The International School of Indiana (ISI) is a vibrant, inclusive learning community that offers students from age 3 to grade 12 an experience they won’t find anywhere else: a dynamic framework for understanding other cultures and perspectives.
ISI has been an IB World School for more than 20 years and is proud to be the only school in Indiana offering the globally recognized, full-continuum International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum to all its students. It is also the only Indiana school offering immersion and dual language programs in French, Mandarin, Spanish, and English.
The world-class education that ISI provides, prepares students to be responsible citizens and effective leaders in a rapidly globalizing and interdependent world. The IB Learner Profile represents 10 attributes valued by all IB World Schools, and these attributes are ingrained in the academic and social fabric of the ISI school community.
ISI STUDENTS ARE:
- Balanced life-long learners and critical thinkers.
- Creative and collaborative problem solvers able to apply knowledge across disciplines and complex issues.
- Effective communicators in multiple languages that work across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
- Individuals who value differences and are concerned for the well-being of others.
- Thoughtful stewards of the Earth’s resources.
- Committed to demonstrating respect, responsibility, and effort.
General Info:
Address: 4330 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 923-1951
Website: isind.org
Q&A with International School of Indiana:
What makes the International School unique?
The International School of Indiana (ISI) offers an experience students won’t find anywhere else in Indiana, a dynamic framework in which to understand other cultures and perspectives, that allows students to develop strong academic, social, and emotional characteristics. This program helps students develop fluency in a second language from an early age, which sets them apart from many other schools in the region.
ISI is also the only school founded to play a vital role in Indiana’s increasingly global business community by supporting the recruitment of top international professional talent and promoting the value of internationalism.
Language Learning: ISI offers an immersive language experience in French, Spanish, and Mandarin from preschool to grade 3. Beginning in grade 4, the time spent in English increases, and students participate in dual language learning for the remainder of Elementary School. For Middle and High School 25-35% of class time is spent in the target language, and students new to the school can participate in introductory courses, while students who have been at ISI from an early age have opportunities to continue their language learning with an increasing sophistication in comprehension and expression of abstract academic language, typically reaching reach educated adult levels by graduation. ISI credentials language learning for students from the end of grade 8 through grade 12 with the Global Seal of Biliteracy.
IB curriculum: ISI is the only school in Indiana that offers the full continuum of IB programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP) for every enrolled student. This globally recognized curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and inquiry-based learning. IB students develop strong academic, social, and emotional characteristics and typically perform better academically than students on other curricula.
Global community: Since its founding, ISI has been committed to building a global community where individuals can engage with one another across a broad range of differences and experiences. ISI has many traditions and events that have been shaped by our school’s history, the IB and language learning programs, and the employees and families who have infused the community with customs and perspectives from around the world. The diverse student body and international faculty represent over 80 countries. A signature event at the school is the International Parade where students, faculty, and staff walk together in a beautiful display of pride for their culture, carrying flags representing their nation and in attire that represents their home country.
College preparatory focus: The IB Diploma Programme is highly regarded for preparing students for success in college and beyond, and this is true for ISI graduates, too, who often attend prestigious universities around the world.
ISI Upper School students and their families regularly rank the school’s College Counseling services as one of its greatest strengths. The services are included in the cost of tuition, and families can expect to work with College Counseling throughout all four years of High School.
Strong emphasis on intercultural competence: From academics to extracurricular activities to service opportunities, ISI integrates global citizenship into every aspect of school life, encouraging students to develop the skills needed to engage meaningfully with people from different cultures.
Small class sizes and personalized learning: ISI maintains small class sizes throughout all grade levels, which allows for more personalized attention and individualized learning plans for students.
What is the International School’s age/grade range?
The International School of Indiana serves students ages 3 to grade 12.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
Key Admissions Dates
NOVEMBER 1: Admissions Application Deadline – Priority Status
NOVEMBER 15: Upper School Scholarship Application Deadline – Priority Status
DECEMBER 15: Admissions Decision Notification – Priority Status
JANUARY 15: Financial Aid (SSS) Deadline – Priority Status
FEBRUARY 1: Financial Aid Notification – Priority Status
MARCH 1: Enrollment Contract Deadline – Priority Status Enrollment Deposit Due
* Applications will be reviewed and decisions will be released on a rolling basis for both admissions and financial aid if completed after the priority status deadlines.
