International School of Tucson

Posted: December 11, 2025

Our daughter was an IST student from age 3 through 8th grade. She is thriving in a competitive university program now, is bilingual and is working on a second major in the language she studied at IST, and she was prepared for success at her high school (University High). Her teachers and the curriculum were excellent, and the exhibitions where students creatively present their work were invaluable for giving confidence and presentation skills. Most importantly, she loved her teachers and peers, and made lifelong friends. She never expressed frustration with school, and we always had to take her away from something she was involved with when it was time for her to go home. She still visits the school and helps out when she has time. I think the school has a great balance of academics and letting kids be kids. The grounds have a lot of room for running around. Our daughter participated in numerous clubs, theater and music and had the chance to really explore what she was interested in. My partner and I also enjoyed the international community, it was lovely to hear so many different languages spoken when we were on campus and at events. It is a very inclusive environment, and we felt very connected with the other families, school administration, teachers, and staff, many of whom are our friends today. I, of course, did see various interpersonal conflicts during these years, but was impressed with how they were resolved in a way that I would say was health and a learning experience.

Posted: December 11, 2025

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Posted: August 16, 2025

We have had an incredibly good experience at this school and there are unique things that people take for granted here. The community is really second to none. Once the pandemic was over, the families have gotten together for parties, fundraisers, camping trips, Spring break trips. They do class trips to Catalina Island and even Hawaii in Middle school. Once they enter 5th grade, they get increasing autonomy with free time and the ability to have decision-making over their classes. My kids speak and understand Spanish. Cell phone use is under control and not tolerated on campus by students at all. I think the education and student:teacher ratio is very good. They have a school counselor and the Administration cares for my children as though they are their own.

My only real complaint here is that the school has not yet found a way to accommodate new students who don't have language skills, so the social network for middle school kids gets so small that it forces people to leave. I would like to keep my kids here through 8th Grade but really am not sure if there will be enough kids left to have a group of peers. Otherwise we have loved this school so much and it continues to be a formative experience for my children. They and we are so happy.

Posted: August 16, 2025

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Posted: April 1, 2024

My child went to this school for many years. There were several small issues that I ignored as I felt the language program made up for the smaller issues. Later, confidentiality with higher level staff members became a problem along with bullying and social emotional issues. The staff does not have the skill to manage students who may become dysregulated. In fact the majority of staff lack the education that a public school would require and yet they have an extremely high tuition cost. The school is lacking in equity among families and fidelity. No school is perfect but it is my option that this school is not worth the money.

Posted: April 1, 2024

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Posted: August 17, 2020

My daughter has been for over 2 years, she started in the Infant room as a 7 month old. Admittedly, we have absolutely no experience with the homework at IST, or how they handle bullying, but my daughter LOVES their Nursery School. All of her teachers have been amazing, she learned so much from them! Sign language, spanish, colors, numbers, letters, sharing...the list goes on and on. Her teachers are always willing to talk with me about her day, they give reports on any problems she may be having, and they all truly do love my daughter as if she were their own. Its not just the nursery teeachers, all the teachers at the school know my daughter, and greet her when they see her in the hallway. IST really seems like one large family, and I am very thankful that my daughter gets to be a part of it. The principal, Mr. Brown is AMAZING! He's always there to meet the students in the morning and say good bye in the afternoon, and during the pandemic, I often saw him cleaning door handles and water fountains himself, to make sure the school was a safe as possible! There is so much to love about IST!

Posted: August 17, 2020

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Posted: November 14, 2019

Really pleased, the school is increasing in numbers with new programs and a new STEM centre being built next year.

Posted: November 14, 2019

The current Principal has stopped homework in elementary and limited its use in Middle school. My kids are happier and learn better in school.

Posted: November 14, 2019

Language teachers are native speakers and the Cambridge curriculum teachers come from the UK. Students are passing language exams at AP level by grade 8.

Posted: November 14, 2019

The school has a program for grade 5 and up where character and leadership are taught as a curriculum subject.

Posted: November 14, 2019

A new Principal last year is starting to really make an impact with some great ideas and moving the school forward..

Posted: November 14, 2019

Interventions are conducted in the school but i haven't been part of it

Posted: November 14, 2019

Everything is dealt with quickly and I haven't heard of any serious issues

Posted: September 20, 2017

I haven't seen bullying. Maybe this is an older child issue. Mine kids are 5 and 3 years old

Posted: September 20, 2017

My daughter is in the kindergarten program. There is no homework for 3 to 5-6 year olds.

