International School of Havana

"The International School of Havana (ISH) is a private international school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the vibrant Cuban capital."

With a mission rooted in academic excellence and global citizenship, ISH offers families the rare opportunity to provide their children with a world-class education within one of the most historically and culturally rich cities in the Western Hemisphere. Founded in 1965, the International School of Havana has a longstanding history of serving the international community in Cuba, making it one of the more established international schools in the Caribbean region. Over the decades, it has built a reputation as the premier English-language educational institution in the country, welcoming the children of diplomats, expatriate professionals, and internationally mobile families who find themselves calling Havana home. Academically, ISH offers a dual-track approach that combines an American-style curriculum with the globally recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at the upper secondary level. This combination gives students both a familiar, structured academic framework and the opportunity to pursue the rigorous, internationally respected IB Diploma, which is widely accepted by universities around the world. English serves as the primary language of instruction throughout all grade levels, providing consistency and continuity for English-speaking students while also supporting those who are building their English proficiency as they transition into the school community. The school is situated in Miramar, one of Havana's most established and leafy residential neighborhoods, historically home to much of the city's diplomatic and expatriate population. This location makes ISH a natural hub for the international community in Cuba, and the school's student body reflects the diverse range of nationalities typically found in a diplomatic and professionally mobile population. Families arriving through embassies, international organizations, or multinational companies will likely find a welcoming community of fellow expats who understand the particular challenges and rewards of raising children abroad. ISH holds the distinction of being a U. S. State Department Assisted school, a designation that signals a formal relationship with the American diplomatic community and provides an additional layer of assurance for American families in particular regarding the school's standards, oversight, and support structures. For relocating families weighing their options, the International School of Havana offers something genuinely uncommon: the chance for children to be educated in a fully English-language, internationally accredited environment while being immersed in the extraordinary living history, music, architecture, and culture of Cuba. The school's decades of experience navigating the unique logistical and social context of Havana means it is well-positioned to support newly arrived families through the transition of settling into life in this one-of-a-kind city. More information about admissions, programs, and school life can be found at www. ishavana. org.