At ISM, we work hard to obtain internationally recognised accreditations and awards. ISM is a registered IB World Continuum School, and we are accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) by the World Academy of Sport, in addition to being a member of ECIS, a recipient of the prestigious Optimus Wellbeing Award for Schools, and an accredited DELF testing centre.

Here are further details of the awards and accreditations we are proud to have achieved.


 

Council of International Schools (CIS)

CIS accreditation is recognised worldwide by ministries, departments of education and universities as evidence of the school’s high quality international education. CIS accreditation shows that ISM has achieved high standards of performance in international education and that the school is devoted to its Mission and Vision for students, as set out in its Guiding Statements.

In January 2024, ISM was thrilled to receive official re-accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), the premier international accrediting organisation worldwide.

The CIS re-accreditation report highlights impressive achievements, with every international standard met and 66% of standards rated as “exceeded”. ISM is also proud to have received 84 commendations.

The report underscores ISM’s strengths, including:

  • A robust and inclusive approach to well-being, safeguarding, and child protection
  • A talented and hard-working Board prioritising the quality of learning and teaching
  • A professional and committed senior leadership team always prepared to go the extra mile
  • A highly dedicated staff placing student needs at the forefront
  • A passionate PTA committed to developing a strong parent community focused on creating inclusive opportunities for students
  • A positive work environment valuing trust, openness, and respect among stakeholders
  • A well-developed strategic planning process aligned with guiding statements and responsive to community feedback

We invite you to view the outcome letter, accreditation certificate and full report below:

CIS OUTCOME LETTER

CIS ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATE

CIS TEAM EVALUATION FULL REPORT

 

We congratulate all members of our outstanding community on this prestigious accomplishment, and we look forward to continuing our journey of providing world-class international education with distinction and fostering a nurturing environment for all our students!

 


 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

ISM is an IB World Continuum School offering all four International Baccalaureate programmes: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP) and IB Career-related Programme (CP). Being an IB World School means that ISM has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the standards, practices and requirements as stipulated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

Students who pursue the IBCP pathway, which has a three-part educational framework, complete a career-related studies (CRS) component. At ISM, students complete their CRS component by earning a Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma, a career-focused qualification recognised by employers and universities worldwide.


 

Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC)

ISM is an AFEC accredited school recognised by the World Academy of Sport (WAoS). Schools awarded this accreditation have shown competence in many areas, including exhibiting quality education and sporting infrastructure as well as possessing a pastoral care policy that takes into account the demanding schedules of student-athletes to better combine their education with their sporting career.

The AFEC accreditation allows student-athletes at accredited schools additional flexibility and support to complete their high school curriculum. These advantages for ISM students include adapted timetables according to sporting schedules, the availability of distance learning, as well as academic, safeguarding, counselling and wellbeing support. As an official partner with IB World Schools, among other networks, AFEC status also gives recognised student-athletes the opportunity to complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) over a 3-year period instead of 2 years. Further support provided to students at AFEC schools includes webinars, the possibility to obtain a WAoS Athlete Certificate, and Q&A panels with Olympians, and empowerment coaching with Olympians.


 

Education Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS)

ISM is a proud member of ECIS, an organisation supporting schools in teacher and leadership development, governance and risk. As an ECIS member, the ISM community has access to conferences, awards and services that support our Mission and educational growth.


 

Optimus Wellbeing Award for Schools

ISM is proud to have received the prestigious Optimus Wellbeing Award for Schools, a recognition of our steadfast commitment to fostering the mental and emotional well-being of our students, staff, and wider community. This accolade reflects our dedication to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Valid until 2027, this three-year award underscores our ongoing efforts to promote emotional well-being and positive mental health. By enhancing our mental health provisions, we strive to empower every student to flourish, have their talents recognised, and feel fully supported throughout their ISM journey.

 

 


 

DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française)

As the first and only accredited DELF centre in Monaco, ISM offers students and the wider community the opportunity to achieve this internationally recognised French language certification.

The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française, or Diploma of French Language Studies), is awarded by France’s National Ministry of Education and is a globally respected measure of French language proficiency. It consists of independent assessments evaluating listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and it defines language proficiency on a scale, with DELF examinations available at levels A1 (beginner) through B2 (upper intermediate).

In addition to offering DELF exams to our students, ISM now offers this opportunity to external candidates (adults) who wish to sit the DELF Tout Public examinations. The next testing session for external candidates will take place on March 15, 2025. For more information, please click here or contact our DELF Coordinator, Mr. Martial Fouilleul, at martial.fouilleul@ismonaco.com.


 

Top school ranking in Spear’s Schools Index 2024

The International School of Monaco is thrilled to have been selected as one of the top flight top 10 schools in Europe (excluding Switzerland) and one of the top 100 schools in the world in the 2024 Spear’s Schools Index of private and international schools.

Please click here to see the top ten European schools selected in the Spear’s Schools Index 2024. These schools are presented in alphabetical order, with all 10 schools being regarded as equal ranking.

Please click here to see the ISM entry in the 2024 Spear’s Schools Index of top 10 European schools and top 100 schools worldwide.

We congratulate the entire ISM community on this wonderful accolade!


 

Top school ranking in Carfax Education’s Schools Index 2024

The International School of Monaco is proud to have been named once again as one of the Top 15 Schools in Europe and among the best 150 private schools internationally in the 2024 Schools Index compiled by Carfax Education, the leading international index of the best private boarding and day schools from different regions across the globe. Schools are selected by a panel of education experts led by Carfax Education, with consultants on the ground across the world, according to a variety of criteria including academic results and preparation for university entry as well as their unique ethos, their reputation both locally and internationally, and how they prepare students for life beyond academia.

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