Posted: September 20, 2017

All of the teachers seem to really enjoy the kids and can get my children to do more than art home! Also my kiddos love their teachers.

Posted: September 20, 2017

It's fairly hard for a school to teach four languages and not teach openmindedness and cultural understanding.

Posted: September 20, 2017

Great! Every teacher gives you a sense of comfort when starting. They follow the British Cambridge curriculum. Under 3 years care is okay. Once your kids is in an immersion program, you will love it.

Posted: February 17, 2017

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Posted: February 17, 2017

While the elementary program at the school seems to be impressive the infant program (at least the 1 year old class) is less so. The teachers albeit nice seem uneducated and the turnaround is high. They don't follow the schedule they give to you but rather stick the little kids in a dark and dingy old gym every chance they get. I don't know how it's legal to tell me my kid is at "Spanish circle time" or doing "arts manipulation" when he's not but it's disheartening to say the least. Also I don't see how a school that raises a 100k at their fundraisers can't afford a few clean toys. Twice I walked into the class and my son was crying by himself. I don't think they mean to be cruel just lack the proper training on how to get kids to participate or feel comfortable. I would follow your instincts closely about this school and maybe wait until your child can talk and tell you what's really going on.

Posted: February 12, 2017

Posted: February 12, 2017

Jessica Palma and William Arthur have brought this school to a highly effective and competitive level. It is amazing the talent they have drawn to the school.

Posted: February 12, 2017

I would add that inclusion and community are big focuses at the school.

Posted: February 12, 2017

Posted: February 11, 2017

I have a child in the French Program and I cannot wait to start my second child in the fall. IST is an incredibly inclusive and commu ity oriented environment. I also love the way they evaluate the students and are not standardized test oriented.

Posted: October 1, 2015

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Posted: October 1, 2015

My son is in his fifth year at IST. We have been very satisfied with the education that he is receiving at the school and also with how the school has nurtured his growth as a well-rounded empathetic child who can fit into a global community. As indicated in the faculty bios on the school website, the teachers at IST are all qualified to teach in their particular subjects. The curriculum is challenging and as with any school that has a small class size, the children receive a fair amount of individual attention from their teachers. The after school programs (e.g., chess, STEM, Zumba, ballet, basketball/IM sports to name a few) and the instrumental music program are fantastic.

Posted: July 5, 2015

Both of my kids have been at IST since they were 2.5yrs old. There has been a lot of change since my son first began 4 years ago but the change is all positive! We love the administration and have had a wonderful experience with all the staff. Our kids love going to school and they come home speaking Spanish (which they are enrolled in) but also some Chinese and a few words of other languages. They are developing a wonderful sense of the vast world around them and an appreciation for other cultures. There are so many benefits of an immersion education and we are so excited to continue to watch them thrive at IST.

Posted: March 14, 2015

We haven't been happy with this school, there are not consistent standards and it is not as rigorous as other schools.

Posted: March 1, 2015

We have two children at IST, one in preschool and another in junior (elementary) school in the French program. I have been incredibly impressed by our children's teachers and by the IST community. (And it really does feel like a community) For the junior school in particular, the program is rigorous and the results we have seen with our child in terms of reading (in two languages now), math, and science are one of many reasons why we are so happy with the school.

Posted: January 29, 2015

Experience seems to depend on what program your child is in, your family status, whether or not you are rich, and whether or not you care if your child has actual certified teachers.

Posted: September 20, 2014

IST is a fantastic school, and our family couldn't be more proud to be a part of it. Our daughter has just begun her third year in Spanish immersion, and with no Spanish spoken at home, is essentially fluent. She is thriving both academically and emotionally. She absolutely loves going to school! Please take any negative reviews you may have read about the headmaster with a grain of salt. He is amazing and we are lucky to have him. Our family has embraced the changes he has made to the school, since the changes have only strengthened the program. As an active member of the Parents Association, I highly recommend stopping by to take a tour to see for yourself what a treasure this school is to the city of Tucson.

Posted: September 10, 2014

I am the parent of two Preschool age children at IST. My son is starting his 3rd year in the Spanish program and is thriving. He's Spanish is amazing considering neither of his parents speak the language. He's had the opportunity to learn Chinese, play chess and participate in Zumba as well. We love IST. The teachers are amazing. I am in awe of the different opportunities my children receive at school. My husband and I have been considering a move out of state and frankly IST is the major "plus" for us to remain in Tucson.

