ISM Sweeps Star Tribune's Best of Minnesota Contest

On August 13, 2023, The International School of Minnesota (ISM) achieved an extraordinary milestone as Star Tribune unveiled the winners of its highly anticipated Best of Minnesota contest.

ISM was honored with an impressive total of six wins in six education categories. 

ISM demonstrated its excellence in various categories, proving its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for students from preschool through grade 12. The Huskies took home the gold with #1 rankings as Best High School, Best Preschool, and Best Summer Camp. They also secured the silver medal in the Private School, Middle School, and Elementary School categories.

The school's achievements didn't come as a surprise to those familiar with ISM's outstanding reputation. Earlier this year, the school was recognized as the Best Overall Private School, Best Private High School, Most Diverse Private High School, and Best Boarding School by Niche. These honors reflect the dedication of ISM's faculty and staff, the strength of its academics, and the benefits of its global network. 

ISM's School Director, Chris Wester says, “We are humbled by and thankful for our community of faculty, students, staff, families, friends, and alumni who voted to recognize us as a top-rated school in six categories. The fact that a school of our size took gold and silver in all categories we were nominated for is truly a testament to the strength of our community, our curriculum, and our focus on continually enhancing the student experience.” 

“We are proud that we prepare our students for academic, career, and social success within a supportive community. ISM students are able to master academic skills, hone leadership skills and participate in a myriad of unique activities and opportunities that make ISM a true whole-child learning environment.”

Academics aren’t the only thing that set the Huskies apart from other schools. Wester adds that “there are many reasons he’s proud to be a Husky,” but what comes first is community. He says the school community at ISM is “inclusive, supportive, and helps every family feel better connected to our school. Our school serves as a beacon for all− a true second home for students, staff, and parents.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, Wester expressed excitement about ISM's growth and expansion of student programs. “ISM is an inspiring place to be,” he says, “we have students and staff who just returned from our global leadership training in Cairo who will use what they have learned from their counterparts from other SABIS^® Network schools around the world to make ISM’s Student Life Organization and the school as a whole even stronger. ISM has also welcomed a new strength coach, upgraded its gymnasium, added a disc golf course, and new varsity sports to further enhance its athletics department. Moreover, we're thrilled to offer additional language choices through our after-school programming. With this expansion of our student programs, ISM provides unparalleled opportunities in the arts, athletics, student clubs, college preparatory curriculum, and outdoor education.”

ISM is honored to be considered Minnesota’s Best. If you would like your child to experience a world-class education, call to schedule a tour.