INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MONTEREY

International School of Monterey is a public charter elementary school that is part of the Monterey Peninsula Unified school district, located in Seaside, CA with about 417 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. With about 21 teachers, International School of Monterey has a student/teacher ratio of about 19:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The International School of Monterey (ISM) is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades TK–8. Located in Seaside, California, the school is authorized by the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and operates with a mission centered on developing globally minded citizens. The school is known for its rigorous academic environment and its focus on fostering inquiry-based learning, which encourages students to think critically and solve real-world problems.

A hallmark of the ISM experience is its emphasis on community, character development, and a comprehensive approach to education that balances academics with social-emotional growth. The school draws on the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework to provide a structured yet creative curriculum that emphasizes international perspectives and cultural awareness. By integrating service learning and a collaborative classroom culture, the International School of Monterey aims to prepare its diverse student body for success in high school and beyond, cultivating lifelong learners who are engaged with both their local and global communities.

For more information, contact International School of Monterey at (831) 583-2165 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.