International School of Tucson

My son is bi-literate-which essentially means he can not only speak Spanish but read and write it. I don't speak Spanish at home so the only language learning he is getting is through school. I have friends who are native speakers and comment all the time how amazing my son speaks and how he doesn't have an American accent. And on a few occasions my son has even corrected their pronunciation of a word. Next year he will begin his 3rd language and be bi-literate and trilingual. Every unit they do an Expo and the younger kids sing songs and do plays to show what they have learned in the unit and the older children do plays or hold question and answer sessions to show off their knowledge. My son isn't afraid of public speaking because of all the opportunities he has to get up in front of an audience and speak-from the Expos to the Southern Arizona Language Fair. My son has many opportunities to grow and learn at this school that I don't think he would get at another one. The teachers are amazing!!! can't say enough good things about this school or the people in it.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at IST almost from the beginning and we have seen it change and grow. It started in a veteran's hall, then added a former liquor store, then an office building, then a house, and then another house. Now it is moving to a former public school which is four times bigger!. It started with one class and one teacher who is still there, and its second teacher is also still there. Now IST has 7 grades, 4 languages and 25 faculty. It has a reputation as one of the best schools in Tucson. IST has the best music program in Tucson, it won the city basketball league, and is the state chess champion. It scores highest in the language fair and the science fair and for three years was the best school in the national French contest. IST has high standards which means some families and some teachers do not fit. Some leave and some are asked to leave and some who are asked to leave don't agree. Finally, IST is an independent school. When it needs new buildings, or scholarships, or a gate it cannot just pass a new tax or sell a bond. It must do fundraising, That is what going to a private school means. We donot know a better school than IST. Go Ambassadors!
--Submitted by a parent

The previous review is inaccurate. IST still has teachers from its first year! Many teachers are exchange teachers so they leave at the of their visa. I and most other parents think the exchange teachers are a strength and not a weakness. The school grows each year and most of the teachers hired because of the growth each year are still there. One of the people "leaving in droves" actually left at the end of last school year. One went on medical leave. One was a substitute. One was fired. And the other one left for a full-time job in China. We have been at IST for five years and could not be happier. We have friends with children in other schools and we see the difference This is the first year the school has asked for money and that is because of the new campus. IST is a private school and fundraising is important. One of the nice things about IST is that everything is transparent. The administration tells us everything in the parent-only newsletter or on the website. Last year the school expelled a student and this year they fired an administrator. Maybe this is the reason for the negative review.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves this school and is learning a lot! The kids learn to be creative and share well too.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children in the school and they have been excelling academically and in their second (and third) languages. However in the last year they have really started to grow in the extracurricular activities such as music and basketball. It's nice to see that IST has championship winning sports team to complement their prowess in language and chess! Now the school is moving in January to a beautiful 32,000 sq. ft. facility near University Medical Center in Jefferson Park. This eliminates the only negative about the school which were it's crowded facilities. We couldn't be more pleased!
--Submitted by a parent

Our son started at the school on August 1 and we have been very happy with the school overall and particularly the quality of the teachers and the administrative staff. They are available, present, and interested in talking with you. Our son had no background with Spanish and within a week he was speaking Spanish in full sentences at home. We love the school and couldn't be happier with our choice.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son just started his second year at the school, and we have been very impressed with his growth, his development has really improved, and it has been a joy to see him so excited to learn! The program is a nice balance of academic and art, but what impresses us mostly is the dedication of his teacher to seeing that our child succeeds - truly a gift! Everyone at the school has been very helpful and pleasant! Bottom line is, our son loves going to school each day, loves his teacher, and loves every aspect of learning (edu). He is a happy well balanced six year old, and has a formidable foundation from which to build on.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at IST. I absolutely love the school and working here has been an amazing privilege. I have grown a great deal both professionally and personally during my time here, due in large part to the guidance and expertise of the schools directors and the collegial and supportive nature of my colleagues. IST is more than just a wonderful school it is also an extremely caring community full of wonderful people. The accepting and supportive nature of parents, families and teachers also extends to the way in which students interact with one another. This heightened appreciation for diversity and broadened view of the world both locally and globally, without a doubt helps to foster and encourage inquisitive, appreciative and confident learners and citizens that we are all very proud of. The global perspectives that IST promote equips our students with a vital set of skills that will help them to succeed in our increasingly international society. I strongly recommend the International School of Tucson for parents or families looking for a uniquely diverse and academically beneficial educational experience for their children. David Rutledge Junior School English Teacher
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter is now in her second year at IST. During her time there I have been continually amazed by the commitment of the teachers and staff and the quality of the education she is receiving. I love IST because it isn't just a school, it is a community, and diverse one too for such a small school!
--Submitted by a parent

We are not pleased with this program at all. Poor materials in the classrooms and school building. Paper thin shades and metal playground equipment that's too hot to play on. No field trips during the summer. No clear expectations from students 3-5 or list of class rules. Head of School and Head of Second school are unfamiliar with basic childhood cognitive and social abilities. Wished we vetted the accreditations and certifications this business list on their website prior to paying for services. It is clear they have memberships; not accreditations or certifications.
--Submitted by a parent