About IST
OUR SCHOOL
Jessica Palma
Head of School
Welcome, Bienvenidos, Willkommen, Bienvenue, 欢迎
The International School of Tucson is a leading international school committed to offering the Tucson community an unequaled world class international education. Our unique curriculum offers a full language immersion in Spanish, Chinese, French and German in the Preschool and a dual immersion in Spanish, Chinese, French and German in the Junior School. It is a non-profit making, non-selective, co-educational school that provides a comprehensive and well-balanced education to children of wide ranging abilities. We emphasize learning-to-learn skills, citizenship and preparation for a successful life in an inter-cultural world.
Today many will talk of the 21st century skills that prepare our students for the journey ahead but, we also believe in those skills which make us who we are such as respect, compassion, tolerance and understanding and the strength that comes from family and community.
International School of Tucson has, therefore, designed a curriculum that is full of a whole range of experiences, activities and opportunities which will nurture young people who are well-rounded and capable young members of society. All students will be entitled to receive high quality international education that not only caters for their diverse intellectual needs, but also guarantees that their physical, emotional, social and health needs are met. Every graduate of our school is a bilingual, biliterate global citizen and is well placed for future educational progression anywhere in the world.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school to show you how we strive to open the world to our students.
Our Mission
IST is dedicated to developing globally minded, internationally confident students through the delivery of a unique education in immersive language learning, cultural understanding, leadership and character development.
Our Vision
To prove and develop our immersive curriculum as pedagogically sound, innovative, and able to provide all students with a world class education.
OUR CORE VALUES
Language Immersion
IST believes that early language immersion in a second language promotes better cognitive abilities, supports multiculturalism and acceptance of others for a better future together. Language immersion is a key aspect of our school.
Leadership
IST understands that leadership is not just an “action” word, but an active endeavor, one that can only be refined through practical experiences. A successful citizen, poised to make positive contributions and challenge societal injustices, must possess a foundation of personal leadership and teamwork, grounded in a deep understanding of how to navigate life’s complexities. Providing students with ample opportunities to lead across various levels and contexts is imperative for both individual growth and the advancement of our school community.
Cultural Understanding
IST maintains that the pathway to global citizenship lies in embracing cultural diversity, fostering acceptance of differences, and cultivating tolerance amidst a dynamically evolving world perspective. Central to this ethos are the nurturing of knowledge and the cultivation of tolerance, integral components infused throughout our school’s curriculum and extracurricular engagements.
Character Development
The IST mission identifies character development in aspects such as self-confidence, integrity, communication and personal goals setting which necessitates developing a well-rounded student who is capable of global integration and success. The understanding, learning and application of these characteristics are delivered through curricular and extracurricular activities.