Schools > Private > International School Of Tucson

International School of Tucson in Tucson, Arizona

General Info
Census Data
Ratings
Reviews

International School of Tucson Detail

(520) 406-0552
1730 North First Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719
Levels: PK-5
District: Private

International School of Tucson Census Data

Census Info	Value	Year
White, non-Hispanic:	61.29%	(2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:	12.9%	(2008)
Hispanic:	22.58%	(2008)
Native American or Native Alaskan:	0%	(2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:	3.23%	(2008)
Student Teacher Ratio:	9.39%	(2008)

International School of Tucson Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating	4
Average Principals Rating	4
Average Teachers Rating	5
Average Activities Rating	4
Average Parents Rating	4
Average Safety Rating	4

International School of Tucson Reviews

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-10-11

“In a sharp contrast with other schools in Tucson (both other private and especially the public), my kids are safe and loved at IST. The School has no bullying and rough and inconsiderate play is dealt with and is rarely repeated. They learn to take risks in an environment which is free from danger. My older child plays soccer, basketball and chess and learns about winning and losing without any of the negative effects competition can bring. Most of the other reviews on IST comment on the languages and the high academic standards. They are correct. But the other side of the coin told to me by IST's principal is that 'it doesn't matter so much what you know. It matters what kind of person you are.' That is why we love IST. My children and their friends are good people. Thank you IST.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-23

“I love that my school incorporates several languages at a young age for our children. They also provide before and after care for those who need to drop/pick-up their children early/late.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“We are in our first year at IST, but so far it has been great!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“I love the fact that my children are able to listen to & experience different languages and cultures.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“I am the Grandmother of one of your first students and after having 3 children of my own I can see the major difference between my granddaughter's education/progress and my own children. Her early immersion into Spanish will be a tremendous attribute throughout her life. The school's atmosphere is wonderful for learning and the teachers seem truly interested in their students and keep the children interested and encourage them to meet or rise above their abilities.”
This review was posted by a other.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-09-22

“The International School of Tucson is a fantastic, immersion early elementary school. We have a world wide economy, and a computer will never be able to replace true understanding of a foreign language, which can only come from immersion. If you want your children to succeed on a global scale, and open their future to worldwide travel and excitement, the International School is the place that can make that happen.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“It's the best for my kids... love the full immersion approach, strong and uncompromising curriculum, great community and responsive administration.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“small classes, exciting curriculum, dedicated teachers, parental involvement, capable and caring administration”
This review was posted by a other.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“Wonderful school. International touch with teachers & some students from all over the world!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“IST offers Spanish, French or German language immersion, multicultural learning, wonderful teachers (all native speakers) and best of all, a curriculum that inspires our children to love learning and want to know more about their world. Very unique school. My kids could not imagine going anywhere else.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-09-22

“I am impressed by the quality of the education provided for the children, especially the language emersion program.”
This review was posted by a other.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“IST not only has a wonderfully talented and qualified group of instructors, but also has a curriculum designed for students to immerse into a different language and begin learning it in a short time period. My children are proof of this, they are now tri/multi-lingual.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“I love the inquiry based teaching that my son is flourishing in!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-22

“My son loves learning at IST. Students experience a very well-rounded curriculum in addition to Spanish, French, or German language immersion. The IST community - staff/teachers, students, families - creates a wonderful environment to grow.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-09-21

“International School of Tucson is a fantastic school!!! My grandsons are fluent in French! We love all the great teachers, parents and students who make up the IST community”
This review was posted by a other.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-09-16

“IST is an amazing place to learn! They teach immersion programs in Spanish, French and German. Most of the teachers are native speakers and some even travel to Tucson just to teach at our school. The curriculum is advanced and the student/ teacher ratio is very low. Our kids have fun every day incorporating music, singing, art and sports into their week!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-16

“It's a great school! Outstanding faculty, outstanding families, outstanding program. Go IST!”
This review was posted by a teacher.

Quality Score: 4

Post Date:2009-09-02

“We have been here several years now and each year decide, despite at least one annual egregious mismanagement by administration of some important situation or other, to give it another chance. They do seem to be slowly but surely learning from mistakes and things do seem to run more smoothly as time goes on. Once a problem has happened and been badly handled and roundly criticized, a policy does generally appear the following year meant clearly to prevent or manage any recurrence. The learning curve is a little steep on this, but it is a new school so things are still being put into place. The administration do try to be approachable and spend quite a bit of time schmoozing with parents especially those most in a position to help the school in some way. Despite these realities we have been happy enough to stay this long.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-08-16

“I agree that the previous poster seems suspiciously bitter. This is our fourth year at IST and we have found the school, administration and teachers open, approachable and very straightforward in their dealings with us. I too have seen the school's accounts presented at a parent meeting, and I know Board members have a deeper knowledge than I do. I have complete faith that IST is doing as much with its limited funds as it can and there is nothing untoward occurring. IST is easily the best elementary school in Tucson which means some students and families do not fit. Perhaps this is the true motive of the earlier poster.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-08-15

