ISM Wins Gold in All Six Minnesota's Best Categories
The International School of Minnesota (ISM) has once again been recognized as one of the state's leading educational institutions, earning Gold in all six education categories in the 2026 Star Tribune Minnesota's Best Awards.
Voted on by the public, the annual Minnesota's Best Awards celebrate organizations across the state that excel in their fields. After sweeping all six categories with Gold in 2024 and earning two Gold and four Silver awards in 2025, ISM has returned to an all-Gold sweep in 2026, a testament to the consistent excellence of its programs from preschool through Grade 12 and its award-winning summer camp.
ISM received Gold honors in:
- Best Private School
- Best Preschool
- Best Elementary School
- Best Middle School
- Best High School
- Best Summer Camp
"Winning Gold in all six categories is an incredible honor for our entire school community," said Michel Nachar, School Director. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, the achievements of our students, and the trust our families place in ISM every day. We are grateful to everyone who voted and proud to continue providing an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in college and beyond."
The awards recognize the strength of the ISM experience at every stage of a student's educational journey. Beginning in preschool, students benefit from a challenging and supportive learning environment that combines strong academics with daily world language instruction, character development, leadership opportunities, and individualized support. As students progress through Lower School, Middle School, and High School, they continue building the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to thrive in college and beyond.
As a member of the global SABIS® Network, ISM offers students a rigorous college-preparatory education with a global perspective, preparing graduates to succeed at leading colleges and universities worldwide. Students also benefit from personalized college counseling, a vibrant campus community, and opportunities in athletics, the arts, STEM, leadership, and service.
In addition to its academic programs, ISM was also recognized with Gold for Best Summer Camp. Discovery Kids Summer Camp provides children ages 3–12 with an engaging summer experience featuring swimming, sports, arts, STEM activities, world languages, field trips, and outdoor adventures on ISM's beautiful 57-acre campus adjacent to Bryant Lake Regional Park.
The Minnesota's Best Awards are determined through public voting, making the recognition especially meaningful to the ISM community. ISM extends its sincere thanks to its students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends whose continued support helped make this achievement possible.
As ISM celebrates this recognition, the school remains committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that inspires curiosity, builds character, and prepares students to succeed in college, careers, and life.
