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The International School of Minnesota

United States, Minneapolis

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $15,495 - 33,095
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 180
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1985
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

ISM is a private preschool–Grade 12 campus in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded in 1985 as the first SABIS Network school in the United States, ISM sits on 57 acres and offers a single-campus program with daily world-language instruction. It follows the SABIS Educational System and provides an academically oriented curriculum with AP options. Graduation requirements include 4 years English, 4 years Math, 4 years World Language (or completion of an AP course), 3 years Science, 3 years Social Studies/History, 1.5 years Fine Arts, 2 years Computer Science, and 2 years Physical Education & Health. AP courses include Art History, Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chinese Language & Culture, Computer Science A, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, European History, French Language & Culture, Government & Politics US, Human Geography, Music Theory, Physics B & C, Spanish Language & Culture, Spanish Literature & Culture, Statistics, and Studio Art: Drawing. ISM is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Accreditation International, and NCPSA. Facilities include a Science Department with labs, ITL Hall with 60 computers, a 22,000-volume library, a Performing Arts Center, two art rooms, two music rooms, a robotics program, and a golf course with simulator, plus extensive athletic facilities such as an Olympic track and indoor pool.

6385 Beach Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, United States

The Essentials

The International School of Minnesota has 180 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
Nestled in a wooded area in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, The International School of Minnesota sits on a 57-acre campus surrounded by walking and biking trails with access to Bryant Lake. The campus address is 6385 Beach Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA.

Stages
Early Childhood Education (Preschool–Kindergarten); Lower School (Grades 1–5); Middle School (Grades 6–8); High School (Grades 9–12)

Type
Private school offering preschool through Grade 12 with boarding facilities.

Bus service
Transportation is provided by Coherent Bus Company with two options: Door-to-Door (round trip or one-way) and Regional Stop (round trip or one-way).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The Residence Hall features 32 bed spaces for students in shared or single occupancy rooms, with state-of-the-art accommodations including a theater, recreation center, fitness center, laundry facilities, and designated study spaces. Residence hall supervisors are on duty 24/7 to ensure safety and comfort. Weekday evenings follow a schedule with mandatory study time, and weekends focus on activities and local experiences.

Uniform Requirement
ISM has a uniform policy requiring students to be in uniform at all times, except on announced no-uniform days. Tops include burgundy knit polo shirts and white oxford or knit polos with the ISM logo, burgundy sweaters or burgundy fleece with logo, and ISM sweatshirts. Bottoms include black dress pants or shorts, plaid jumpers or plaid skirts (Grade K-5), and gray pleated skirts (Grade 6-12). A P.E. uniform is required for gym (burgundy tops and bottoms, with ISM logo). Shoes must be black or white with non-marking soles. Uniforms can be purchased from Donald's Uniforms or Land's End-approved items; there is a one-year grace period for older logo items due to supply chain issues.

Food Options
Dining Services offers breakfast daily from 7:30 to 8:00 AM. Lunch options include the Daily Husky Line (main dish plus vegetarian options) and a la carte items such as soup, grill station, pizza/calzone, and salad bar. Students may join a term- or year-long meal plan or pay with ISM Dining Dollars for meals and a la carte items. The dining hall is an open, communal space with a variety of options.

Governance and Ownership
The International School of Minnesota is a private school that is a member of SABIS®, a global education network active in 21 countries on five continents. ISM uses the SABIS Educational System and SABIS Student Life Organization. Founded in 1985, ISM operates within the SABIS Network.
Fees

Annual tuition at The International School of Minnesota ranges from USD 15,495 to USD 33,095 for 2026/27.

Application & enrollment fees

- Application fee: USD 150 (one-time, paid with the admissions application).
- Non‑refundable registration deposit: USD 3,000 (required with the signed enrollment contract to secure a student's place).
- Additional boarding deposit (if boarding is selected): USD 2,000 (collected with the enrollment contract when residence hall placement is requested).
- U.S. government I‑901 SEVIS fee (required for F‑1 visa processing): USD 350 (paid to the U.S. government as part of visa processing).