Posted: August 27, 2014

As a parent, I saw last year how some families had been bullied by the head of school ( and by extension their children). We were one of them. The academic level is very low in Math (4 lessons in 6 months) and especially in English. We realized it when our children left IST for a charter school during the year. Their never had any behavior issue, we were just afraid for their security. The best move ever ! Denying the fact would not help the directory to resolve problems.

Posted: August 26, 2014

I have three children currently IST. My oldest have just started their sixth year. It is true that over the course of that time, there have been some transitions. What is not true, is what some people are saying about the result. The current Head of School is no dictator. He is strict. He has required certain standards be met and has pushed for consistency of program. He has required the use of testing across the board for students. He has also adopted a no-tolerance bullying policy. Some of these changes have angered some parents of children who were attending for years before. My family has welcomed them. Perhaps more importantly to new readers considering the school, my children are flourishing academically. The older two are reading, writing, and comprehending slightly above age-level (on a native scale) in Spanish and a year-and-a-half above age-level in English. One of their classmates is ranked nationally in mathematics! The teachers are well qualified. I know, for instance, that at least five teachers have Masters degrees, one in the preschool, three in the junior school, and one (music teacher) that teaches both; one of these is currently in a PhD program. I say try it!

Posted: August 25, 2014

I am a parent at the school and also a board member. I am posting here to explain some of the bimodal reviews. This is a young school and as such has gone through significant culture changes as it went from a startup school to a growing, thriving programme and acquired an experienced international school head of school. A handful of the families that were with the school in its early days have not been able to adjust to the more academic atmosphere and have taken to posting abusive reviews. There's no school that's perfect for everybody and we wish them luck with their new choices. Meanwhile the new programme has been proven very attractive and our enrollment rates (and student retention into the elementary school) has never been better. Staff and student morale is high and the children are thriving under the improved system. I have been awed with my child's ability to acquire a language not routinely spoken at home and the love of learning she has developed with the help of our wonderful teachers and administrators. Come for a tour of the school and check for yourself our unique, vibrant community, our confident children, and our first-rate language, music and science classes.

Posted: July 9, 2014

This school WAS quite good. The new headmaster has ruined it. He is a cruel controlling man. He screams at the children up and down the hallways all day. He targets parents who speak up and punishes their children and targets staff as well. Don't dare cross this meglamaniac dictator. Some of the best teachers have left. My child used to love this school. They along with many others I know have yanked their kids out of there. Be warned!

Posted: March 8, 2014

Not happy with this school. Academics are not as strong as other schools. Some teachers are not trained or certified teachers.

Posted: August 3, 2013

The environment provides for diversity of thought and rich cultural experience. Great teachers, dedicated to educating the children and providing true international education. Excellent parent involvement, feels like a family.

Posted: August 3, 2013

This is a truly unique school for the US. The preschool (which includes grade K) is a full language immersion program in French, German, Chinese or Spanish. It is amazing how fluent the kids can get with play-based instruction, even those whose parents only speak English at home. In the elementary school (which starts at Gr 1) kids get about 12 hours of foreign language instruction (so about half the day) and the other half is English, Science, PE etc. My daughter went to a traditional K and only moved to IST at grade 1. My impression is that she learned just as much (if not more) in English in half the time and she started picking up a foreign language, so don't worry that the English suffers. Kid's brains are amazing. There's a great new head of school (Jul 2013 so ignore the review on the previous administrator) that added a science lab, a computer lab, an art studio, and is introducing international-level academic testing. It is a private school but for K and elementary they have access to foundations with scholarships with quite high qualification limits (eg, for a family of four the income limit is 80K/year) so there's great diversity. Ask for a "test" day to try it out.

Posted: August 1, 2013

Wonderful school with top notch education and programs. My kids have flourished at IST. New Head of School is wonderful! Love the fact they are fluent in Spanish. German, French and Chinese offered too. Also love the sense of community.

Posted: April 11, 2013

Very unhappy with this school. The materials are poor, the administration is rude and disorganized. The tuition is terribly high for the inexperienced and unqualified staff!

Posted: March 6, 2013

Bad, bad, bad. My child does not speak the immersion language in class and the teacher is not enforcing it. The leadership seems confused, the tuition is going up so I thine my best decision would be to go out.

Posted: July 15, 2012

We had the opportunity to attend the schools summer program in Chinese and in Spanish. My girls absolutely loved the program and the the teachers. They came home everyday singing songs, using new words, and writing in their new found language. I am so sad we can not afford to go here during the school year. What a wonderful place if you are looking to raise a child with global skills.

