parent essentials

At ISM, our teachers, families, and pastoral team form a caring community where everyone feels supported and included. On this page, you’ll find information that will ensure your child flourishes here – from lunch, transport, and after-school activities to key dates for your diary.

IMPORTANT DATES: 2023-24

Keep track of key dates at ISM with our school calendar.
Calendar

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

You'll find lots of useful information – including parent handbooks and school manuals – on our documents page.
FIND OUT MORE

co-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Learning comes to life beyond the classroom at ISM. We offer an exceptional range of opportunities for your child to do what they love and enjoy new experiences, including residential trips, a myriad of after-school clubs, and our exclusive STEAM programme in collaboration with MIT.
Sports
Our ambitious athletes make the most of our outstanding facilities – which include access to an Olympic-standard ice-skating rink, ski slope, and golf course – as they get active, finesse their skills, and compete across a variety of sports.
Student leadership
Elected by their peers, our Student Councils, Head Boy and Girl, and House captains play a vital role in our community. Your child can shape our school culture, raise money for good causes, and support our drive for sustainability, boosting their communication, initiative, and teamwork skills in the process.
Creativity
Our creative clubs span the arts, music, drama, and STEAM, cultivating our students’ curiosity and challenging them to solve problems. This includes our awe-inspiring collaboration with MIT, which opens our students’ eyes to the wonders of science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.
Trips and expeditions
From an early age, our students enjoy residential trips that take them out of their comfort zone, build their confidence, and see them form lifelong friendships. We also offer a rich programme of visits in and around Moscow, which are carefully planned to broaden perspectives and add a real-world element to learning. 
Music
Our instrumental programme will deepen and refine your child’s musical skills, as they enjoy one-to-one and group lessons in the piano, violin, flute, ukulele, and more. Students who excel join our school orchestra and ensembles, performing at prestigious events and venues throughout the year.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The world’s leading youth achievement programme is one of our most popular options. Through personal challenge and community service activities, our students develop a host of transferable skills, including determination, confidence, and resilience. The Award is an impressive addition to university applications, too. 

PART OF OUR COMMUNITY

Our parents play an integral role in school life, helping to create a caring community where everyone feels included. You can get involved in all sorts of ways, from becoming a parent rep and welcoming new families, to attending sporting events, concerts, coffee mornings, and our excellent Parent Academy webinars.
Parent Essentials | The International School of Moscow - 05 Feature Cards Pattern

ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

Everything you need to know about day-to-day life at ISM, in one place.
Our teachers and staff
Our world-class teachers care deeply about each student’s success, supporting them to achieve academic excellence and flourish as individuals. Learn about our fantastic teachers and staff here.
 
House system
Bringing students together across the year groups, our House system forges lifelong friendships and a sense of community.
Bus service
Our safe and efficient bus service makes it easy to get to and from our campuses.
The school day
Each student’s day is packed with exciting learning opportunities, which are carefully planned around a set timetable.
Lunch
Healthy, nutritious, and freshly prepared each day: our hot lunch menu will give your child the energy they need to learn.
Inspection report
We’re proud to be graded ‘excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, and you can read the report here.
Accreditations
ISM is a member of several prestigious international organisations, including the Council of British International Schools.
Policies
You can find our latest policy documents here, which cover everything from admissions to safeguarding.
Uniform
Our smart uniform cultivates a strong identity – and students of all ages wear it with pride.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

  • How will you help my child settle in?

    We know how important it is for your child to get off to a great start. We’ll send you plenty of information – covering things like transport and uniforms – ahead of your child’s start date. On their first day, we’ll personally welcome you onto campus. We’ll introduce your child to their teachers and classmates, and show them around, too.

    Your child will also be allocated a ‘buddy’, a current student who will show them the ropes and make them feel at home during their first week. We invite all new parents into school at the end of week one to talk about how your child is getting on and answer any questions.

  • How can I get involved in school life?
    We work hard to build strong relationships with our families. Our New Parent Programme – supported by our parent reps and admissions ambassadors – will help you settle into school, as well as life in our magnificent city. You’ll also be invited to regular coffee mornings, student art exhibitions, and sports competitions. And through our Parent Academy workshops – which cover topics like teaching techniques, assessment methods, and wellbeing themes – you’ll benefit from insights from staff and Nord Anglia specialists.
  • How do you help children for whom English isn't their first language?
    We offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who need extra help with their speaking, reading, and writing. This includes specialist EAL assistant teachers in every year group, who provide in-class, one-to-one, and small group support. We also have a dedicated EAL department and coordinators on each campus.
  • What after-school activities do you offer?
    Our co-curricular clubs offer something for everyone, ensuring your child has the chance to do what they love. From science and STEAM to sport and the arts, we encourage our students to showcase their talents and pursue new passions.
  • What trips and excursions do you run?

    Our students broaden their horizons on local day trips, exploring the stunning natural surrounds of our Rosinka and Krylatskoe campuses, and visiting the museums and galleries of Moscow.

    From Year 3, all our students are encouraged to take part in residential trips, too, which nurture their leadership skills and develop resilience, independence, and confidence.

  • Do you provide lunch?
    Yes, our catering team prepares a choice of nutritious hot lunch options every day. We offer a variety of cuisines and cater for all dietary requirements. We believe lunch is a social occasion, where students can come together and develop healthy habits.
  • Do you run a bus service?
    Yes, our safe and reliable bus service covers popular residential areas across Moscow.
MORE FAQS

NEWS AND EVENTS

THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

UK qualified and with extensive experience in top British and international schools, our teachers are among the best in the world, creating unforgettable learning experiences that will transform your child’s education.

HOW WE TEACH