“I agree. The previous writer seems to be particularly bitter. I was at the parent coffee morning this week with the director and we discussed openly the situation with construction, the missing teacher, tuition and finances and more. Maybe I knew more because my child attended the summer camp, but there is more openness and candor at IST than at any school I know. The director cannot be personally responsible for everything that doesn't work out as planned!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2009-08-14

“In general the teacher are doing a great job under this circumstances. But unfortunately it seems as if there is a big mismanagement. Where does all the money we pay go to? Obviously not to the children: there`s much to less space for all the children. 2 different classes have to share one little classroom. It was planned to built another building. But the work on that did not start yet. The most frustrating point about that, is that parents didn`t get informed about this fact. They even didn t get informed that a teacher is not here yet. Communication doesn`t work at all! I think parents should know in advance how things will be at the new school year (before they sign the contract). I feel that the director is not a honest man in this point!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-08-07

“Re the previous comment. Is the writer posting on the right school? This seems to apply more to another school in town which calls itself 'international'. IST is clean, but at the end of the day is is messy (it is a school!!). IST is structured with very clear lines of responsibility, clearly defined program, articulated learning expectations. Nothing is chaotic. The teachers all know what they are doing and the lessons plans are posted so parents know too. The school actively promotes a parents association. I and ALL the parents I know feel we can approach any of the directors any time about anything. They don't always do what we want, but they always listen and respond. The prevous comment is not accurate about IST. My family has been attending for three years and we arwe VERY satisfied.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-08-06

“I wonder how other parents are so satisfied with that school. I`m just disappointed. The rooms are dirty, there s no structure, it is so chaotic and everything is off the wall. As long as you are not critical everything seems to be fine. If you complain about things you will feel not welcome anymore and your issues will not be discussed. It`s a really bad management.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-12-06

“We have two children attending IST (pre-school and 1st grade) and we couldn't be happier. The teachers are outstanding, and the parental involvement is exceptional. IST is the perfect school for active, creative, curious children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-11-10

“This is a great school. The teachers are extraordinary and there is a wonderful sense of community. I think it's the best option for preschool near downtown, and as the school develops more (it's still fairly new) I believe it could become the best option for older children as well.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-08-02

“We have just enrolled our children here. We were at another school nearby but left because of the lack of academics. So far, we are very pleased with IST. Our children very quickly learned letters, numbers, shapes in French and keep asking us for the words in English because of the excitement for learning IST is giving them. The program could probably be called structured play, unlike the unstructured play in every school we looked at. The play is appealing to children. the structure gets them to learn. So far, we could not be happier (and it is a refreshing change to be with educated, international parents).”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-07-22

“IST is undoubtedly the best and only of its kind in Tucson. The Principal is everything that a director of a top international school should be; his experience comes from all over the globe and his knowledge of various cultures, languages, holidays, etc, is immense. Everytime I walk in, he greets me, asks how things are with my grandchild, offers some humor, and so on. I have never seen his office door closed except when in meetings. The teachers are wonderful too. Not only is my grandchild speaking in two languages, but he has been engaged in different activities, such as chess, art, soccer, music (including piano), juggling, puppetry, yoga, and more. My understanding is that touch rugby is even starting this fall. Various cultural events range from Eid to Rosh Hashanah to national days of different countries to Duvali. No other school in Tucson compares.”
This review was posted by a other.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-07-19

“I have just read the most recent review and do not in the least agree with this opinion about the Director . This sounds like a sour parent who has a personal issue with the Director. My opinion is that the Director has high standards and expectations for the school and believes IST's program is the best in Tucson, and I agree. He has an amazing vision for the school, and with the school's wonderful teacher and parent support, he has been able to grow the school from 5 students to almost 100 in just under 3 years. My experience with two other excellent international schools confirms that this Director has brought IST to similar excellence; Tucson should be proud!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-01-19

“This is our second year at IST and we love it. The program is great, the teachers are fantastic, the only thing that is not outstanding are the buildings but the school is downtown and is doing a good job with the facilities which it does have. There is a strong and active parent association. The directors are very approachable and seem to be available 24/7. Fees are quite low for the quality of the program and compared to other schools in Tucson and payment plans are available. We love IST, although it is an international school, with international standards and it is a school not a 'play program' (not for everyone).”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2007-11-23

“This is our second year at IST and we love it. We came to Tucson from Europe and looked at a number of local schools. The level here is not as high as we are used to so when we found IST we were thrilled. It is an academic school and not for everyone, but if you might be moving elsewhere and you want your children to be able to stay at the same level then IST is your best bet.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2005-11-29

“Easily the best preschool in Tucson and the only one offering language immersion. They have the best teachers you can find in this city.”
This review was posted by a parent.

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