International Schools Directory

The United Nations International School (UNIS) is a private international school in New York City. It was founded in 1947 by families whose work related to the United Nations. It includes a Kindergarten, elementary school (Junior House), junior high school (Middle House) and high school (Tutorial House). As of 2006, it has over 1,450 students representing 116 countries. English is the main language of instruction. Secondary studies aim towards the International Baccalaureate. The school has two campuses, one in Manhattan, on the East River approximately one mile south of the United Nations Headquarters, and one in the borough of Queens, in Jamaica Estates, the latter being a smaller campus with fewer than 200 students. Many of the school's parents are ambassadors, consuls general and employees of the United Nations. The school maintains a strong relationship with the United Nations, promoting and adhering to its values. For example, school is closed on United Nations Day in honor of the holiday. It also has access to some U.N. facilities, including the UN General Assembly for senior graduation and for the esteemed UNIS-UN student conference. Because of the school's international theme, UNIS has an unusually comprehensive language program that starts as early as Kindergarten when students are offered French or Spanish instruction. In 7th grade, students begin the study of a third language and choose from one of eight modern languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. English as a Second Language is also offered in all grades.