Discover ISA

A tuition-free magnet school program preparing high school students for college and careers in a global world.

**At ISa you don’t just learn about the world — you engage with it.**

You’ll participate in world travel, collaborative learning projects, and professional internships that mirror the complexity of our modern globe. Our curriculum builds from the basics of global studies, helping prepare you as an advocate for change before graduation.

What Is ISA?

The International School of the Americas (ISA) is an innovative magnet school dedicated to developing globally-focused students through experiential and interdisciplinary learning. As a tuition-free school available to students across San Antonio, ISA provides a learning environment where all students are treated as gifted and talented. Our curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity by teaching students to analyze global issues from multiple perspectives through small class sizes.

Our dynamic environment is supported by our "students first" philosophy and a nationally recognized model for global education. Students learn outside the classroom through annual week-long travel experiences and professional internships, helping them build portfolios that showcase their academic advancement and prepare them for both higher education and global career entry.

Who Thrives at ISA

ISA is designed for students who are curious about the world and want more than a traditional classroom experience. Our progressive approach nurtures each student’s interests from day one, helping them excel regardless of their prior education.

Students who thrive here are often:

Interested in global issues, diverse cultures, and social justice.
Motivated by problem-solving, collaboration, and taking action in their community.
Looking for direction before graduation — not after.

No prior experience required

ISA welcomes students from within and outside NEISD boundaries and is built to support students as they discover their strengths and interests in a global world.

Students begin at different skill levels and grow through structured curriculum, guided instruction, and ongoing support. What matters most is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

What Makes ISA Different

Foreign Exchange Program

Travel abroad while participating in cultural, language, and service programs in Germany, Japan, and South Korea.

Model UN Nations

Students lead and participate in MUNSA to practice diplomacy and advocacy.

Professional Internship

ISA helps students gain professional experience with a career internship.

How ISA Works

Students follow a structured academic framework based on the ISA Graduate Profile.

Investigate the World: Question, research, and analyzing evidence about global issues.
Recognize Perspectives: Understanding diverse values, cultures, and worldviews.
Communicate Ideas: Selecting appropriate tools to connect and collaborate across boundaries.
Take Action: Translating findings into appropriate and responsible solutions to improve conditions.

Outcomes That Matter—For Parents and Students

Students at ISA graduate with more than a diploma — they graduate with options.

Throughout the program, students work toward a portfolio that strengthens both college applications and career readiness. These credentials reflect skills that colleges and employers recognize and value.

Graduates commonly pursue:

College majors in international relations, political science, world languages, and education.
Professional roles in public policy, non-profits, international business, and community advocacy.
Continued global connections alongside higher education.

By the time students graduate, they have explored real career pathways, built foundational experience, and gained clarity about what comes next — rather than trying to figure it out after high school.