ISF - Right School

ISF provides a superior learning environment in a caring international community. In co-operation with the SABIS® Educational System, ISF provides a cohesive, motivational and exciting program for all its students, offering a unique approach to international education in the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main area.

ISF, as a member of the SABIS® School Network, is academically oriented without being highly selective. The criterion for acceptance in a grade is academic attainment, rather than age, although age acts as a limiting factor.

There are no academic requirements for acceptance into Kindergarten (3 to 5 years of age), although students for KG1 must turn 3 by June 30th in the year they will enter the program. They must also be able to speak and follow simple instructions, as well as be toilet-trained. Prospective students at Grade 1 and 2 levels are interviewed and tested. All other prospective students through Grade 13 take diagnostic tests in the core subjects of English and mathematics as well as German, if applicable. Additionally, for students wishing to enter grades 10-13, diagnostic tests in a selected science and social science, plus a third language, if applicable, are taken for placement.

Diagnostic tests help to determine if the students have attained the minimum expected standard for each subject and at each grade level. The school makes final placement decisions.

New students entering ISF may have areas identified as requiring academic support. ISF offers Intensive classes in English and Mathematics to help strengthen a student’s educational base in these subjects and to prepare them to join a regular class as quickly as possible.

Efficiency and high standards cannot be achieved or maintained if people are not held accountable for their actions and decisions. Hence, every individual at ISF is held accountable. Administration bear the responsibility for setting, meeting and maintaining high standards, and both teachers and students are held accountable for achieving the objectives laid down in the syllabuses. Well-defined networks of support are in place to help each individual meet the demands of accountability. Students are given the tools and the support that assist them in realizing their full potential.

Assessment at the ISF Internationale Schule Frankfurt-Rhein-Main helps identify student mastery of essential concepts before they move on to new material. The frequent and thorough testing helps to ensure the understanding of concepts taught and helps prevent the formation of learning gaps.

Assessment at ISF takes four forms: (1) Continual Assessment Tests (CAT) which are monthly assessments in all academic subjects for those in grades 1-4. This series of tests is integrated into the normal timetable and administered over a period of one week. (2) SABIS® Academic Monitoring System TM Tests (SABIS® AMSTM). These are multiple-choice, computer-scored examinations in grades 4-12. They test information in English and math and are administered on a weekly basis. (3) Periodic Exams: Taken on a weekly basis, these written tests include a mixture of multiple-choice and written questions. Students sit two to four periodic exams per term in each subject in grades 5-12. (4) End-of-Term Exams (‘Finals’): These exams are written three times yearly and include information taught over an extended period of time. 'Finals,' as they are commonly referred to, contain both multiple-choice and short answer questions and are taken in all subjects in grades 5-12.

Frequent assessment, along with a comprehensive reporting system, allows school officials to monitor students’ performance and pinpoint gaps that need to be filled to secure a solid foundation on which to build further knowledge. The testing prepare students for sustained mental effort over long periods of time. Testing also reinforces knowledge and prepares students successfully to face and tackle difficult situations under time pressure.

Should parents have questions or concerns about any aspect of their child’s life at school, they are requested to communicate directly with the Administration, rather than with the individual class or subject teachers.

The policy at ISF regarding parent-teacher communication is unique. When parents have a concern, a problem, or seek information about their child, they meet with the Academic Coordinator. The Coordinators have a complete, overall picture of the child’s academic and non-academic record and can give the parents all the information needed. If a problem is identified, it is investigated thoroughly and objectively. A solution is proposed and implemented. This approach is extremely efficient and avoids the problem of incomplete information.