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 ISS, International School Services, 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 (SACS). 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 Nederlands Onderwijs in het Buitenland (NOB), Tri-Association-The Association of American Schools of Central America, Colombia, Caribbean, and Mexico; Assoc. 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 group comes from Holland/ Aruba, Venezuela, United States/ Canada, and India. The average class size is 12 to 1 students to teachers. The smallest class in the school is the grade 12 with only 7 students.
ISA has 23 faculty members for the 2009-2010 school year with a diversity of nationalities. The staff represents 8 countries including a majority of US citizens, Canadians, Dutch/Arubans, South American and other island nationalities. Seventy percent of the teaching staff has master’s degrees.
The school curriculum is modeled after 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 of Beginners to Native speakers. Dutch exams for CITO, MAVO, HAVO/VWO are organized.
ISA participates in South American Model United Nations (SAMUN), South American Knowledge Bowl, 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, and Thanksgiving celebration, International Day, Scholastic Book Fairs and Holiday Music/Drama Show.
