ISM Unveils State-of-the-Art College Counseling Space to Support Student Success

After months of anticipation and planning, we are excited to announce the grand opening of our beautiful new College Counseling Space at ISM. This newly designed area is more than just a room; it's a hub of opportunity where students will have the resources and environment they need to dive into the college prep, research, and application process with focus and determination.

From college advising courses to family one-on-one meetings, this space will be a welcoming environment for honest, thoughtful conversations about the college journey. It will provide a comfortable and productive setting where students can explore their options, discuss their dreams, and plan the next steps of their academic careers. 

“We’re thrilled to open this beautiful new space for our students,” said Mrs.Carrasco, Interim School Director. “This room isn’t just for researching colleges or filling out applications; it’s a place where meaningful conversations will take place—where we can help students think critically about their futures. This is a truly exciting step forward as we continue to strengthen our college counseling program and support our students in a way that's unique to ISM.”

Mr. Cohen, Director of College Counseling, also shared his excitement about the new space. “Not only will this space be welcoming to the ISM community, but I’m eager to use it to welcome college admissions reps from across the country and world,” he said. “When they walk into the space, they will understand how serious and dedicated we are to making sure ISM students are prepared for the rigors of college. This will be a space where reps can learn about ISM, and ISM can learn about them. I can’t wait to see what this space allows us to do as we continue to grow ISM’s college counseling program and strengthen our one-of-a-kind support for high school students.”

This new College Counseling Space is an exciting addition to our campus, and we are eager to see how it enhances the college preparation experience for all of our students. It represents our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of support as students prepare for the next chapter in their academic journey. At ISM, college counseling starts in grade 7, allowing our Director of College Counseling to guide students over six years, building strong relationships and helping them navigate their path to the right college with confidence. 

Ranked by Niche.com as the #1 Best College Prep Private School in Minnesota, ISM ensures that 100% of its high school graduates are accepted to four-year colleges or universities. With over 90% of juniors and seniors enrolled in AP^® courses, ISM fosters a rigorous academic environment where students take an average of five AP^® Exams. Nearly 50% of ISM students earn recognition as AP^® Scholars with Distinction—far surpassing the national average of 17%—demonstrating our commitment to academic excellence and college readiness. In addition, ISM has been named to the 2024 AP^® School Honor Roll, earning a Platinum distinction, which places ISM within the top 7% of eligible schools to achieve this honor.