International School of Tucson

Great school. Very dedicated to student success and achievement. In turn, students become dedicated themselves.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am the grandmother of an IST student and I'm very pleased with the school. I wish something like this had been around for my children. The skills the school provides are life changing really. It is clearly still a small school, and it doesn't have all the fancy buildings ect that some public and private schools have. However, it has what is important and that is content.

I can't say enough about this wonderful school! We adopted our son, Nathaniel, from Taiwan and he is such a joy. We feel strongly that both he and his little brother learn to speak Chinese, not only as a cultural connection but as a useful tool in the future. How fortunate that the International School has started their inagural Chinese-immersion preschool program. Nate's teacher (also from Taiwan) is fabulous-she exudes love, yet can be "gently" firm when needed. I have never met more devoted directors or parents. Just can't say enough wonderful things. The school looks a little run-down (because the tution is low), but it is not the looks of a playground or classroom, but what is happening inside. Our son is happy and made to feel special-what more can a Mom ask for?
—Submitted by a parent

When Marius arrived at IST he did not spoke a word of English and was shy and not self confident. Of cours as parents we worked on that but with the help of IST it was much easier. In two years Marius lost his shyness, became very self confident and now is only playing in English. Thanks to IST team to have done all that. The father William
—Submitted by a parent

Lots of false info here- My son pushed boundaries, which lots of smart, energetic boys do- but nothing violent. Giving 'choices' was not working, and they gave excuses for why they could not give him a time-out which worked at home (none of the school behaviors were seen at home). 'Thinking time' aka coloring in the office is not a deterrent. After many months of eroding boundaries- instead of simply telling us it was a 'bad fit,' they suggested symptoms of ADHD and autism. After seeing multiple specialists to make sure we weren't missing anything- their ignorance was debunked. We asked nobody to complain for us. This is the truth- if others must think otherwise to feel better about the school-fine. He is doing great in a better preschool environment. It is also interesting that his teacher quit about a month (during the school year) after we took him out.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been continually impressed with IST's junior school and preschool. The language immersion programs are excellent. The teachers and administrators have a deep personal commitment to the children, families, local and global communities. IST prioritizes the development of critical thinking skills, as well as responsibility, compassion, leadership, and excellence. Most importantly, my children have never been happier at any other school. IST is really serving our needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I love IST. The staff and faculty are great. They know my daughter's name and always say goodbye to her in the languge she is learning. They DO have thinking time, and I know it works. My daughter understands what thinking time means. Her teacher is excellent and the class size is just perfect. Her teacher always communicates with us and we always know what is going on in school. There is always an opportunity to participate in the fund raising events and the atmosphere in general is very pleasant. We can not wait for our baby to attend in a couple of years. Thanks IST
—Submitted by a parent

I love that my school incorporates several languages at a young age for our children. They also provide before and after care for those who need to drop/pick-up their children early/late.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the fact that my children are able to listen to & experience different languages and cultures.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the Grandmother of one of your first students and after having 3 children of my own I can see the major difference between my granddaughter's education/progress and my own children. Her early immersion into Spanish will be a tremendous attribute throughout her life. The school's atmosphere is wonderful for learning and the teachers seem truly interested in their students and keep the children interested and encourage them to meet or rise above their abilities.

The International School of Tucson is a fantastic, immersion early elementary school. We have a world wide economy, and a computer will never be able to replace true understanding of a foreign language, which can only come from immersion. If you want your children to succeed on a global scale, and open their future to worldwide travel and excitement, the International School is the place that can make that happen.
—Submitted by a parent

It's the best for my kids... love the full immersion approach, strong and uncompromising curriculum, great community and responsive administration.
—Submitted by a parent

small classes, exciting curriculum, dedicated teachers, parental involvement, capable and caring administration

Wonderful school. International touch with teachers & some students from all over the world!
—Submitted by a parent

I am impressed by the quality of the education provided for the children, especially the language emersion program.

IST not only has a wonderfully talented and qualified group of instructors, but also has a curriculum designed for students to immerse into a different language and begin learning it in a short time period. My children are proof of this, they are now tri/multi-lingual.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the inquiry based teaching that my son is flourishing in!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves learning at IST. Students experience a very well-rounded curriculum in addition to Spanish, French, or German language immersion. The IST community - staff/teachers, students, families - creates a wonderful environment to grow.
—Submitted by a parent

International School of Tucson is a fantastic school!!! My grandsons are fluent in French! We love all the great teachers, parents and students who make up the IST community

IST is an amazing place to learn! They teach immersion programs in Spanish, French and German. Most of the teachers are native speakers and some even travel to Tucson just to teach at our school. The curriculum is advanced and the student/ teacher ratio is very low. Our kids have fun every day incorporating music, singing, art and sports into their week!
—Submitted by a parent