International School of Monterey

We moved here a few years ago because my husband got stationed in Monterey and we have two kids enrolled at the school. Considering the surrounding schools in the area, ISM is bar far one of the best. HOWEVER ..it seems that the quality of education has been diminishing over the years. The administrators are more concerned with parent happiness than quality education. This is probably because of the growing number of pushy parents we have at the school. The teachers come and go every year and don t be fooled .hardly ANY of them are international teachers. This year we are losing 1 kindergarten teacher, 2 second grade teachers, possibly a third grade teacher, 1 fourth grade teacher, 1 fifth grade teacher, and a Spanish teacher. This isn t including the large number of middle school teachers that left as well. I can t speak for the working environment the teachers have but it seems to me that happy teachers stick around. With ample amounts of teachers leaving every year, these kids strive for consistency.
—Submitted by a parent

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This is a good school. Far better than other public schools in the area. It ranks on par with Carmel and Pacific Grove and in some aspects exceeds what even these top notch districts have to offer. It has recently suffered some turmoil at the top, but the school seems to have good leadership now. It is a good option, but being a public school it is not the same as other International Schools abroad. There are a few concerns though heading into 2011. Many teachers leave after only one or two years. The pay for teachers is lower than most options causing high turnover, this has especially hurt the Middle School. The school also seems to bite off more than it can chew sometimes. There are aspects of the curriculum that seem to be in place mainly to generate "good press." Parents should be ready to donate your time, effort and be asked for money on a regular basis as well!
—Submitted by a teacher

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This is a great school. Its not perfect and no school is. What I like about this school is that it is trying to always improve. Any school is as good as the dedication of its teachers, the support from the community and of course the commitment of the kids. ISM seems to have a generous amount of all 3. I am a fan!!!
—Submitted by a parent

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I used to love this school. Now, I'm considering moving my child to another school. My child even wants to go someplace else, now. What is the big bummer, though, is that it's still one of the best in the area, so moving my child wouldn't necessarily be in their best interest. I'm crossing my fingers that next year is better. But, with a new principal, who knows? The last principal was great and I'm disappointed he's the one leaving. I do love most of the other parents and students, though! Great people all around me when I'm there volunteering. It's wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

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