International School of Curaçao
The International School of Curaçao, located in Emmastad, Curaçao, is an accredited, private, and co-educational day school which offers an academic program designed to aid students in creating a solid foundation upon which they can build their future. Classes are taught in English and are available for grades K3 through 12. The school's curriculum includes the IB program, available to students attending grades 11 and 12. Coursework in the program allows students to receive the IB diploma, as well as college recognition for taking a variety of classes at both a higher and a standard level.
History
Margaret "Mugs" Mast, the wife of a United States Vice Consul, opened the International School of Curaçao in 1968. It was started as a co-educational day school which provided an American-based education in English for children of American citizens on the island. In the early days, the School consisted of solely grades 1 to 4, and throughout the years it has constantly expanded to where it is today: a day school which consists of grades K3 through grade 12.ISC was incorporated into a non-profit foundation in 1971. Up until 1972, the school shared facilities with the Hebrew Religious School. In 1972, two houses located in Emmastad were rented from the Shell N.V. in order to be able to house the large number of students enrolling at the school. It was at this point that they moved to their current location in Emmastad. The International School of Curaçao is a member of the Association of American Schools in South America, the College Board, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1990. As of fall 1996, the school offers the International Baccalaureate Program.
Memberships
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Council of International Schools.Curriculum
Elementary
ISC offers the First Steps Program, a nursery program for 2 year-olds. The Elementary School begins with kindergarten for 3 years old and extends to Grade 5. In addition to Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, students receive formal instruction in Art, Music, Library, Physical Education, Computer, Spanish and Dutch. We expect children to become skilled thinkers, problem solvers, readers, authors and mathematicians, to be able to succeed in later grades.Middle school
Middle school science involves a simple introduction to chemistry, physics, and biology—topics which will be covered in detail in the high school years. In the field of mathematics, sixth graders learn an introduction to what will be taught in the following year, seventh graders do pre-algebra, and eighth graders do algebra. Middle school social studies focus on the Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, as well as early European history. English classes involve reading and analyzing different forms of literature as well as creative writing. Other classes include co-ed survival, art, music, health, physical education, and foreign languages, of which students may choose to take either Dutch or Spanish. Students may take a band class, in which they may choose an instrument to learn in order to be able to be a part the ISC band.High School
High School students need to complete a total of 12 credits or two years at the International School of Curaçao in order to be eligible to receive an International School of Curaçao High School diploma.Students have to take at least one foreign language class in high school. There are a variety of electives from which to choose, and they include: Psychology, art, journalism, photography, film studies IT, Model United Nations, fitness, general music and band. The juniors and seniors are introduced to the International Baccalaureate program, which is an international, two-year program which requires students to take a certain number of classes at both a higher and standard level. A wide variety of classes are available to choose from, and if students choose to take the program, they have the option of getting a certificate or a diploma in the program, which is highly recognized by universities worldwide. All students will graduate with the ISC diploma, and those who fulfill the IB requirements and pass the external examination will also receive the IB diploma.
International Baccalaureate Program
The International School of Curaçao offers the IB Diploma Program in Grades 11 & 12.The IB Diploma candidate must take a total of six subjects, three of them to be taken at Higher Level, and three at Standard Level.
The six subjects are chosen from prescribed group lists which are known collectively as Language A, Language B, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Science, Mathematics and Group 6.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum of 24 credits for High School Graduation:- 4 credits in English
- 3 credits in Mathematics, History, and Science.
- 2 credits in Foreign Language and Physical Education/Health
- 1 credit in Fine & Performing Arts and Information Technology
- 5 credits in elective courses
Enrollment
The following are the number of students and nationalities enrolled for the school year 2014 to 2015:
| Grade Level | Enrollment |
| First Steps - K3 | 45 |
| K4 - 5 | 152 |
| Middle School | 78 |
| High School | 143 |
| Enrollment Total | 418 |
| Nationality | Percentage |
| American | 8.00% |
| Austrian | 1.00% |
| British | 1.00% |
| Canadian | 3.00% |
| Chinese | 1.00% |
| Colombian | 1.00% |
| Dutch | 67.00% |
| Indian | 3.00% |
| Venezuelan | 10.00% |
| Others | 3.00% |
| Gender | Enrollment |
| Female | 188 |
| Male | 230 |
Facilities and Resources
The school has three science labs: One for the middle school students and two for the high school students. Science classes are taught in these classrooms, where experiments may be performed safely.Extra-curricular activities
The Extra Curricular Activities include:Varsity
- Basketball Boys and Girls: Students learn the basic skills required for playing basketball and have an opportunity to be selected for the school's basketball team, of which there is one for girls and one for boys. There are monthly competitions against other schools on the island as well as competitions known as the Tri-Island Exchange which takes place twice a year against schools in Trinidad and Aruba.
- Soccer for Boys and Girls: Soccer classes are given on the high school field. There are monthly competitions against other schools on the island as well as competitions known as the Tri-Island Exchange which takes place twice a year against schools in Trinidad and Aruba.
- Volley Boys and Girls: Volleyball takes place in the school gym. There are monthly competitions against other schools on the island as well as competitions known as the Tri-Island Exchange which takes place twice a year against schools in Trinidad and Aruba.
Learning Plus activities
- Swimming: Swimming classes are taught by the Curaçao Swim Academy at the pool in the Asiento Sport’s Complex.
- Homework Help: Homework help is available for elementary and middle school kids after school.
- Pantomime: Students learn how to act with illusions and how to fool any audience.
- Salsa: Students can learn how to dance to the beat of salsa.
- Yoga: There are two levels of yoga classes available to students in grades two and three and grades four and five.
- Cooking: Students can learn how to cook Lebanese food. The class is available to students in grades three to five and for high school students and adults.
- Bike Park: Students go with their bikes to the bike park next to the zoo in order to enjoy the facility available under adult supervision. Students can take their bikes or rollerblades.