Posted: January 9, 2012

My son is bi-literate-which essentially means he can not only speak Spanish but read and write it. I don't speak Spanish at home so the only language learning he is getting is through school. I have friends who are native speakers and comment all the time how amazing my son speaks and how he doesn't have an American accent. And on a few occasions my son has even corrected their pronunciation of a word. Next year he will begin his 3rd language and be bi-literate and trilingual. Every unit they do an Expo and the younger kids sing songs and do plays to show what they have learned in the unit and the older children do plays or hold question and answer sessions to show off their knowledge. My son isn't afraid of public speaking because of all the opportunities he has to get up in front of an audience and speak-from the Expos to the Southern Arizona Language Fair. My son has many opportunities to grow and learn at this school that I don't think he would get at another one. The teachers are amazing!!! can't say enough good things about this school or the people in it.

Posted: December 24, 2011

The previous review is inaccurate. IST still has teachers from its first year! Many teachers are exchange teachers so they leave at the of their visa. I and most other parents think the exchange teachers are a strength and not a weakness. The school grows each year and most of the teachers hired because of the growth each year are still there. One of the people "leaving in droves" actually left at the end of last school year. One went on medical leave. One was a substitute. One was fired. And the other one left for a full-time job in China. We have been at IST for five years and could not be happier. We have friends with children in other schools and we see the difference This is the first year the school has asked for money and that is because of the new campus. IST is a private school and fundraising is important. One of the nice things about IST is that everything is transparent. The administration tells us everything in the parent-only newsletter or on the website. Last year the school expelled a student and this year they fired an administrator. Maybe this is the reason for the negative review.

Posted: December 6, 2011

My daughter loves this school and is learning a lot! The kids learn to be creative and share well too.

Posted: December 2, 2011

We have two children in the school and they have been excelling academically and in their second (and third) languages. However in the last year they have really started to grow in the extracurricular activities such as music and basketball. It's nice to see that IST has championship winning sports team to complement their prowess in language and chess! Now the school is moving in January to a beautiful 32,000 sq. ft. facility near University Medical Center in Jefferson Park. This eliminates the only negative about the school which were it's crowded facilities. We couldn't be more pleased!

Posted: October 2, 2011

Our son started at the school on August 1 and we have been very happy with the school overall and particularly the quality of the teachers and the administrative staff. They are available, present, and interested in talking with you. Our son had no background with Spanish and within a week he was speaking Spanish in full sentences at home. We love the school and couldn't be happier with our choice.

Posted: September 21, 2011

Our son just started his second year at the school, and we have been very impressed with his growth, his development has really improved, and it has been a joy to see him so excited to learn! The program is a nice balance of academic and art, but what impresses us mostly is the dedication of his teacher to seeing that our child succeeds - truly a gift! Everyone at the school has been very helpful and pleasant! Bottom line is, our son loves going to school each day, loves his teacher, and loves every aspect of learning (edu). He is a happy well balanced six year old, and has a formidable foundation from which to build on.

Posted: September 20, 2011

I am a teacher at IST. I absolutely love the school and working here has been an amazing privilege. I have grown a great deal both professionally and personally during my time here, due in large part to the guidance and expertise of the schools directors and the collegial and supportive nature of my colleagues. IST is more than just a wonderful school it is also an extremely caring community full of wonderful people. The accepting and supportive nature of parents, families and teachers also extends to the way in which students interact with one another. This heightened appreciation for diversity and broadened view of the world both locally and globally, without a doubt helps to foster and encourage inquisitive, appreciative and confident learners and citizens that we are all very proud of. The global perspectives that IST promote equips our students with a vital set of skills that will help them to succeed in our increasingly international society. I strongly recommend the International School of Tucson for parents or families looking for a uniquely diverse and academically beneficial educational experience for their children. David Rutledge Junior School English Teacher

Posted: August 17, 2011

My daughter is now in her second year at IST. During her time there I have been continually amazed by the commitment of the teachers and staff and the quality of the education she is receiving. I love IST because it isn't just a school, it is a community, and diverse one too for such a small school!

Posted: June 29, 2011

We are not pleased with this program at all. Poor materials in the classrooms and school building. Paper thin shades and metal playground equipment that's too hot to play on. No field trips during the summer. No clear expectations from students 3-5 or list of class rules. Head of School and Head of Second school are unfamiliar with basic childhood cognitive and social abilities. Wished we vetted the accreditations and certifications this business list on their website prior to paying for services. It is clear they have memberships; not accreditations or certifications.

