Photo credit: Star Tribune
On August 13, 2024, the Star Tribune announced Minnesota’s Best Award winners for 2024. After winning both gold and silver awards in 2023, we are thrilled to reveal that in 2024 ISM swept the awards winning all gold, ranking #1 across six different educational categories!
ISM School Director Mrs. Jeana Carrasco says, “We are grateful and honored to be considered #1 statewide. This achievement comes as we reflect on our school’s history and prepare for our 40th year in operation. As we celebrate both milestones, we intend to continue to showcase why The International School of Minnesota ranks as the #1 private school from preschool through 12th grade. We pride ourselves in providing a gold standard of education for both local and international families.”
ISM’s Minnesota’s Best Awards:
#1 Gold Best Private School:
ISM is a top-rated private, college-preparatory school, educating students from preschool (aged 3) to Grade 12. We offer a rigorous globally-focused curriculum, leadership skill development, state-of-the-art facilities, robust extracurricular activities, individualized attention, and more.
"One of the things that sets ISM apart is in how they grow children to be leaders. As parents, children become the most important assets you have, and K through 12 education is probably the most important education that parents should be thinking about. I think ISM is the best school out there." (Arun Batchu, parent of ISM graduates '24, '20)
As members of the global SABIS® Network, students have unique opportunities to participate in international competitions and SLO training sessions with other SABIS® network students worldwide.
Mrs. Carrasco shares, “I had the pleasure of accompanying a group of ISM students to Muscat, Oman in April to compete in SABIS® STARS. It was a fantastic experience for our students who got to showcase their talents in a variety of creative categories and engaged with other SABIS® students from 35 schools in 17 different countries.”
Opportunities for international travel through the SABIS® Network include the bi-annual SABIS® STARS global and academic talent competition and the SABIS® Global Sports Tournament. Annually, select students travel to the SABIS® Student Life Training Conference where students receive leadership and team-building training, while also exploring the sites of the host country.
#1 Gold Best Preschool:
Our preschool has balanced structured lesson times and free-choice play to create an environment where children remain engaged and curious. With a focus on academic, social, and emotional development, our student experience sets up our youngest learners for success.
“One of the things that sets us apart from other schools is our daily world language beginning in preschool, where students develop their confidence and benefit from the exposure to cultural diversity,” says Mrs. Carrasco.
In addition to daily world language, our program offers a thematic and social emotional curriculum, weekly swimming lessons, nutritious chef-prepared meals, and families benefit from the Extended Day programming offered at no additional cost.
“Our family loved the ECE program at ISM; it created a warm, nurturing environment where learning felt like a journey perfectly suited to their academic and social development needs.” (Christine Laube, ISM ECE parent)
#1 Gold Best Elementary School:
ISM’s Lower School program balances academic progress with developing social, physical, and emotional maturity by engaging students in art, music, computers, P.E., and more, contributing to a healthy, eager, and happy child. Beginning in Grade 1 students are working with upper school students, taking on roles in their classrooms and within the school as well as working on a variety of activities to begin developing leadership skills.
"One of the things we love about ISM is the opportunity for the younger kids to interact with the older kids. Whether it's through the spring musical or Student Life Organization opportunities like Reading Buddies, it's so nice to see how engaged the older kids are. They are so kind, respectful, and generous and we love that they are setting a good example for our kids." (Mandi Karulf, ISM Lower School Parent)
#1 Gold Best Middle School:
We have a vibrant, inclusive, and caring Middle School community that empowers students to gain responsibility and take ownership of their education. Beginning in grade 6, students have a fully active part of the SABIS Student Life Organization® (SLO), a student-led mini-society where students are involved in making a difference in their school community.
SLO consists of nine departments including academics, social responsibility, activities, wellness, sports, discipline, management, outreach, and lower school – there is something to pique each student's interest!
“SLO is the heart-beat of our school, where students develop essential life skills through teamwork and leadership opportunities. I am amazed by our students’ organization and collaboration and look forward to seeing what the SLO has planned for this year, ” says Mrs. Sarah Bianucci, Student Life Coordinator.
#1 Gold Best High School:
ISM offers an unmatched college-prep experience through its rigorous curriculum, robust leadership opportunities, individualized course planning, and college counseling program.
Mrs. Carrasco shares, “Our students who graduate from ISM are well-prepared for college.” In 2024, 94% of students earned a 3 or higher on their AP exams, with the average AP score being a 4 amongst all test takers. “We are extremely proud of our dedicated students, who have the opportunity to complete up to 13 AP® courses by graduation,” says Mrs. Carrasco.
In 2023, ISM earned the highest level of distinction, a platinum badge from the AP® School Honor Roll. This recognition by the College Board exemplifies our dedication to a college-preparatory education by delivering results and broadening access for students.
To ensure students’ passions are fostered both in and outside of the classroom, ISM offers an array of arts, STEM, athletic programs, and club opportunities. Students receive a premier education in a nurturing environment that will equip them with the tools they need in their pursuit of excellence in college and beyond.
#1 Gold Best Summer Camp:
ISM’s Discovery Kids Summer Camp is enriching, educational, and fun! Our action-packed camp is designed for children ages 3-12, and takes place on ISM’s private 57-acre wooded campus. Students attending camp are immersed in a wide range of activities including swimming, art, music, sports, world language, weekly trips to Bryant Lake beach, as well as a variety of exciting theme-based activities each week (sports, STEAM, reptiles, water, and more).
Through the SABIS® Network, students aged 10-18 can also attend the SABIS® Educational Summer Camp in Bath, England. With a variety of program offerings, varying in length and focus, students get to experience a plethora of activities, courses, and cultural enrichment–all while spending their summer living in the English countryside on the Ashwicke Hall Estate.
In addition to being Minnesota’s Best, ISM is currently ranked as the #1 option for K-12 education on Niche.com:
- #1 Best Private K-12 School in Minnesota
- #1 Best College-Prep Private High School in Minnesota
- #1 Best Private High School in Minnesota
- #1 Best High School for STEM in Minnesota
- #1 Most Diverse Private High School in Minnesota
Mrs. Carrasco concludes, “Thank you to all who voted for ISM, we are grateful for the recognition from our community. We are just as committed to our mission today as we were 40 years ago– to deliver a top-quality, educational experience that ensures the college success and future work readiness of every student. We intend to continue to live up to our reputation of academic excellence, which is due in part to our dedicated ISM staff, students, and families who make up our unique and close-knit community.Thank you, I look forward to celebrating with you soon!”
If you’d like to learn more about ISM, schedule a tour to visit us by contacting admissions@ism-sabis.net.
