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International School of the Americas
International School of the Americas, nominated by an anonymous organization, is a high school in San Antonio, Texas that describes itself as a public district school serving learners from a primarily urban area.
Location San Antonio, Texas
Governance Public district school
Grades High
Students 486
Locale Urban
Principal Steven Magadance
Demographics
Percentage of students*
5%
English Learners
23%
Free/Reduced Lunch
2%
Students with Disabilities
African American or Black 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native —
Asian 1%
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 1%
Hispanic or Latino 56%
White 36%
2+ Races 4%
Why International School of the Americas was nominated
At the International School of the Americas students are immersed in a collaborative, relationship-driven environment where all students are provided with an honors-level curriculum and the extra academic support required to succeed at this challenge. The learning is interdisciplinary with an emphasis placed upon a real world application of the skills and content. All students participate in international travel, community service, a career-exploration internship, and a final portfolio assessment of their learning at the conclusion of their senior year. It is a dynamic learning environment that also serves as a professional development school for Trinity University, mentoring new teachers into the teaching profession. ISA's small size and structure provide the sense of not just community but family. Relationships are fostered through intentional practices to build deep learning, real support, and honest dialogue. Students and teachers feel supported, valued, and empowered. Teachers and students value relationships, appreciate diversity, accept differences, take risks, and help students set and achieve individualized goals for learning. Students are known and individual accommodations are made for learning styles, differences, talents, and interests. Teachers design curricular and pedagogical experiences, enact grade-level teaming, integrate curriculum within and between the disciplines, facilitate communication with families, and lead students in travel. Through authentic, performance-based learning, students grapple with complex questions, look at multiple perspectives, make judicious decisions, and find solutions not only for themselves but also for the world community. Students are provided equal access to ISA via an open application process with lottery selection, heterogeneous grouping, and the expectation that all students will meet a high academic standard. Enrichment experiences including travel, field trips, internships, and community service are available to all students regardless of socioeconomic constraints. The doors of learning are open to all students at ISA.
Student experience design
An environment in which students can leverage their individual learning strengths while also developing the collaborative skills necessary to succeed in high school and beyond.
Core Practices
| Core Practices | Length of Use |
|---|---|
|
Competency Framework |
5+ years
|
|
Culturally Responsive Practices |
3-4 years
|
|
Interdisciplinary |
5+ years
|
|
Student-led Conferences |
5+ years
|
All Practices
Student Advisories
AI For Teacher Productivity
Anti-racist Practices
Assessments For Career Readiness
Assessments For Deeper Learning
Blended Learning
Career Prep And Work-based Learning
Co-leadership
Community And Business Partnerships
Family And Community Support Services
Competency/mastery-based Education
Extended Learning Opportunities
Grading Policies Focus On Mastery
Hiring For Equity And Inclusion Values
Students Earn Industry Credentials
Mental Health Services
Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics
No Tracked Classes
Multiple Opportunities To Demonstrate Mastery
Project-based Learning
Peer To Peer Support
Performance Based Assessment
Place-based Learning
Restorative Practices
SEL Integration School-wide
Social Justice Focus
Students Access Their Own Data
Student-led Goal Setting
Self-paced Learning
Students Develop Projects
Trauma-informed Practices
Tutoring
Universal Design For Learning
key reasons for innovating
Increase teacher agency
Artifacts
Date Updated: 4/1/2025
*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.