“Having taken both grades and no grades throughout my time in IGSS, I can whole heartedly say that taking no grades has made my learning experience more in-depth and valuable. Without worrying about the letter or percentage, I feel free to deeply explore my learning and I feel more comfortable making mistakes knowing that won’t penalize me. Also, I have noticed that showing what I know through projects showcases the entirety of my learning and allows me to apply my learning in a more meaningful way.”

“I never feel like we’re doing one thing for too long in class. We always have a good variety throughout the day and each individual activity is really engaging. We also take plenty of breaks, which are a great way to switch my thinking to a new activity and connect with other students.”

“It is so obvious how deeply the IGSS teachers care about each of their students. Out of the six, there is always someone to go to about questions (and probably way more than just one). The dedicated learning community of IGSS has fostered close connections with teachers who I feel know me as more than just my final products. The teachers are encouraging and helpful when I struggle and celebrate my achievements with me when I succeed. I truly have not felt more supported at school then during my time in IGSS.”

“Actually, really good. For me, at least, having teachers with varying degrees of intro/extrovertedness provides a great spectrum of ways to engage. People are also very friendly and nonjudgmental! The teachers try and give projects that can be done in multiple ways with multiple levels of social engagement, but group work is still a part of the course.”

“I don't miss tests one bit! This was a major part of what drew me to IGSS, and it's been great. I've been better able to express myself and my mastery over course material without the stress of tests or grades. It also means I don't have to force myself to study stuff I'm not the least bit intrigued by and can learn at my own pace.”

“The amount of feedback is honestly insane to me. It's so specific and actually helpful for my improvement, versus just points on a regular test. Not getting grades motivates me even more to do well, because I want to do well to make my teachers and myself proud and to put forth my best effort, rather than just stressing about what grade I'm going to get.”

“House time is some of my favorite time during the day! Whether it’s for a competition or critique, or something else, we are always laughing and my house connects really well! We stay in the same house from junior to senior year, which has been a great way for me to connect with my house head and the other seniors in my house. Also, because everyone is so open to new relationships in IGSS, we are bonding more and more with our juniors every day!”

“The IGSS field trips are fun and engaging and are SO helpful. You further explore what you learn in the classroom, but in the environment of which those things are happening. It’s definitely a more hands-on, connective experience. Also, if the field trip is in a particular urban area, you have an opportunity to buy lunch from local businesses with your friends.”

“The CREATE project is a research project in which we get to dive deeply into learning about a topic of our choice. We’re guided by our “mentor”, an IGSS teacher we’re paired with, who helps us through each of the steps from a proposal to the final draft. It’s super engaging because you can research anything you can come up with, and it is great practice for all of the classic English class skills, and preparation for college! There is also an action project in tandem with our research and writing, which gives us an opportunity to apply our new learning to the world outside of school and make a difference in our community. The bridge near school with "you are beautiful" was the work of an IGSS student.

“It only helps! It’s a unique experience that is different than almost every other school and can really help you stand out! Both the student and teacher transcripts goes to colleges so you get a voice in how you thought you worked each semester. Also, grades vs no grades wise, either will get you into any college. IGSS students have gone to all types of schools and it isn’t affected by if they choose to take IGSS for grades or not. The creative environment and project planning develops critical thinking, time management, and social skills necessary to succeed in higher education and eventually, in adult life.”

“Honestly, I can't even tell who's a junior and who's a senior any more. There is no difference in the curriculum (the only difference is between 9 and 4 level) and everyone's so welcoming and comfortable it's really, really hard to tell. Houses are mixed, same with project, social, and discussion groups. I really like having juniors mixed with the seniors because as a junior, the seniors are really helpful in guiding you in the right direction and giving you tips from their experiences the year before. It’s also great to get to know another grade!”

“First, socially. IGSS forces you to meet people you don't look, act, or think like - no matter how conventional or nonconformist you may be. Working alongside them makes you remember how we're all human on the inside.

