International School of Louisiana

Hi ! I'm a french primary teacher looking for a way to join ISL to propose them to set up a penpal link with my class here in France. I was unable to find an email address to write them. So if someone might help me to join them this would be great. Thanks a lot, Jessica

I am very disappointed with ISL due entirely to the administration. The teachers are for the most part dedicated and qualified, however key administrative positions were filled in a pinch after Katrina by unqualified parents who are still holding these jobs and doing a poor job, to say the least. Preferential treatment of related students, from discipline to perks has become so extreme, we are losing some of best youngsters. Five years post-Katrina is plenty of time to have resolved these problems, but changes don't seem likely. Moral is low, this school isn't half of what it could be, or what I'm told it used to be. We are exploring other options for next school year.
—Submitted by a parent

ISL is the only chartered multi language immersion school in the New Orleans area offering Spanish, French and now Chinese as the third language. The faculty and staff comes from 20 countries bringing their very diverse cultures, languages and teaching methods to the classroom. I think this year is the best year so far for the schools history - they are only 10 years old and have grown from just 2 small classrooms for Kindergartners to over 500 students in kinergarten thru 8th grade. I would highly recommend this school to anyone that is looking into an immersion school for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My daughter will be entering her 3rd year there and she can't wait to go back. What i like about this school is the diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the 5th grade at ISL, she has been there since K. She is always recived high marks on her report card, this year she has had three teachers and one day never used her pencil. She tested extremly low on entrance exams to other schools. The school i think deminshs self esteem. I would not recommend this school to anyone. Before the storm the school was excellent. Half of the 5th grade class will not be returning.
—Submitted by a parent

We currently have one child attending ISL and our youngest will begin kindergarten this fall. The instructors are exceptional and the curriculum is challenging. I love the cultural diversity that ISL offers. I am very pleased with our school's growth and the improvements that are made each year. I also love that the students are happy and in such a warm, loving environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to I.S.L since it first open when I was in Kindergarten . Yes, the lower grade school is exceptional , but the middle school , not so much. My class mates and I joke about us being I.S.L's guinea pigs. I.S.L . Since I.S.L is not going to have a high school when I'm in 9th grade , because they are always trying to raise money for other thngs instead of getting the school back on its feet since the hurricane, I'm attending another school where I'll be prepared for High school. I.S.L has a great learning program even though its a mest up school , because on my entrance exam to my new school I recieved freshman honors in everything , thats amazing considering I'm entering 8th grade. Its a great education, but not a great school.
—Submitted by a student

ISL is a New Orleans treasure. This is my son's second year in the French program and we absolutely love it. The teachers, staff and administration are all exceptional and they genuinely care for the growth and education of the children. I am very lucky to have discovered this treasure! It was voted one of the top charter schools in the nation. I am proud to be a part of this institution.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children attending ISL. My oldest daughter is now in fifth grade. Intially we started in the Spanish program and she has impressed me tremendously with her skills in reading, writing and her accent in Spanish is as if she was a native speaker. Now she is learning French and I am amazed at the ease in which she picks it up. The school does what it can to make learning motivating, interesting and innovative. Right now, they have planted an organic garden and planted trees in the play ground. They focus on global awareness, the importance of recycling and how to be a green school. Not only is education important, but the creative aspects of every child is as well and they make sure those needs are met. Finally we were thrilled that the lunch menu offered a vegetarian option to accommodate faculty and students. We love ISL!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's second year in French at ISL. It is a wonderful school with a great curriculum. The immersion technique is a great way for children to learn other languages and cultures. ISL balances that with the culture of New Orleans very well. I am very pleased with the faculty and the staff. My son gets a lot of personal attention and he is learning a lot!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is definitely a top rated school. My child has succeeded academically in every level. The teachers and administration are tops in dealing with parents and community members.
—Submitted by a parent

International School of Louisiana (ISL) is a wonderful opportunity for students in the New Orleans area! ISL is a public charter with a focus on language immersion and community involvement. The staff, faculty, students, parents, and the neighboring community all work together to provide a great environment to promote learning and to give the students every opportunity to excel.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely the best. ISL is a community of caring people with a common mission.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the advantages of my child attending a school like ISL. He not only has the opportunity to become fluent in Spanish or French but the parent involvement is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. Our child is now in second grade and learning a second language which is very good at due to the teachers and all the help. We love the yoga program and chess club.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. My daughter has been able to blossom in the environment provided at the International School. I would recommend this school to any parent that wants to open doors for their child or children for the future. The immersion program is amazing. The school also offers glimpses into other cultures which enables children to be open-minded about differences in cultures. I am grateful that my daughter has been afforded this opportunity.
—Submitted by a parent

ISL provides not only a solid basic education program as demonstrated in the above average LEAP scoring, but it offers and educational perspective which nurtures the whole child. The music, art and sports programs are very diverse. The clubs and after school programs offer extended learning opportunities such as chess, sign language, science experiment projects, rugby, horticulture and more. The level of ISL parent involvement is one of the highest in the Metro area. In today's global society public schools such as ISL should be the norm and not the exception. The students of ISL will always carry with them a whole world frame of reference throughout their lives. ISL is truly a special place.
—Submitted by Betty Thibodeaux, a parent

My daughter Rebecca has been with ISL since kindergarten in the French program and will enter the 3rd grade this Fall. My 5 year year old Aimee will enter kindergarten French this Fall. My husband and I are thrilled! We initially were a bot hesitant since we were unfamiliar with this type of immersion based school. Rebecca had been in a typical parochial school for Pre-K and we wanted the best for her. I am so glad we took the risk! Rebecca is thriving, her French accent is beautiful, her grasp of the language and ability to move back and forth from English to French is amazing. I wish I had had the same opportunity when I was her age. I know that they will have fabulous career opportunities upon graduation. Meg and Scott Greenfield
—Submitted by a parent

ISl is providing my daughter with the most enriching educational experience. It is a great place to learn and grow. I am so happy that she has the opportunity of the ISL experience. Laura Vagianos
—Submitted by Laura Vagianos, a parent

ISL is wonderful! Most parents are a bit apprehensive about placing their child into an immersion school, as were we. However, my daughter is now in 2nd grade is does extremely well in Spanish and English. The teachers truely care as do the parents. ISL is very supportive and dedicated to its children and message. Despite Hurricane Katrina & any financial hardships I am as committed to supporting this school as they are to my daughter. She will be here until the end. I recommend ISL to everyone I know, beacuse it is truly hard to find a Very Good School, with participating parents, large diversity socially and racially, and not pay tuition.....dream come true!
—Submitted by a parent