There are certain places in life that become part of your identity forever.
For me, the International School is one of those places.
I honestly still can’t believe public school like this exists.
And if I’m being completely honest… part of me almost hesitates to write this because I know how competitive the lottery can be now, and someday I’ll be crossing my fingers hoping my own daughter Georgia gets that same opportunity when she applies for 6th grade.
But the truth is, the school had such a profound impact on my life that I can’t help but talk about it.
More Than Just a School
People often describe International as “a hidden gem,” but that honestly doesn’t even begin to cover it.
The school combines an incredibly rigorous academic experience with a level of community, creativity, leadership, and global perspective that is hard to explain unless you experience it yourself.
It truly felt like getting a private school education within the public school system.
And the relationships formed there last a lifetime.
Some of my very best friends in the world came from the International School. Friends, I still talk to them regularly decades later.
There’s just something about going through those years together that creates lifelong bonds.
The Teachers Who Change Your Life
One of the most unique things about International is the culture between students and teachers.
You call your teachers by their first names, which immediately creates a sense of mutual respect and connection that feels very different from a traditional school environment.
And somehow, that small detail changes everything.
The teachers are brilliant, passionate, invested, and deeply human. They genuinely care about students not only academically, but also personally.
Many of us stayed connected with our teachers long after graduation — and honestly still do. That says everything.
An Education That Opened Up the World
One of the greatest gifts International gave me was global perspective.
Because of the school’s language immersion and international focus, I had opportunities I never would have experienced otherwise.
I studied French and was able to travel to France multiple times to deepen my language education and cultural understanding. Those trips are still some of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
And beyond language travel, there were:
- Band trips
- Focus Week adventures
- Educational travel experiences all over the country and the world
- Cultural exchange opportunities
- Leadership experiences
- Exposure to people and ideas from everywhere
For many students, it was the first time we realized how big the world really was.
Learning Leadership Early
International also gave me opportunities to grow into leadership roles early on.
Being involved in ASB and student leadership taught me confidence, communication, organization, collaboration, and how to connect with all different kinds of people — skills I still use every single day in both business and life.
Looking back now, I can clearly see how much that environment helped shape me into the person I became.
The Community Is Unlike Anything Else
What makes International truly special isn’t just the academics.
It’s the people.
The community is incredibly tight-knit and supportive, and it somehow stays that way long after graduation.
Families remain connected.
Friendships last forever.
Alumni stay involved.
People show up for one another.
Even siblings often follow in each other’s footsteps there. One of the amazing things about the school is that siblings of current students are able to get in without going through the lottery process.
That’s how my younger brother Kyle was able to attend as well.
And now, years later, I find myself hoping my own daughter might someday get the same opportunity.
The Perfect Preparation for College and Life
When I went on to University of Washington, I felt incredibly prepared academically, socially, and personally.
International taught us how to think critically, communicate confidently, manage rigorous workloads, collaborate with different personalities, and navigate unfamiliar situations.
But maybe even more importantly, it taught us curiosity.
It taught us how to learn.
And those skills matter forever.
A Truly Special Place
In a world where education can sometimes feel increasingly transactional or impersonal, International School remains one of those rare places that genuinely change lives.
It shaped my friendships.
My confidence.
My worldview.
My leadership skills.
My love of travel.
My independence.
And honestly, so much of who I am today.
I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it.
And now, as a parent, I completely understand why so many families hope their children get the chance to experience it too.