Second, planning. Lots of long term projects mean you have to plan and use your time wisely, especially if there's class time specifically set aside for that.

Third, reflections. You write a lot of reflections in IGSS, which means a lot of time gets dedicated to understanding yourself and how you work - this will help you plan and collaborate with others!

Fourth, IGSS teachers treat you with respect, like an equal. You can get extensions on project deadlines by just asking, with no penalty for you. Speaking up for yourself is super important and it's easier when everyone wants you to succeed.”

“In essence, only projects, no tests. When you begin a new unit, you learn all you need to know about that certain topic through a verity of small projects: teach-ins, simulations, art projects. Then a culminating project is introduced. This culminating project will not only be the "final" project of the unit, but it will also allow you to narrow in on a topic, within the unit, that you are interested in and explore further. I really like how it emphasizes the process (of doing the project) and progress (throughout the unit) equally as the (final) product itself. With most learning, I feel like I forget most of it after I take the test, because it's not interesting to me and I'm not motivated to actually remember any of the material. Projects in IGSS leave a lasting impact that stays with me long after the unit has ended.”

“Being self directed means taking charge of your learning. One overarching theme I’ve noticed through my time in IGSS is that you get out what you put in, and I think that really speaks to the learning we do here. It’s important to choose topics that interest you and that are new to you so you can get the most out of each assignment. Being self directed also means asking for help from your classmates and teachers when you need it, because the independent nature of our studies gives us the opportunity to advocate for ourselves instead of being hovered over each step of the way. For me, it has been a freeing way to learn and I have grown the most as a student, and a person, though it.”

“IGSS allowed me to explore what I was learning in my own way, much unlike normal school. Instead of rigid structure for each of my projects, I have been able to follow my interests and dive as deeply as I want into my topic. This has helped me figure out how I learn best and where I am strong as a learner and a community member. I have also been able to work on things in a more unique light and show my learning in a way that’s meaningful to me.”

“Yes! Art isn't just one thing like drawing or painting. There's photography, sculpture, knitting/crochet, photoshop, and more. But even if you're not good at any of that (which I doubt), doodles are A-OK. Stick figures are encouraged. Most of the art we do is entirely self-directed and types of art that the vast majority of people in IGSS have never tried, like sculpting your own door to represent duality, or spray-painting your own t-shirt. I'd never done either of those things, but I managed it. There's also so many ways to turn science and math into art that meets the criteria for the art projects we do.”

“There isn’t much differentiation between the levels content wise. If you choose to take either social studies and english and/or art at the 4 level, you can expect extra learning opportunities tacked on to bigger assignments, but they always enhance the learning experience. Also, the expectations about the strength of your product are a bit higher in the 4 level. The teachers are great resources for helping you choose which level is best for you.”

“Something that’s important to keep in mind is that IGSS is three classes, and art is taken as a major instead of an elective. This means that we will have the same amount of work as three normal classes, but what sets it apart is that it is all so meaningful, and the opportunities are what you make them. I always make it a point to give my assignments my best work because I know that’s how I will make the most of my opportunities. IGSS is rigorous, but never feels like busy work or a waste of time. I see value in each thing I do for class. Also, the unique nature of IGSS allows the teachers to adjust their assignments when there is too much going on at once or something just isn’t working out for the group. There is always a teacher to meet with if you’re struggling to keep up!”

“At the end of the year, the juniors will work together to shape the theme for the next school year and create a project based learning unit for each theme. Throughout the year, the teachers will ask us what interests us and what we want to learn about through surveys or just personal conversations. You can always reach out to the teachers and ask about certain lesson ideas to see if it can be incorporated into our classes learning. Also, the self directed nature of the curriculum allows us to shape each lesson in our own way and learn what we want.”

“It is SO easy to make friends. IGSS students are all so kind to each other and welcoming. I was really nervous walking into IGSS on my first day, but just after the first day I felt like I belonged. There is also a lot of group work, so you get to establish connections and bonds with the people you are working with. I get to know someone new almost every day.”