Research International School of IN (Pk-3) private Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana

“We are very impressed and very happy with ISI. Our daughter is in the French program and her level of fluency is *amazing*. She can read and write both in French and in English. We also appreciate that she has become so enthusiastic about languages and has developed a true interest and awareness of the world around her. She can't wait to start learning Spanish in 6th grade! Her teachers have all been very caring, creative and dedicated. Yes, the 49th street building is outdated, but I understand it is in the plans to move all elementary students to the Michigan Street Campus in a new building by 2011. Meanwhile, she is getting a very strong bilingual education that no other school in Indiana can be compared to.”

“My son is in the French Program at ISI and has been there for 2 years now and thanks to the emersion program, he speaks French Fluently. He is academically well beyond his age and I feel he has learned so much well at ISI. The teachers are great and very vested in our children and their learning.”

“Strong French and Spanish program. Some of the teachers are very dedicated but the administration is lacking and it shows. Classrooms, offices and common areas are severely outdated and in some cases in poor condition. Playground is a badly paved parking lot. Always asking for money in no very creative and rather 'needy' deppresing ways. Overall there is a lack of focus and resources that makes the complete operation look grey and tired. Some of the teachers are trying very hard but the smiles in their faces are fading and therefore the kids smiles are fading too.”

“Strong French and Spanish program. Some of the teachers are very dedicated but the administration is lacking and it shows. Classrooms, offices and common areas are severely outdated and in some cases in poor condition. Playground is a badly paved parking lot. Always asking for money in very non creative and rather 'needy' deppresing ways. Overall there is a lack of focus and resources that makes the complete operation look grey and tired. Some of the teachers are trying very hard but the smiles in their faces are fading and therefore the kids smiles are fading too”

“This school has a strong language program, and pretty much is lacking in many areas. The upkeep of the building itself is MINIMAL and the business office is extremely unorganized. Some of the teachers are great but the administration could use a complete makeover. I don't know where our tuition goes, as the school is constantly asking for donations. The latest was to furnish an apartment for a newly arrived teacher, or participate on a weekend to pave the blacktop in a chained link area (this is the elementary playground). Unimpressive at best.”

“I am so impressed with my child's education. Reads, writes, speaks spanish fluently and is only in the second grade. The school is expensive but is worth every dollar we spend on it. This school teaches both spanish and french. The teachers do a great job with the kids and if you want your child to learn and think globally this is the school for you.”

“We have had an amazing experience at ISI. Great atmosphere for the future men and women of this changing world. The teachers come from different countries to share their teaching experience as well as their native language and culture. Our children are getting great education and an open perspective of the world. I would definitely recommend this school.”

“The school is a farce. The only redeeming quality about the school is the strength of the parents. The curriculum is non-existent. No organization or planning. If you child doesn't hit the ground running, it will be the worst decision of your life. All you'll hear from the instructors or administration is 'hire a tutor'”

“I am so impressed by the work of the new administration. The opportunities and education my children are receiving is outstanding. . They are getting an education at ISI that isn't available anywhere else in Indiana or the Midwest. As a parent, I couldn't be more pleased with the school.”

“We have two students at the school, and have been very pleased with our entire experience. The teachers are caring, creative and have been a joy to work with. I know our children are getting a great education, and are experiencing cultural diversity that can not be found anywhere else in Indiana.”

“excellent opportunity. strong support. nice diversity. amazing staff.”

“My daughter has been at ISI for 8 years [since 3rd grade] and I think the school is tremendous. I believe that learning a second language before age 10 is one skill [essential in the global marketplace] that will remain throughout life. I also believe that early second language acquisition changes a student's outlook on life. The high school International Baccalaureate program is rigourous, but all students work through it together -- sort of a trial by fire. REAL critical thinking is needed. IB prepares them for college and beyond; some graduates receive almost 2 semesters worth of college credit. I am nonplussed about other's comments about the science and math programs; I have not seen any deficiency in the teachers or the curriculum. This year the students placed first [ISTEP] or near the top [SATs] in the entire state on these important exams. Clearly, they are doing something right.”

“Our daughter started ISI in the third grade and is now in 10th. For us it has been a great school. Our daughter is fluent in French and has five years of Spanish. The IB program is a real advantage and keeps kids invovled all the way through their senior year. That everyone in the school does the IB means it is part of the culture, not just an add-on for the smartest kids. Graduates we know have gotten significant college crtedit because of the IB. While their are exceptions, most of the teachers are excellent. We have had some great math and science teachers as well as good teachers in English, art, and history. It is a small school which means the range of activities is not extensive, but involvment is not competitive and you don't have to be a star to play. Parents are very involved.”

“My daughter attended ISI for 2 years, and the language program is outstanding. Unfortunately, my daughter's strengths were science and math with literature a close third. ISI was unable to provide her with experienced teachers in those areas and she her math and science stagnated. ISI was also not prepared to facilitate a child who developed a severe disorder while attending, and wanted to hold her back a grade even though her lowest grade was a 'c' and was in gym. If you are looking for excellent foreign language for your child, ISI should be considered; however, if your child has any other interests... look elsewhere.”

“ISI has a great language program. Students almost always come away from ISI fluent in either French, Spanish, or both. Unfortunately, there are gaping holes in some of the other departments, especially in math. When I decided to switch from ISI to North Central High School after 8th grade, I found that my math proficiency was much lower than it should have been. I struggled through my freshman year in a Geometry class that demanded mastery of the skills taught in Algebra 1 and I had to get a tutor to ensure my success in that course. Looking back, I believe that most of my problems with math were due to a lack of professional behavior with one middle/high school math teacher. I believe that these issues will be addressed eventually, but I do suggest that parents look beyond the language program to ensure that they are getting the full picture.”

“My grandaughter starting attending the International School in the 7th grade. From moving her from the public schools her grades have improved 100 percent. She has learned Spanish and she has visited Barcelona, Spain and Costra Rico with her class. One thing that is great about this school is that the children are from all races and religions and they get along great. I Would recommend this school to all parents.”

“This is a private school that really gives back to the community. There are families at the school that are from 20+ countries, as well as from every financial background. The parent's association is truly involoved in the school and is not just a fundraising body. The children, from 3 yr. olds to 12 graders are expected to conduct themselves as civilized persons. The work hard, study hard, and play hard. the classes are small, and the teachers care. We moved our middle child from a good public school to the ISI, and are happy with our decision. The children learn in either Spanish or French,and also English.”