During a recent visit to the International School of Denver (ISDenver), RMFACC’s Executive Team had the privilege of exploring the school's history, mission, vision, values, and community principles. Accompanied by Christele Turner, ECE Assistant Director and Director of French Program and Accreditation, RMFACC’s Executive Team, Alexandra Miller and Emma Glass, toured the ISDenver campus, discovering vibrant student artworks, and engaging with foreign language classes.
Emma Glass and Alexandra Miller visited classrooms adorned with student artwork and charts, showcasing the school's commitment to a dynamic learning environment. They also spoke with educators, gaining insights into the unique teaching experience at ISDenver.
Elodie Desmauts, an ECE (Early Childhood Education) French Teacher, highlighted the distinctiveness of ISDenver's education, and emphasized the International Baccalaureate (IB) program's impact on encouraging self-reflection and curiosity from K1 (3 years old) onwards. The multicultural and multilingual approach at ISDenver was praised for fostering open-mindedness and global awareness in students.
Elodie Desmauts, an Early Childhood Education French Teacher at ISDenver, explained, "There are indeed similarities between the French education system and ISD, such as teaching culture and following the French curriculum. However, at ISDenver, through the IB program, we promote curiosity, deeper questioning, self-reflection, and critical thinking starting from K1 (3 years old). We prioritize, not only teaching the curriculum and standards from France but also enhancing it with an inquiry and concept-based pedagogy. We aim to provide a holistic education that equips students with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the world while fostering a strong sense of community and a commitment to lifelong learning. ISDenver stands out as a unique multicultural school where students gain an open-minded perspective, thanks to the global outlook embedded in the curriculum."
Since its establishment in 1977, ISDenver has been the longest-lasting and most unique International School in the Rocky Mountain region, offering French, Chinese, and Spanish immersion programs taught by native speakers. The school stands out for providing high-level immersion learning opportunities and an immersive multicultural environment that promotes empathy and global perspectives.
ISDenver is dedicated to offering diverse learning opportunities, including international travel, making ISDenver the sole elementary school in metro Denver to offer students such opportunities. Between 5th and 8th grades, students embark on a total of 24 days abroad, reinforcing the school's dedication to developing globally-minded and interculturally adept individuals.
Accredited by the French Ministry of National Education through l'Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Etranger (AEFE), ISDenver adheres to the highest educational standards of the United States, France and other French-speaking countries.The school is a member of the Mission Laïque Française (MLF America) and instruction is provided exclusively by native French speakers.
Alongside its high French education accreditations, ISDenver also maintains the
following prestigious accreditations:
● Member: National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
● Level 4 Colorado Shines Program
○ ECE - Grade 5: Authorized IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
○ Grades 6-8: Authorized IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
● Recognition as an International Spanish Academy (ISA) by the
● Chinese: Recognition by Confucius Institute Headquarters - Affiliated
with China Ministry of Education
The curriculum at ISDenver is designed to create bilingual, bi-literate, and multicultural graduates. The emphasis on Project-Based Learning and the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program in smaller, active classrooms sets the stage for students not only to succeed in high school but to thrive in life with empathy and engagement.
With over 650 students from 28+ countries, ISDenver is a community dedicated to global citizenship and bilingualism. Committed to evolving and fostering diversity, ISDenver shapes globally minded, empathetic, and academically successful individuals. ISDenver is more than just a school, it provides each student and family with a transformative experience, embracing diversity and excellence to prepare students as global citizens contributing positively to our complex world.
If you are interested in touring the International School of Denver, or learning more about this unique educational experience, schedule a visit or contact their admissions team for more details.