Tuition fees by year group (2026–2027 academic year) — annual amounts

- Early Childhood (half‑day Preschool / Pre‑K): USD 15,495 per year.
- Early Childhood (full‑day Preschool / Pre‑K): USD 20,750 per year.
- Elementary School (Kindergarten–Grade 5): USD 29,250 per year.
- Middle School (Grades 6–7): USD 31,250 per year.
- Middle School (Grade 8): USD 32,250 per year (includes fees for the mandatory Washington, D.C. field trip).
- High School (Grades 9–12): USD 33,095 per year.
- International student additional fee (KG–12): USD 2,000 per year (charged in addition to the tuition above for international students).

Per‑term and alternative breakdowns (calculated examples)

Note: the school publishes annual tuition by year group. The figures below are arithmetical breakdowns of the annual amounts into common billing patterns so you can display per‑term or monthly equivalents if needed.

- Early Childhood (half‑day, USD 15,495):
- Per 2 equal terms (semester): USD 7,747.50 per term.
- Per 3 equal terms (trimester): USD 5,165.00 per term.
- Per 10 equal monthly payments: USD 1,549.50 per month.

- Early Childhood (full‑day, USD 20,750):
- Per 2 equal terms: USD 10,375.00 per term.
- Per 3 equal terms: USD 6,916.67 per term.
- Per 10 equal monthly payments: USD 2,075.00 per month.

- Elementary (KG–5, USD 29,250):
- Per 2 equal terms: USD 14,625.00 per term.
- Per 3 equal terms: USD 9,750.00 per term.
- Per 10 equal monthly payments: USD 2,925.00 per month.

- Middle School (Grades 6–7, USD 31,250):
- Per 2 equal terms: USD 15,625.00 per term.
- Per 3 equal terms: USD 10,416.67 per term.
- Per 10 equal monthly payments: USD 3,125.00 per month.

- Middle School (Grade 8, USD 32,250):
- Per 2 equal terms: USD 16,125.00 per term.
- Per 3 equal terms: USD 10,750.00 per term.
- Per 10 equal monthly payments: USD 3,225.00 per month.

- High School (Grades 9–12, USD 33,095):
- Per 2 equal terms: USD 16,547.50 per term.
- Per 3 equal terms: USD 11,031.67 per term.
- Per 10 equal monthly payments: USD 3,309.50 per month.

- International student fee (USD 2,000):
- Per 2 equal terms: USD 1,000.00 per term.
- Per 3 equal terms: USD 666.67 per term.
- Per 10 equal monthly payments: USD 200.00 per month.

(Annual tuition figures above are the school's published 2026–2027 rates; the per‑term and per‑month figures are calculated divisions of those annual amounts for convenience.)

Boarding fees (2026–2027)

- Day length covered: boarding rates published for a 10‑month residence season.
- Single room (10 months): USD 29,500 per year (includes three meals per day, seven days per week). Housing security deposit: USD 2,000.
- Quad room (10 months): USD 23,000 per year (includes three meals per day, seven days per week). Housing security deposit: USD 2,000.
- Boarding-related deposits: an additional USD 2,000 deposit is required with the enrollment contract when a student requests residence hall placement; the enrollment contract includes boarding fees and deposit terms.

Billing schedule and payment terms (what the school publishes about billing and account rules)

- Enrollment and deposits: the student's legal guardian signs the enrollment contract and returns it with the non‑refundable USD 3,000 registration deposit; boarding selections add the USD 2,000 boarding deposit. The enrollment contract documents the financial obligations.
- Monthly statements: charges for items not included with tuition (non‑mandatory field trips, uniforms, athletic supplies, special lessons, tutoring, library fines, cafeteria charges, etc.) are generally billed monthly as incurred. Finance charges and late fees may be applied according to service contracts. Students with delinquent accounts may face restrictions (inability to charge to account, withholding of report cards/transcripts, and limits on participation).
- Withdrawal billing: a written notification of intent to withdraw is required; the business office reviews withdrawals and determines final charges when a student leaves during the school year.

