ISW’s high school is a progressive, college preparatory program that focuses on developing confident, skilled students who embrace creativity in all its forms: writing, design, graphics, applied math, scientific innovation, visual arts, music, and theater. Our students produce real, meaningful work—building a portfolio shared with the community through performance, exhibition, internship, and publication. In addition to emphasizing academic and personal responsibility, our program nurtures independence and prepares students for college life with increasing levels of latitude.
All ISW high school students pursue college preparatory studies in English, history, math, science, Spanish or ASL, and studio art in the mornings. The afternoons feature a variety of options. Students can choose a STEM class, which allows them to create their own projects and to participate in national competitions. Some elect to pursue a particular passion with an online offering. Others enjoy off-campus internships. The opportunities are endless!
ISW is also particularly strong in the performing arts–with classes including acting, movement for stage, vocal music, music theory, music history, and stagecraft. As a complement to the formal study of these subjects, ISW created Huzzah Theater Company in 2016, one of only a handful of student-run high school theater companies in the United States. Huzzah affords ISW theater students the opportunity to work with high school students from around the area, creating performances for audiences in the larger community. Huzzah’s productions have been underwritten for years by the Marion Park Lewis Foundation.
ISW is fully accredited by the Virginia Independent School Association.