More than 850 pupils, aged 3 to 18, returned to the classroom on Monday, August 31, as the International School of Monaco (ISM) opened its doors for the new academic year.
Based in Larvotto, the school stands out as one of the Principality’s most cosmopolitan educational institutions, with pupils representing more than 60 nationalities and 32 different native languages under one roof.
Founded in 1994 by a group of parents with just 34 students, ISM has grown considerably since then, moving in September 2024 into a purpose-built campus on the ground floor of the Testimonio II tower, a striking modern facility that also houses 61 private residences, 378 apartments and a nursery. The move marked a significant step up from the school’s previous home on Quai Antoine 1er, where it had been based since opening.
Academically, ISM operates as an all-through IB World Continuum School, delivering all four International Baccalaureate programmes, the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme, placing it among a select group of schools worldwide authorised to offer the complete IB pathway. Primary pupils are taught bilingually in English and French, while secondary students move to English-medium instruction from Year 7, alongside a mandatory third language chosen from Spanish, German, Russian or Italian. The school also holds accreditation as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre, allowing high-performing student-athletes to complete the IB Career-related Programme over three years rather than two.
That reputation was reinforced earlier this year, when the school was named among the world’s best private schools by Spear’s Magazine, adding to previous recognition placing ISM among the Top 100 schools globally and the Top 10 in Europe.
Image courtesy of Direction de la Communication – Manuel Vitali