Other costs and recurring charges

- Uniforms: a school uniform policy is in force; uniform items are sold through the school's used uniform store and from approved suppliers (Donald's Uniform Store and Land's End school uniform section). Families should budget for uniform purchases.
- Meals / hot lunch program: the school operates a hot lunch program and a milk program; refunds are not given for cancelled participation prior to the end of a term. Meals provided to boarders are included in published boarding fees.
- Field trips and mandatory excursions: certain mandatory trips (for example, the Grade 8 Washington, D.C. trip) are included in the published Grade 8 fee; non‑mandatory trips and other extracurricular charges are billed to the family account when incurred.
- Music lessons and some co‑curricular offerings: music lessons are registered annually but charged by term; termination mid‑term may not result in refunds for that term.
- Library fines, damage charges, replacement fees (textbooks, uniforms, sports gear) and other incidental costs are billed to the family account; team uniforms not returned in usable condition are billed for replacement.

Refund information (what the school publishes)

- Registration deposit: USD 3,000 registration deposit is non‑refundable (collected with the enrollment contract).
- Boarding deposit and housing security deposit: the school collects a USD 2,000 boarding deposit and a USD 2,000 housing security deposit; the enrollment contract includes these amounts as part of boarding arrangements. (The published materials show the deposits as required at enrollment; the business office handles the final disposition of security deposits in accordance with the enrollment/boarding contract.)
- Program‑specific refunds: certain program fees (for example, hot lunch enrollment) are not refundable if cancelled prior to the end of the term as stated in school materials. Final adjustments for withdrawal and associated refunds or charges are determined by the business office after written notification of withdrawal.

Fee payment options and invoicing

- The school issues monthly statements for incidental charges and maintains a business office to manage billing, statements, and account status. For questions about accepted payment methods (for example, electronic bank transfer/ACH, wire transfer, credit card, or check) the business office / school billing contact handles arrangements and will provide the school's accepted payment methods and instructions.

Quick summary of the most load‑bearing figures (for database fields)

- Application fee: USD 150.
- Registration deposit (non‑refundable): USD 3,000.
- Annual tuition (examples): Preschool half‑day USD 15,495; Preschool full‑day USD 20,750; KG–5 USD 29,250; Grades 6–7 USD 31,250; Grade 8 USD 32,250; Grades 9–12 USD 33,095.
- International student fee: USD 2,000 (KG–12).
- Boarding (10 months): Single USD 29,500; Quad USD 23,000; housing security deposit USD 2,000; boarding deposit USD 2,000.

If you will publish these figures, use the annual figures in the tuition field and include the deposits, international student fee, and boarding charges in the appropriate database fields. The school's published 2026–2027 schedule and the student handbook provide the billing rules cited above.
Academics

The International School of Minnesota teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum
The school uses the SABIS® Educational System for Preschool through Grade 12. Preschool through Grade 12 is offered on a single campus, with daily world-language instruction. Graduation requirements include 4 years English, 4 years Math, 4 years World Language (or completion of AP class), 3 years Science, 3 years Social Studies/History, 1.5 years of Fine Arts, 2 years of Computer Science, and 2 years of Physical Education & Health. AP courses are available, including Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chinese Language & Culture, Computer Science A, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, European History, French Language & Culture, Government & Politics US, Human Geography, Music Theory, Physics B & C, Spanish Language & Culture, Spanish Literature & Culture, Statistics, and Studio Art: Drawing, with AP exam performance highlighted (e.g., 92% of AP Exams scored 3 or higher). The school is accredited by multiple accrediting bodies, including the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Accreditation International, and the National Council for Private School Accreditation.

Higher Education Progression
The school offers a comprehensive college counseling program that starts in Grade 7 and continues through senior year to guide students through the university admissions process, helping them make informed choices and pursue their goals.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) is the heart of the school and a pillar of the SABIS Educational System. It is a student-led mini-society that engages students in daily school life and offers academic, social, and emotional benefits for all participants. Through nine departments, students develop leadership, problem-solving, empathy, communication, collaboration, and resilience, fostering emotional, social, and moral growth that supports university and beyond success.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The curriculum enables students to develop fluency in English and an additional world language of their choice.

