International Community School (ICS)
- There is a private school in Oakland with a similar name: IC Community School
Parent Q&A
Parent Reviews
Parents, please Sign in to post a review on this page.Hi, I know its enrollment time and I want to take a moment to post a glowing review for International Community School (ICS) elementary in OUSD. I think its important to share because I remember how overwhelming it was when I was trying to decide what dual language school to put my son in for for TK and that there was so little conversation about ICS. I initially was resistant to it because of the location, its on the very busy International Blvd, but after touring it I was so impressed that we went for it. Its a small school setting (300+) with an emphasis on community, Spanish language, and social equity. The principle, Ms Raquel, community manager, Ms. Paloma, and the TK teacher, Teacher Sophie thoroughly impressed me with their clear commitment to the beautiful community of families they serve and their social advocacy. Since my son started ICS I have been inspired by the incredible cultural exchange that truly celebrates our Spanish speaking and immigrant families. Some of the other more popular dual language schools in OUSD we toured felt like they were catering to families wanting to expose their kids to Spanish versus an actual shared cultural experience. ICS has consistently impressed me with the tight-knit group of families that really stand behind the school and the incredible teachers that clearly love these students. The campus is newly updated with beautiful playgrounds, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and the sweetest library. I highly recommend this school as you're considering where to send your elementary school age kiddo.
If you’re interested in Spanish immersion, I would highly encourage you to consider ICS as well. It’s much easier to get into than MLA and probably Manzanita SEED too, and it’s a really great school. (Our son is in kinder there this year.) very well resourced, lots of extras, and really dedicated teachers. The location can be a pain in the butt but location doesn’t seem like a concern of yours based on the schools you’re looking at.
No experience with TK but my kiddo attended for K last year and we really liked it. We ultimately moved to a different school for 1st that was significantly closer to our house so we don’t currently attend, but I was impressed with the academics (as much as you can know at the K level) enrichment activities, and their commitment to equity. Happy to answer any specific questions you may have.