognition goes well beyond a single #1 ranking.

In Niche’s 2027 Best Schools rankings, ISM earned the #1 spot in five categories:

• #1 of 42 Best Private Schools in Minnesota

• #1 of 72 Best Private High Schools in Minnesota

• #1 of 101 Best High Schools for STEM in Minnesota

• #1 of 8 Best Boarding High Schools in Minnesota

• #1 of 37 Best Private High Schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Nationally, ISM ranks within the top 3% Best Private K-12 Schools. 

The breadth of the recognition reflects the many dimensions of the ISM experience—from academic rigor and STEM education to college preparation, boarding, and the overall private school experience.

The latest Niche rankings are part of ISM's broader pattern of achievement. The school has earned the AP^® School Honor Roll Platinum distinction every year since the College Board introduced the program in 2023, the highest level of recognition awarded through the AP School Honor Roll.

Combined with five consecutive years as Minnesota’s #1 private school on Niche, this gives ISM a distinction unlike any other school in Minnesota: ISM is the only school in the state to have held the #1 Niche private school ranking while earning AP School Honor Roll Platinum in every year of the program.

That record is further complemented by ISM’s recognition in the 2026 Star Tribune Minnesota’s Best awards, where the school was named a Gold Winner across all six education categories in which it competed: Best Preschool, Best Elementary School, Best Middle School, Best High School, Best Private School, and Best Summer Camp.

Together, these honors recognize ISM across the full educational experience, from Preschool through Grade 12, and across a range of measures, including academic achievement, STEM education, college preparation, and the broader student experience.

“We are incredibly proud of what this recognition represents, but what makes it especially meaningful is the consistency behind it,” said ISM School Director Michel Nachar. “For five consecutive years, our school has been recognized as the #1 private school in Minnesota, while our students and faculty have continued to earn distinction at the highest levels in academics, STEM, and college preparation. These honors are not simply numbers on a ranking—they reflect our students' ambition, our faculty's dedication, and our families' unwavering support. At ISM, we are not striving to be the best for the sake of a title. We are striving every day to give our students an exceptional education and opportunities that prepare them to lead, succeed, and make a difference in the world.”

That commitment is reflected in the opportunities available to ISM students, including advanced AP^® and STEM coursework, personalized college counseling, daily world language instruction, athletics, performing arts, leadership opportunities, and a 57-acre campus designed to support learning both inside and outside the classroom.

For ISM, the latest recognition is another milestone in a sustained record of achievement—one that continues to set a standard of excellence for education in Minnesota.

To learn more about ISM’s academic programs, personalized approach to education, and vibrant school community, schedule a private tour today.