Mental Wellbeing
The Wellness Department promotes a healthy lifestyle and organizes events and campaigns that provide students and staff with tools and tips for maintaining a healthy, well-balanced life.

Safeguarding
The Discipline Department helps ensure a safe environment within the school and teaches students how to abide by school rules and resolve differences peacefully. Department prefects lead bullying prevention campaigns to raise awareness and help prevent bullying.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1985, The International School of Minnesota opened as the first SABIS Network school in the United States. It is a private school located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, at 6385 Beach Road. It follows the SABIS Educational System and offers an academically rigorous program with daily world-language instruction. In the 2025–2026 school year, ISM celebrates 40 years of operation. The campus spans 57 acres in Eden Prairie and includes a science department with multiple laboratories, two computer labs, and a SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall with 60 computers.

Community
ISM fosters a diverse, globally minded community on a 57-acre Eden Prairie campus with walking and biking trails and access to Bryant Lake. The 40th anniversary celebrations bring together current and past families, alumni, and staff for events such as the Ruby Radiance Gala on March 28, 2026. Alumni engagement is featured in school stories, including Celebrating the New Year with our Alumni. The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) anchors student life, with nine departments that organize events, clubs, and community service.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is on 57 acres in Eden Prairie, a wooded area with walking and biking trails and access to Bryant Lake. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities to support a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. All instructional classrooms have Interactive Whiteboards. The Science Department includes two laboratories for biochemistry and physics, plus a middle school biology lab. There are two computer labs (one in the Early Childhood Education Center and one in the Upper School) and a SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall with 60 computers. Two art rooms and two music rooms with practice spaces, a professional-grade Performing Arts Center, and a library with over 22,000 books are on campus.

Sports Facilities
ISM offers extensive sports facilities. A fitness center, indoor gymnasium, and a 3-lane heated indoor swimming pool are available. An Olympic-size track and field and a natural grass soccer field support a wide range of athletic programs. A newly designed golf course with a golf simulator and indoor putting green enhances practice opportunities for golf and related activities.

Academic Facilities
All instructional classrooms are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards. The Science Department includes two laboratories for biochemistry and physics, plus a middle school biology lab. There are two computer labs, one in the Early Childhood Education Center and one in the Upper School. The SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall (ITL Hall) has 60 computers for assessments and review.

Extra Curricular Facilities
ISM offers robotics as part of its co-curriculars. The campus features a disc golf course and more than 50 different sports and activities. The sports facilities include an Olympic-size track and field, a golf course with a simulator and indoor putting green, a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a soccer field, and a gymnasium.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ISM offers more than 50 different sports and activities. Academic and intellectual extracurriculars include One Act Play, Robotics, Math League, Debate, and Competitive Speech for grades 7–12. The campus includes a robotics lab and other facilities to support learning beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
Music and Performing Arts are integral to the ISM experience, with curricular and extracurricular opportunities from early childhood through high school. Instrumental music includes orchestra, band, funk rock, and strings, and there are choral programs for middle and high school; cross-enrollment is available. Visual Arts begins in Preschool and continues through High School, with an AP Drawing Portfolio option after the sophomore year.

Cultural & Language
Arabic language offerings include Arabic - Beginners and Arabic - Intermediate. International Day is a multicultural celebration featuring international cuisine, customs, and cultural performances. The school hosts cultural experiences and events as part of its student life.

Social & Hobbies
ISM offers a wide range of after-school activities and clubs, including One Act Play, Chess Club, Robotics, and music groups like Show Choir and Funk Rock. Extended Day provides before- and after-school care with activities such as Learn to Swim, Dance, Soccer, Lego, and the Spring Musical. School events, talent shows, performances, and International Day provide social and cultural engagement.

Community & Service
The SABIS Student Life Organization includes a Social Responsibility Department that motivates students to give back to their community through charitable and environmental projects. The Outreach Department arranges ambassadors for new students and runs campaigns to engage the school community. The Activities Department provides outlets for students to explore talents and interests through clubs and events while contributing to the broader community.

