“IGSS really was the best decision I made during my high school career.  If it wasn't for IGSS I very literally wouldn't be where I am today.  I learned more in IGSS about myself (and different topics) than I did in any of my other classes.  I could go on and on about how much IGSS meant/will always mean to me, but to sum it up IGSS taught me to think in ways I had never done before.  It gave me the freedom to study whatever it was that I wanted and I found myself consistently more engaged during class compared to other subjects.”

- Chloe, class of 2017

“As I’ve been transitioning to the first semester of college courses at the University of Minnesota, I can’t help but realize how well IGSS has prepared me for college and life in general. I feel almost as if I have an advantage of sorts compared to some of my peers when it comes to formal writing, analyzing text, or engaging in course material. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of such a great educational community. I think you’ll both be happy to hear that I’m still marking books with latin CF’s, keeping a commonplace journal, and hacky-sacking.“

- Logan, class of 2024

“IGSS no doubt was the best thing that ever happened to Sonia at New Trier. It was a life changing experience that set her on an authentic path of leadership and a global perspective. I have seen her grow in such powerful ways through the IGSS curriculum and the meaningful connections with her peers and you teachers.”

- Kim, parent of graduates in the classes of 2018 and 2021

“IGSS immensely changed my academic and social life. Going into it junior year, I didn’t really love school, but after being in the program for 2 years, I came out a totally different student. The teachers challenged me to be a better reader and learner, and I started to love coming to school. I especially liked the projects we did, and the unique units we covered. I also found my closest friends through IGSS. if I didn’t do IGSS, I don’t think I would be the person I am today, and I’m thankful to have been a part of such a cool program at New Trier.”

— Nyhan, class of 2024

“A lot of college is what you make of it. You decide what work to put in. A lot of my assignments aren’t the traditional assignments I had in high school outside of IGSS. I feel that IGSS prepared me for a lot of the writing I do in college. In college I have to write a lot of essays that deviate from the traditional high school essay structure; some of my classmates struggle with this deviation. IGSS let me take control of my learning which ultimately lead me to choosing to major in something which I am passionate about.”

— Matt, class of 2024

“I had the best experience with IGSS. This program truly made a very large school feel small (in the best way). When asked about high school, this is one of my favorite things to talk about. Thank you IGSS for bringing out my creativity, and for helping me better understand myself!”

- Nicole, class of 2014

“Sometimes I think that IGSS was such an incredible experience that it is hard for my college classes to live up to the standard that IGSS set for my classes….I think that I would have had a really hard time discovering how I loved to learn best without IGSS, and I really feel like I have been so fortunate to be able to discover my passions in school.”

— Becca, class of 2014

“IGSS was (is) one of the better choices in my educational career. The Integrated Global Studies School places students and teachers in a cohesive learning community; engaging primary texts, ideas, and conversations help us find the greater threads that connect us all. We IGSSers take charge of our own education, deciding collectively the trajectory of the curriculum and placing our interests and curiosities in the context of the larger globe. Every day I think of how my experience in IGSS and at New Trier prepared and enriches me in college.”

— Rory, class of 2012

“The IGSS community does an amazing job of breaking down the barriers that block students from taking charge of their education. Walking into IGSS I was always met with smiling faces and encouraging words. The IGSS community pushed me to take on programming projects that increased my confidence and skill set as a software developer. Today I follow along a similar path by working as a developer at startups while also dedicating time for non-profit work. Without my IGSS experience I would likely be sitting back dreaming but not putting words to action.”

— Ryan, class of 2017

“I attended the IGSStravaganza on January 19, 2017. I just wanted to thank you all for one of the most enjoyable evenings I have ever had at New Trier High School . . .It surprised me just how much an adult could possibly stand to learn from a group of high school juniors and seniors in just one evening. . . . These young adults are so much ahead of their predecessors it makes my head spin. The stated mission of the IGGS program is certainly being carried out -inquiring and exploring, guided by compassion, seeking transformation in themselves and the world. It also gives me comfort to know the next generation will be filled with smart, independent thinking souls ready to tackle the problems they will certainly face.”

