United Nations International School (UNIS)

The United Nations International School (UNIS) was established in 1947 by a group of United Nations parents to provide an international education for their children while preserving their cultural heritages. Today, it serves as a premier international school for families from the UN community and the broader New York City area, representing over 100 nationalities. The school’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the UN Charter, fostering an environment of diversity, mutual respect, and global citizenship.

UNIS was one of the first schools in the world to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous and inclusive, preparing students for the challenges of a globalized world. In the Junior and Middle schools, the curriculum is internally developed to bridge various international systems, leading into the IB DP in the final two years. The school is particularly noted for its strong modern language program, offering nine different languages to its student body.

The school operates two campuses, with the main campus located on the East River in Manhattan. UNIS is famous for its annual UNIS-UN Conference, where students from around the world gather at the General Assembly Hall to discuss global issues. Its facilities include a theater, specialized science labs, and a wind-protected playground overlooking the river. It remains a beacon of internationalism in the heart of New York City.