Posted: June 29, 2011

While it's true that the facilities are not 5 star, the education and opportunities are. This has been the finest experience we've ever had in a school. The fact that our children are completely fluent in Spanish is a bonus! When traveling to Mexico people often comment that they have no accent that would suggest they are American. The commitment of the faculty, staff and parents to educational excellence and the individual development of each child is unmatched. The curriculum is very advanced and kids that have moved away have found themselves a couple years ahead of their peers according to many friends that have transferred out of town and reported back. We feel strongly that IST is the best educational value in Tucson by far. I've observed only the best of care by the school leadership and teachers when it comes to helping my children excel in areas where they are strong and provide extra attention and creative solutions in areas that didn't come as easily. We have 3 children in the school and they have become very confident, sensitive, other-oriented individuals that are appreciated for who they are as well as what they know! IST teaches educational and emotional maturity.

Posted: June 26, 2011

I am a teacher at IST and I have been here two years. This is my third school. IST is in my experience the best school I have been at. When I hear stories from friends at other schools I am glad I am at IST. Children and teachers are valued and treasured. Administration always has time to talk, maybe not immediately. But they always follow up with a call or an email. There is an amazing sense of community. When a teacher is sick, everyone rallies around to help and to cover classes, cook meals, look after pets etc. As a teacher I really appreciate the clear guidance and support I receive. I have opportunities for professional development and personal growth. And I really appreciate how the administration goes the extra mile to help students.

Posted: June 24, 2011

The International School of Tucson has established itself as the best and only of its kind in Tucson. It really is an amazing school with a vitality and vibrancy that I have not encountered at another school in Tucson. If you would like your child's school to be similar to the one you went to years ago, then this is not the school for you. IST educates for the reality of the global future of our children. Teachers are passionate, caring, attentive and motivated to teach to the individual level of, and challenge, each child. My child, now 7, is fully bilingual, reading and writing not only in English, and is excited about learning. The facilities do not include a lush green field, but when my child is excited about learning, is happy and excited to go to school every day, is involved in so many different after school activities from theater to music to art and soccer, I am one happy and appreciative parent! Thank you, IST!

Posted: May 14, 2011

We had our child at IST up until a few months ago. Eventually we decided to take her out because of a number of concerns. The facilities are very poor as people have mentioned. It's not just the playground, the classes are small and cramped. One of them used to be the lobby and still has a couch in it. There are no fields or green areas whatsoever. Almost no computers for the children. The staff is generally dedicated but always seems to be in a rush and the whole atmosphere is very disorganized. There isn't much stability with teachers sometimes coming and going in the middle of the year, or not returning after the summer holidays when you (and your child) expected them to. I have found it personally very difficult to communicate with the director, but other members are more approachable. If you decide not to finish the school year, you still have to pay the tuition fees for the whole year, even if your child is no longer at the school. We were very happy at first but the school has been going downhill, which is a real shame as it had tons of quirky charm originally. IST does work for some people but with hindsight we wish we had done more research.

Posted: March 28, 2011

I read the last parent review and it reminded me of the first day I saw the IST campus 3 years ago. I have to admit that my heart sank a little when I saw what looked like an old convenience store being used as an elementary classroom. I am soo thankful that I looked passed that and focused on what really matters; the program and the teachers. The facilities have improved little by little since then, but never in that time did my children EVER complain about their school-yard or classrooms. In fact, at the end of the day I found that my children not only tolerated these surroundings but they very often did not want to leave!!! As parents we always tell our kids, "Don't read a book by its cover", "It's what's on the inside that matters." We teach them the difference between a must-have and a nice-to-have. Perhaps we need to start practicing what we preach! I could not be happier and more thankful for what my children are learning at IST. They are way ahead of other kids their age in most subjects, they are curious and determined, they are speaking/reading/writing in a 2nd language, they are truly thinking (not just memorizing) and they are LOVING every minute of it.

Posted: March 24, 2011

My son attends the preschool in the German program. Before starting the school he could understand German, but would respond only in English. He now speaks fluent German which is important to us as we have family in Germany. We look forward to having him be able to read and write in both German and English. The curriculum in general is challenging and he is constantly learning about different places and cultures. They have an excellent program for field trips pertaining to each unit and various craft, science, and baking projects to complement other aspects of learning.

Posted: February 4, 2011

A gem of a school! Total immersion language program is natural for little ones; so much going on at the school, that children don't want to leave at end of day. School fees are all-inclusive. All cultures and backgrounds and super education!