Do you offer financial assistance?
ISI is committed to supporting families from a wide range of financial circumstances. Approximately 40% of ISI students receive some form of financial aid, with an average aid amount of $10,000 per student. ISI offers need-based aid for all eligible students and merit-based scholarships for High School students.
What are the standard school day hours?
Lower School begins at 8:15 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. Upper School begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 3:35 p.m.
Does the International School offer before/after school care? Does the International School offer afterschool activities?
Child care is offered for Lower and Upper School students in the morning, beginning at 7:00 a.m., and after school until 6:00 p.m.
A variety of after-school enrichment programs are offered for Lower School students, and programming typically concludes by 6:00 p.m. Upper School students participate in a number of activities that extend outside of normal school hours, such as theatre and the arts, community service, sports programming, and more.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
All ISI students 3 years old to grade 8 are required to wear uniforms. Students in grades 9 to 12 do not wear a uniform but are required to adhere to a dress code.
How many children attend the school? How many students are in the average classroom?
Over 530 students are currently enrolled at the International School of Indiana, and the average class size is 12 to 14 students.
Does the International School have a homework policy?
ISI believes young children should be given time for free play and interactive play with peers and parents. We encourage reading at home in the child’s mother tongue to develop strong language skills, but there is no formal homework for pre-elementary students.
Elementary homework tasks are intended to complement the learning taking place at school while also respecting the school’s belief that activities such as sports, cultural pursuits, unstructured play, and rest are all an important part of a child’s development.
In the Upper School, homework is a necessary adjunct to classroom teaching, and all students can expect to receive homework on a regular basis. Homework is intended to reinforce work covered in class and to help students develop important habits of self-discipline, organization, and self-reliance. The aim of the ISI Upper School homework policy is to ensure that it truly supports our students’ academic progress while helping them maintain reasonable balance and to give additional guidance to our teachers as members of a team of educators responsible for the whole child.
Does the International School offer support for students with special needs?
ISI Student Support Services (SSS) helps students identify and achieve academic, social, and emotional goals through collaboration between students, their teachers, and their families.
The SSS process is modeled on a research-based method of academic support commonly used throughout the United States. Through the multi-tiered process, ISI’s team of educators use their cumulative expertise to help meet students’ unique needs – from their academic performance to their social interactions to their linguistic confidence and their health, well-being, and identity. The focus of SSS is to provide successful strategies and resources that directly support students’ learning and achievement in the regular classroom environment from class to class and year to year.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does the International School offer (gym, art, language, sports etc.)?
ISI is the only school in the Midwest offering immersion and dual language programs in French, Mandarin, Spanish, and English for all students. The focus is on developing fluency in speaking, reading, writing and understanding, so students can actively participate in their target language. While language learning is a big part of who ISI is, there are no language prerequisites required at any age.
During the school day, Lower School students spend time in art, gym, and music. After the school day concludes, students may opt into enrichment programs, and scheduled extracurricular classes that allow students to try a wide range of programs, including various art classes, athletics, music lessons, and STEM-based activities.
Similarly, Upper School students are exposed to and may continue coursework in Music, Theatre, Visual Art, Design (Digital and Product), and Physical and Health Education. Upper School students also benefit from X-Block, during which most clubs and activities meet. After the school day concludes, students may choose from over 20 sports teams and 50 clubs/groups and arts that require student participation outside the school day.
What are the International School’s safety policies?
The International School of Indiana seeks to provide an education that values mutual respect, intercultural understanding, and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. In achieving this objective, the ISI faculty and staff work together to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment that promotes lifelong learning. In addition, a myriad of safety protocols exist and are executed according to upper and lower school handbooks and emergency procedures.
Who should parents contact for more information about the International School?
For more information, parents may contact the International School of Indiana’s Office of Admissions at [email protected] or 317-923-1951 x334.
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