— Robert, parent of graduate in the class of 2018

“As her parent, it brought to me to tears to see teachers appreciate her for who she is, who she wants to be, and who she could become. . . To have your respect and encouragement has been like having additional parents in her life. The love for learning that she rediscovered through IGSS . . . gave Maddie back to us as a family. IGSS let her wonder, feel curious, be joyful, be unique, and be celebrated for just that.. . . she has found, via IGSS, the courage again to be herself. At your IGSS presentations, you have shown a slide that asks ‘why are all the IGSS students so happy?’ And I would answer...because you let them be themselves, you return the love for learning, and the goal is to ponder and wonder and exchange and discover, not to produce or score or deliver results.”

- Jein, parent of graduate in the class of 2016

“IGSS has helped me learn how to make friends with people I had never met relatively quickly, has helped me change my way of thinking about learning and helped me understand what I enjoy studying. Now that I am in college I am so extremely grateful that I went through with the IGSS program. My note taking is attuned to my own needs and my desire to read good books is so much higher. Most of all I would just say that IGSS is the closest thing to a college class that I have been through—outside of college classes. Thank you!!”

- Eli , class of 2024

“IGSS made me the person I am today. The community of teachers and learners helped me find what I was truly passionate about, and gave me the confidence and tools to figure out an education and career rather that would allow me to flourish.”

- Caroline, class of 2012

“In the simplest terms, IGSS taught me how to organize and synthesis my thoughts, feelings, and opinions into well-structured and confident arguments. Through the CREATE project, which is something I still reflect on today, the IGSS community gave me the right balance of structure and liberty to design my own project that was still able to make an impact on myself, my friends and peers, and my community as a whole. 
The community allowed me to explore my interest with enough depth to actually learn something, while still broadening my horizons to new opportunities and adventures. I wouldn’t have the same ambition, confidence, or self awareness if I had not been a part of IGSS.”

- George, class of 2023

“I feel so grateful to have gained from IGSS the ability to have difficult conversations—ones that do not always have easy answers. Today and every day I am grateful for the person I became through my time in IGSS. Thank you for sharing your passion, for opening our minds, and for dedicating yourselves to making IGSS the incredible and transformative space that it is.”

— Olivia, class of 2013

“IGSS changed how I approach my education completely. We did not learn content just for a test, but instead learned how to ask questions, explore them, and eventually construct and interpret arguments. I had always been an excellent student, but felt stifled by the boundaries set forth by my other teachers. I was glad to be challenged by my IGSS teachers in a new and exciting way. The comments I received on my projects and papers were unique to me, and instead of just throwing away papers after they'd been assessed, I carefully read my teachers' comments and took what they said to heart. IGSS taught me how to learn.”

— Sally, class of 2013

“I couldn't let the year end without letting you know how grateful we are to you for sticking by Greg and working with him to reach his potential. As you know, more than anyone, his growth over the past year has been outrageous. I feel like I have my Greg back: the child who loved school, learning and life as a grade schooler. IGSS changed his world. I know that's an extreme statement; it's true though. He is doing things I never imagined. He has become confident and independent . . . He has gained a confidence that has enabled him to explore ideas and opportunities that he would have never reached for previously. Greg and his Dad and I still talk about those 2 years with IGSS that made the biggest positive impact on Greg's life.”

— Bonnie, parent of graduates in the classes of 2012 and 2018

“Thanks again for what you've created at IGSS - our daughter is a more dynamic and confident and independent person because of it, and I know it has been a key part of her love of learning. It is very special and very impactful - what you do matters to your students in ways they will appreciate more and more as they grow older. So … thank you!”

- Brad, parent of graduate in the class of 2017

“I am thankful that my son has had the incredible opportunity to be part of the IGSS community. He has evolved into an inquisitive, engaging and motivated person. Through this outstanding program he has learned to live the New Trier mission to ‘Commit minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion, and lives to the service of humanity.’ That, I truly believe, is the benchmark of success. You have truly affected Chris' high school education and his life, and I am so thankful that your path crossed with his. He is a different person because of all his IGSS teachers, in a way that amazes me still to this day. . .”

- Katherine, parent of graduate in the class of 2012

“High school is an intense and pivotal time in life and IGSS was my life raft through often stormy seas! I felt radical acceptance from the IGSS teachers and community (where else would you find that in high school?) and felt supported to pursue my passions. Having freedom in what I was learning, and how, instilled an intrinsic motivation for learning that I still have with me today. It was joyfully educational, humbling, silly, and wholesome! I believe IGSS was the key that set me up for a life driven by passion, justice, and fun. I also gained lifelong friends (and band mates). I’m so grateful to be an IGSS alum because once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right.”

— Mandy, class of 2016