Philosophy

ISA Mission

The International School of Athens is an academic community comprised of students, faculty, and parents united in a philosophy which is dedicated to fostering in all of its students a love of learning, self-discipline and self-knowledge. The community upholds the belief that what a school chooses to teach is reflected in its regard for its human relationships, in its appreciation of cultural diversity and the manner in which it interacts with all of its members. The community is proud of its “sense of family” and the friendships and camaraderie that it inspires.

The curriculum is broad-based and flexible. A low faculty student ratio caters to the individual needs of the student and contributes to a learning environment, which stimulates personal, intellectual, artistic, social, and physical development. The close interaction of all members of the ISA community effectively encourages the students to achieve high personal standards of academic success, maximizes each student’s potential and contributes to his or her total educational experience.

Furthermore, I.S.A. adheres to the IBO philosophy, endeavouring to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigour and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideas of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to enable I.S.A. students to become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life.

ISA Core Values

We believe that:

  • Education is about connectedness; academic studies, therefore, need to fit into a human & global context
  • Students need to be prepared for the moral & social challenges that await them in the reality of today’s world
  • Students must develop to be internationally –minded individuals, tolerant and respectful of differences, who will recognize their common humanity and help create a better and more peaceful world.
  • The school curriculum must be broad-based so as to stimulate the holistic development of the students (personal, intellectual, emotional, physical, social, academic and artistic)
  • The school curriculum must aim to increase understanding of languages and cultures as well as explore globally significant ideas and issues.
  • The school’s aim should focus on developing the attitudes and skills students need for both academic and personal success.
  • Teaching is inclusive and values diversity; it, therefore has to aim at creating learning opportunities that enable every student to develop and pursue appropriate personal goals.