Leadership & Professional
SABIS Student Life Organization comprises nine departments, including Academic, Discipline, Management, Sports, Wellness, Activities, Outreach, Lower School, and Social Responsibility, which organize student life. SLO prefects can organize academic and social events, host games, plan athletic activities, start clubs, raise awareness on important subjects, and more. The program emphasizes leadership, problem-solving, sociability, critical thinking, organization, resilience, independence, empathy, communication, collaboration, teamwork, and accountability.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellness Department promotes a healthy lifestyle and provides resources to maintain a balanced life. Extended Day offers early morning and after-school care with safe, supervised activities to support student well-being. ISM also provides extensive fitness facilities, including a fitness center, gymnasium, Olympic-size track, indoor pool, and a golf course to support physical health.
Languages

Language Provision
Starting in preschool and continuing through graduation, the curriculum provides daily world-language instruction and enables students to develop fluency in English and an additional world language of their choice.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
SABIS® Network member; SABIS® Educational System used nationally/internationally via SABIS® Network
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions Application: Submit an online application for admission and pay the $150 application fee. Click HERE to start the application. The online application is the first step in the admissions process and initiates the review of your file.
2. Records Request: Submit the Records Release form to authorize ISM to receive transcripts from your current school. ISM requires two years of transcripts prior to the year applied for, and all high school records if applying for 11th or 12th grade. Transcripts must be translated into English before admissions review.
3. Recommendations: Recommendation forms must be completed by an official at the student's current school and mailed or emailed directly to ISM. Recommendations can also be submitted electronically through the enrollment portal, Blackbaud. For school-age children, two letters are requested, with at least one from a math or English teacher.
4. Admissions Interview: An international admissions recruiter will arrange an online interview. This is a half-hour conversation to learn more about you and to assess your English language skills.
5. Diagnostic Assessments: ISM will work with you to arrange remote diagnostic testing to evaluate your English and math skills.
6. Proof of English Proficiency: Students in 11th and 12th grade will need to demonstrate advanced English coursework or provide a TOEFL score.
7. Proof of Funds: You will need to submit proof of finances dated within three months. This ensures families have the financial means to support education and living expenses in the US.
8. Passport: You will need to submit a copy of your foreign passport. This is needed to assist you in the student visa request process.
9. After Acceptance: I-20: Upon acceptance, ISM will generate the I-20 documentation you will need to apply for an F-1 Student Visa. The US government also requires the completion of form I-901, for which it charges a $350 fee. The admissions office will generate this form, or the applicant may complete it on their own. F-1 Student Visa: ISM will mail you an official letter of acceptance and your I-20. Upon receipt of the I-20, you will need to move forward with the Visa request. Please notify the school of your visa acceptance. Enrollment Contract: Upon being granted a United States F-1 Student Visa, an official enrollment contract will be issued to the student. The student's legal guardian must review, sign, and return the contract to ISM along with a non-refundable registration deposit of $3,000. If a student expresses a desire for residence hall boarding, those fees will also be included in the contract, and an additional deposit of $2,000 is also required.

Scholarships
40th Anniversary Scholarships: Scholarships are available for outstanding new students entering Grades 6–11 for the 2026–27 school year. Taiylor R. Nunn STEM Scholarship: A STEM scholarship is offered at ISM. Tuition Assistance: ISM uses Blackbaud to complete a financial aid needs assessment for any family applying for financial aid. All domestic students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 are eligible to apply. How to Apply for Tuition Assistance: log in to Blackbaud, provide income and expense information, assets, debts, and any special circumstances, and upload required documentation. Processing takes about four weeks after submission, and you will be notified by email once a decision is made. Next, you can log in to Blackbaud to view your award. Important Dates: Priority Applications Due: January 31, 2026; Priority New Applicant Admissions Decisions Sent: March 1, 2026; Tuition Assistance Applications Open: February 9, 2026.
School Events
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