ISM FAQs

Who is ISM?

ISM began in 1975 with a driving ambition to:

• undertake practical research into private independent schools
• understand the theory of and best actions to be taken in our schools
• and be expert in writing about and delivering advice to help our school leaders

What is Engage?

We have always been on the cutting edge of management and leadership practices and Engage is a new electronic delivery system for ISM's teachings that takes advantage of the best systems for our schools to learn at home, at school, even on the road.

What is ISM's mission?

ISM is dedicated to the advancement of school management. ISM provides creative strategies by combining extensive research, proven management techniques, and personalized service.

What are ISM's values?

We are Ethical – acting honorably and being trustworthy

We are Focused – doing what it takes to help our schools

We are committed to Excellence – mediocrity is easy! Beating expectations is our goal

We promise to be Creative – always seeking outside the box to find the solution that fits your school's unique situation

We are a Team – you don't get an individual helping you; you receive the benefit of all of ISM's knowledge, experience, and resources

We are committed to Service – service to your students, holding you accountable to your mission, and partnering with the school

Who are ISM's clients?

We have over 3500 active school clients, over 11,000 e-clients, over 9,000 print clients, in several continents and over 30 countries. We visit thousands of schools each year, keeping directly in touch with schools and their leaders. We personally interview hundreds of students, faculty, school leaders, Trustees, parents and volunteers every year. We know schools.

What does ISM do?

We work with schools that desire and work towards excellence. Not just say the word excellence. We:

• offer member relationships with our schools
• deliver risk management services
• provide insurance for every person at the school in a variety of ways
  • employee benefits
  • student insurance
  • liability
• write North America's leading advisory research letter – Ideas and Perspectives
• publish its sister publication To The Point
• write and solicit manuscripts for the ISM Bookstore
• consult on-site at individual schools
• provide all forms of workshops – on-site, in conference and retreat settings, on-line
• deliver North America's best financial aid service – FAST