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United States, New York
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UNIS was established in 1947 by United Nations parents to provide an international education while preserving diverse cultural heritages. The school opened in Lake Success, NY to 36 children from 15 countries who spoke 10 languages. In November 1950 the formal opening of the new quarters included the presentation of the United Nations Flag by Henri Laugier on behalf of the Secretary-General. In 1967 UNIS was one of eleven schools participating in the newly founded International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. A cornerstone for the permanent UNIS building was dedicated by Secretary-General U Thant, with opening planned for September 1972 to accommodate 1,200 pupils, and UNIS celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2017 and its 75th anniversary in 2022.
UNIS has a close connection to the United Nations, offering opportunities to meet and visit the UN through programs such as UNIS-UN and UN Day. UN Day marks the day the United Nations officially came into being and celebrates the school's diversity and shared humanity. The school hosts Master Classes during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown featuring distinguished guests including a US Supreme Court Judge, the Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a Tony Award-winning actor, and the creator of The Daily Show. The Global Citizens United Nations Connection reinforces the UN spirit in the curriculum and experiences.
UNIS has a Parents' Association (UNIS PA) that partners with the school administration, faculty, and staff. All UNIS families are automatically members and pay PA dues annually. Monthly PA meetings are held and members contribute through committees and activities. The PA committees include Arts, Bridge2UN, Cultural Events, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), New2UNIS, UNIS Athletic Association, and Social Responsibilities Committee. New families are welcomed through New2UNIS. The PA sponsors events such as Deepavali (the Festival of Lights) and the International Food and Fun Fair, with 20+ PA-sponsored events and thousands of attendees.
United Nations International School (UNIS) is a Pre‑K–12 day program affiliated with the United Nations and delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for ages 4 to 18. The campus network comprises a four‑story Manhattan site along the East River and a Queens campus serving K–8, with a combined footprint of 226,000 feet, 200 classrooms, 15 science laboratories, and three libraries. UNIS aligns its curriculum with Common Core Math Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, NY ELA standards, and British Columbia Social Studies Standards, while maintaining the IB learner profile across teaching and assessment. Distinctive features include a roof gym in a bubble and an outdoor running track, a language program (nine languages and a mother‑tongue offering), and travel, arts, and service opportunities. Students participate in UNIS‑UN and MUN conferences, perform at venues such as Carnegie Hall, and complete 30 hours of community service each year, alongside 38 interscholastic sports teams.
