The International Community School (ICS), a charter school located in DeKalb County, Georgia, was strategically designed to bring together refugee, immigrant and native-born children in an academically challenging and nurturing environment.  In the last 10 years, thousands of refugee children have come to DeKalb County, bringing not only gifts and talents but also deep physical and spiritual wounds of war.

ICS began operation during the 2002-2003 school year and has grown to be one of the most successful charter schools in the state. Today DeKalb County is home to the highest percentage of refugees in the southeastern United States.  In response to this need, for the 2007-2008 school year, ICS serves 370 children in grades K-6 on two campuses. In November 2007,  ICS was recognized as the National Title I Distinguished School.  This honor is reserved for Title I schools with outstanding academic results.

This diverse community of learners is brought together by our committed, mission-driven staff.  The school uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program as a framework for the Georgia public school curriculum (Georgia GPS/QCC.  The students represent more than 35 countries and some 40 different language groups.  Approximately half are refugee/immigrant children and half native born.

This story helps illustrate some realities at the International Community School:
 
A seven-year-old student passes a teacher in the narrow hall.  “Hello,” he responds casually, looking her in the eye.  It is a small gesture but one of many miracles that is repeated each day at the International Community School.  For months, the child had stared silently at the floor and drawn shocking pictures of war.  Now he is an open-hearted young boy with a striking gift for mathematics. 

Today ICS celebrates significant academic achievements.  In August 2007, thirty-two percent of students in their literacy groups in fifth and sixth grades scored level 50 or more on the DRA2 reading assessment. In December 2007, fifty-eight percent of their students scored 50 or higher.

Kudos to the International Community School!