Many prospective parents ask what distinguishes the French School System from the American system. We will cover the basics here including some unique features of ISG.

• Highest Academic Standards through AEFE Certification. AEFE certification speaks for itself. Widely recognized as the highest standards in global K-12 education, AEFE is world-renowned. AEFE classes in High School are comparable to the Advanced Placement (AP) classes in the American system and regarded as such by universities. Students passing High School in the French System can skip a year of University.

• Independence. Your child is guided early on to manage their own schedule, assignments, and projects. This can be a big change for children coming from the American System. But, don’t worry, our educators are there to guide new students through this transition.

• Micro (<15) class size. This allows our teachers to recognize your child’s unique abilities, provide individual attention, and improve academic and social growth uncomparable to larger classrooms. Because of this, students advance quickly and it is not uncommon in the French system for students to skip a grade, when their abilities warrant it.

• Natural Light in every classroom. American school classrooms often have no windows. The French System not only values natural light in the classroom for growth and development, they require it.

• Fresh Air. Fresh air increases energy, sharpens the mind and stimulates mental clarity. This enhances students’ ability to learn. ISG begins each day with a quick trip outside (weather permitting). This gives students not only a chance to greet each other and have fun, but to start their day in a natural setting. This time is in addition to the scheduled physical training sessions that occur during the week.

• Culinary appreciation and etiquette. The French believe that culinary skills, appreciation and etiquette are vital to well-rounded, culturally adept and well mannered students. Eating meals with others are important social developmental opportunities. Learning manners and culinary customs fosters respect for others and enhances self-confidence in social settings. At ISG students also eat hot meals, with proper utensil etiquette. A warming cabinet in our cafeteria ensures students are able to enjoy and appreciate hot lunches. Students also learn the basics of cooking to further their appreciation for nutrition and develop their palates.

• Creative expression and voices. Our children learn respect for one another as well as Teachers, Parents, and other adults. ISG does not require our children to walk through the halls in silence, a common practice in public schools. Children are taught that their voices matter and explore the freedom to interact with others freely. At ISG, we love to hear students' conversations and opinions of the world around them. Our students have a naturally developed respect for one another and their school.

• Language focused. Students start learning their third language (Spanish or German) by 3rd grade.

• Always learning. All programs are designed to engage your child to reach their full potential. Learning does not end when the bell rings. Our after school programs allow students to explore art, cooking, and culture in fun and engaging extra curricular activities as well as field trips.

• Love of school and love of learning. ISG fosters not only a love of learning, but respect, creativity and fun. As a result, many parents tell us that their children love going to school.

• Boundaryless classrooms and blended social environments. At ISG students can find themselves in classes with other grades, both older or younger. These boundaryless classrooms not only promote subject mastery (when older students help younger students) but students also develop empathy, respect and compassion for all students at the school. They bond with grades older and younger in boundaryless social groups rather than in their own grade or cliques.