About ISA

The International School of Aruba is a private, nonprofit, co-educational, English language school. It was founded in 1929 and was owned by Lago Oil and Transport Co. Ltd.  From 1986 on, the school was governed by the ISA community and parent body. ISA was acquired by International Schools Services (ISS), in 2004.  In 2005, a new campus was constructed and ISA was relocated to the center of the island of Aruba in the residential neighborhood of Wayaca.

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). A full successful accreditation review was conducted in May, 2008. The school is a U.S. State Department assisted school and an active member of Stichting Nederlands Onderwijs in het Buitenland (NOB), Tri-Association: The Association of American Schools of Central America, Colombia-Caribbean, and Mexico; and the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE).

ISA has approximately 155 students from Montessori through grade 12. The student body is a diverse population representing 16 different nationalities. The largest groups come from Holland,  Aruba, Venezuela, the United States, Canada, and India. The average class size is 12. The smallest class in the school is grade 12, with only 7 students.

ISA has 23 faculty members from at least 8 different countries, including U.S. citizens, Canadians, Dutch, Arubans, South Americans, and other island nationalities. Seventy percent of the teaching staff have master’s degrees.

The school curriculum is modeled on that of a U.S. university preparatory school. English is the primary language of instruction. The testing program includes the ITBS (IOWA) tests, PSAT, ACT, SAT and AP examinations. Advanced Placement classes are offered in English, Spanish, and Studio Art. Ninety percent of graduates go on to universities in North America and other countries. The school year is from August to June. Dutch and Spanish are offered at levels from Beginner to Native speaker.  Dutch exams for CITO, MAVO, HAVO/VWO can be arranged.

ISA participates in Model United Nations (MUN), National Honor Society, and Junior National Honor Society. The school publishes an annual yearbook. Student leadership is encouraged through an elected Student Council in the elementary, middle, and high schools. Special events during the year have included  Latin Festival, Art Auction, Science Fair, Thanksgiving celebration, International Day, Scholastic Book Fairs, and Holiday Music/Drama Show.