ICS Iraq

Our Story International Community School (ICS) is a K-12 school located in Baghdad’s Al Rasafa district, delivering an American curriculum grounded in the AERO framework and aligned with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Robert Sawyer, ICS operates on a philosophy that blends American educational strengths with Arab cultural values to maximize every learner’s potential. The school welcomes students from PreK through Grade 12 and maintains an inclusive, multicultural environment that respects diverse languages, nationalities, and backgrounds. ICS has been awarded Cognia Accreditation with Merit, confirming that its governance, teaching, learning, and student wellbeing meet rigorous international benchmarks. The mission centers on preparing creative problem solvers who are academically and socially ready for university, careers, and engaged citizenship in a changing global society. Programs & Trainings 🎓 PreK — Early childhood program for young learners entering the school community. 🎓 Kindergarten (KG1 & KG2) — Foundational stage; KG1 applicants must be four years old by December 31st, with admissions finalized after a family interview with the Head of Early Years. 🎓 Grades 1–8 — Core academic program covering elementary through middle-grade levels with an American curriculum structure. 🎓 Upper Grades / Senior Track — Advanced-level programming leading to a Senior Graduation Ceremony and supported by dedicated College & Career Readiness guidance. 🎓 Placement Testing — All new students take standardized assessments in English and Mathematics, followed by a family interview and formal document submission. 🎓 Inclusive Education — Differentiated support services for students with varied learning styles, abilities, and individual needs. 🎓 College & Career Readiness — Structured advising to prepare students for higher education admissions and professional pathways. 🎓 After-School Athletics — Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming, and Badminton. 🎓 School Trips & Overseas Trips — Educational travel opportunities offered during Semester 1 and Semester 2. 🎓 Science Fair — Semester 2 event showcasing student research and scientific inquiry. 🎓 Math Olympiads — Competitive mathematics challenge held in Semester 1. 🎓 Math Exhibition — Semester 2 exhibition focused on mathematical concepts and problem solving. 🎓 ICT & Innovation Exhibition — Technology showcase highlighting digital skills and innovative projects. 🎓 International Day — Semester 2 celebration of cultural diversity and global awareness. 🎓 Sports Day — Semester 2 athletics competition promoting physical fitness and school spirit. 🎓 Art Exhibition — Semester 2 visual arts showcase. 🎓 Talent Shows — Performing arts events in Semester 2 for music, drama, and dance. 🎓 Elementary School Concerts & Assemblies — Regular performing arts gatherings scheduled across both semesters. 🎓 Peace Day — Semester 1 civic engagement event. 🎓 Health Awareness — Semester 1 initiative focused on student wellbeing and community health. 🎓 Book Fair — Semester 2 literacy event encouraging reading and academic exploration. 🎓 Inter-school Competitions — External academic and athletic competitions broadening student exposure. 🎓 KG2 Graduation Ceremony — Commencement celebration for Kindergarten graduates. Specialties 🎯 American curriculum via the AERO framework correlated with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards 🎯 STEAM, ICT, and innovation integration across events and exhibitions 🎯 Holistic development covering academic, aesthetic, creative, social, physical, and emotional growth 🎯 Inclusive and equitable education with personalized learning support 🎯 Multilingual community engagement and international mindedness 🎯 College and career readiness counseling for upper-grade students 🎯 Competitive athletics and performing arts programming 🎯 Child protection and student safeguarding commitments 🎯 Bridging American pedagogy with local Arab cultural identity Methods & Approach ICS delivers an active, learner-centered American education that recognizes diverse learning styles, abilities, and interests. Instruction is personalized through guidance and support tailored to individual needs, fostering both self-esteem and independent thinking. The school emphasizes creative problem solving, High Order Thinking, and collaborative teamwork in a safe, respectful environment. Technology and innovation are central to the learning experience, reflected in the motto “Empowering Education with Love, Innovation, and Technology.” Real-world relevance is prioritized, encouraging students to become responsible citizens with lifelong learning habits. The model balances rigorous academic standards with attention to wellbeing, mutual understanding, and global awareness while honoring Iraqi cultural values. Who It's For Children and adolescents from PreK through Grade 12 seeking an internationally recognized American education in Baghdad. Local Iraqi families and international residents looking for a multicultural, bias-free admissions process that prioritizes siblings of enrolled students. Learners with diverse educational needs, including those benefiting from inclusive support and differentiated instruction. Students preparing for university entry—whether locally or abroad—who require structured college and career guidance. Families who value a comprehensive program combining strong academics with arts, athletics, and character development. Facilities & Practical Info The campus is situated in the Zayouna neighborhood of Al Rasafa and offers prospective families both a virtual tour and arranged physical campus visits. The registration window opens from mid to late February each academic year, with the full admissions process typically taking about one week assuming all original documents are available. Required registration materials include local ID cards for parents and children, the previous school report, parent and child passports with visa pages for residents, child vaccination records, birth certificate, and eight passport-size photographs. School fees can be paid in two installments; transport, book, and uniform arrangements are coordinated through the registration office. The academic year is organized into two semesters, with major curricular and extracurricular events distributed across Semester 1 and Semester 2. Location Address: Alley 41, District 716 Zayouna, Al Rasafa Baghdad, Iraq Hours: See website for schedule The "+" ✅ Cognia Accreditation with Merit, reflecting exceptional performance against international school improvement standards. ✅ Inclusive admissions policy with no bias regarding race, color, gender, handicap, religion, or national origin. ✅ Rich annual calendar of events spanning STEM exhibitions, arts performances, athletic competitions, and cultural celebrations. ✅ Deep integration of American curriculum standards with respect for Arab culture and local community values. ✅ Personalized learning pathways supported by placement testing and individualized academic guidance.