The International School of Minnesota

1. Admissions Application: Submit an online application for admission and pay the $150 application fee. Click HERE to start the application. The online application is the first step in the admissions process and initiates the review of your file.
2. Records Request: Submit the Records Release form to authorize ISM to receive transcripts from your current school. ISM requires two years of transcripts prior to the year applied for, and all high school records if applying for 11th or 12th grade. Transcripts must be translated into English before admissions review.
3. Recommendations: Recommendation forms must be completed by an official at the student's current school and mailed or emailed directly to ISM. Recommendations can also be submitted electronically through the enrollment portal, Blackbaud. For school-age children, two letters are requested, with at least one from a math or English teacher.
4. Admissions Interview: An international admissions recruiter will arrange an online interview. This is a half-hour conversation to learn more about you and to assess your English language skills.
5. Diagnostic Assessments: ISM will work with you to arrange remote diagnostic testing to evaluate your English and math skills.
6. Proof of English Proficiency: Students in 11th and 12th grade will need to demonstrate advanced English coursework or provide a TOEFL score.
7. Proof of Funds: You will need to submit proof of finances dated within three months. This ensures families have the financial means to support education and living expenses in the US.
8. Passport: You will need to submit a copy of your foreign passport. This is needed to assist you in the student visa request process.
9. After Acceptance: I-20: Upon acceptance, ISM will generate the I-20 documentation you will need to apply for an F-1 Student Visa. The US government also requires the completion of form I-901, for which it charges a $350 fee. The admissions office will generate this form, or the applicant may complete it on their own. F-1 Student Visa: ISM will mail you an official letter of acceptance and your I-20. Upon receipt of the I-20, you will need to move forward with the Visa request. Please notify the school of your visa acceptance. Enrollment Contract: Upon being granted a United States F-1 Student Visa, an official enrollment contract will be issued to the student. The student's legal guardian must review, sign, and return the contract to ISM along with a non-refundable registration deposit of $3,000. If a student expresses a desire for residence hall boarding, those fees will also be included in the contract, and an additional deposit of $2,000 is also required.

40th Anniversary Scholarships: Scholarships are available for outstanding new students entering Grades 6–11 for the 2026–27 school year. Taiylor R. Nunn STEM Scholarship: A STEM scholarship is offered at ISM. Tuition Assistance: ISM uses Blackbaud to complete a financial aid needs assessment for any family applying for financial aid. All domestic students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 are eligible to apply. How to Apply for Tuition Assistance: log in to Blackbaud, provide income and expense information, assets, debts, and any special circumstances, and upload required documentation. Processing takes about four weeks after submission, and you will be notified by email once a decision is made. Next, you can log in to Blackbaud to view your award. Important Dates: Priority Applications Due: January 31, 2026; Priority New Applicant Admissions Decisions Sent: March 1, 2026; Tuition Assistance Applications Open: February 9, 2026.