International Studies Academy Alternative School

The teachers at this school are extremely motivated and excited about teaching. This is refreshing at the high school level. They geniunely care about student achievement.
--Submitted by a parent

i am an ISA alumni, graduated last year and i believe this is a great school. It reallly prepares you for college doesnt matter if your going to city college or a UC. the teachers are also great. they are really supportive and always are there for the students.
--Submitted by a student

I am a senior at ISA. The school isn't overall horrible. It's more about the relationships people form here that will determine the way they feel about the school or the enviornment. The students are ethnically diverse but they choose to group up by race which definately causes a rift in the way classes bond together. The teachers definately make valid attempts to teach students up to the standards. It is now a 6-12 school which i think is ridiculous because the building is to small and the middle & high school aren't completely separated. I also think that the senior project is a big down fall because having a paper be the determinant in whether a senior can graduate or not puts a damper on the end of the year. But for the most part ISA is a pretty average school. I don't love it but I don't hate it.
--Submitted by a student

I am an ISA Alumni and I have to say that I am very happy that I attended this school. Although ISA did not have all of the options of a larger school like multiple classes to choose from and a football team, it was probably the best decision of schools I could have ever asked for. Because of the small size and family atmosphere, students did not need to be afraid of being themselves and having each other help through their struggles. ISA's international focus is reflected in the students their students. The teachers always came to work with 200% to make sure that their students did their best. My list could go on forever about all of the wonderful things this school has done for me and any of my previous classmates would tell you the same.

My daughter just finished her Sophomore year at ISA. I initially was looking for a smaller school that taught Japanese. Curriculum changed-we stayed because she was happy! The principal, VP & staff are very supportive. She is now in AP & honors classes and traveling internationally. GOOD CHOICE!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a student of the class of 08, I would like to say that when I first came to ISA, I wanted to leave, however the school grew on me. I came to the school due to certain circumstances that did not allow me to be accepted to any other school in San Francisco. Most of the teachers, if not all, give 110 percent. I am sadden sometimes of the lack of respect they receive from students. This however, hasn't taken a toll on their effort. ISA is a place for natural leaders. Although it may not seem like it, ISA is on its way to become one of the elite schools in San Francisco. It's small population creates a family atmosphere. In life you make choices that can lead to regrets. I can honestly say I will never regret attending school.
--Submitted by a student

ISA has given my daughter an opportunity to be involved in activities she never would have at a larger school. I am deeply moved by the committment of the teachers at the school. They really care.
--Submitted by a parent

My son went to ISA last year as a ninth grader and we moved him to another school at the start of this year.Long story short-he is back at ISA and is happier than ever! The faculty and the academic program seems to have solidified a great deal. Our family has found the staff to be warm and caring-not something I could say for every school. My son now has several honors courses, including advanced Chinese(the interim school wouldn't place him in these-for some reason).Also, the band(which doesn't exist at the other school)is excellent.Also, parent involvement at the high school level cannot be compared to that of elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is 9th Grader at ISA. The academic programs at ISA are appear to be sufficient for basic instruction, but opportunities for students to seek more challenging and enriching academic experiences needs to be developed by the school for the students to take advantage of. An incoming 9th Grade class with new demographics and a new facility with heretofore unknown options/opportunities are realities ISA needs to come to grips with first to develope the right kinds of enriching and challenging academic programs. Extracurricular activities exist, but student involvement could be more pronounced and committed. Parental involvement is low, but recruitment and inclusion strategies could be developed and enacted by School Groups, like the PTA, to improve this necessary aspect of a responsive High School able to serve both the community and its student body members and Parents.
--Submitted by a parent

This is one of the worst high schools in the district. Only the basic classes are taught. Level of parental involvement none. Your child will learn nothing and they will not be prepared for college upon graduation. The entire experience was just horrific for my children. Look for a private school for your children. The district is downhill anyway.
--Submitted by a parent