Jefferson Park

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.