ISG Superintendent's Message
SHARE
ISG LEADERSHIP UPDATE: RETIREMENT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT JANA BARNHOUSE
ISG Assistant Superintendent, Jana Barnhouse, will be retiring in August 2026, and the search for her successor is already underway. Leadership will begin interviewing shortlisted candidates next week as part of a thoughtful and strategic selection process.
Ms. Barnhouse has been a dedicated member of the ISG community since 1991, when she first joined as an elementary school teacher. By the time of her retirement, she will have devoted an incredible 35 years of service to ISG. Both of her children attended DEMS and graduated from DHS, making ISG a true family journey.
She will return to the United States to spend more time with her family—especially her beloved grandson. Ms. Barnhouse leaves behind a powerful legacy of leadership, commitment and heart. We extend our deepest gratitude for her many years of service and lasting impact across our schools and look forward to continuing this journey with her through next school year.
Finalist candidates will be on campus next week as a part of an in-person interview process. We hope to finalize the selection of the new Assistant Superintendent by the end of April 2025. In the spirit of continuity, Ms. Barnhouse will work closely with the incoming leader to support a smooth and successful transition for August 2026.
AN ISG STUDENT’S LEARNING JOURNEY
At ISG, every student’s learning journey is shaped by a strong foundation of academic excellence, personalized support and a deep understanding of individual needs. From the moment families begin the admissions process, our dedicated and knowledgeable admissions team provides clear guidance and warm support. Their goal is to ensure every family feels confident and informed as they join our school community.
Our commitment to high quality learning as well as wellbeing and belonging play a significant role in what makes the ISG experience unique. With purpose-designed classrooms and learning spaces resourced to align with ISG’s innovative approach and research-based practices to learning, our students benefit from an environment designed to foster strong teacher-student relationships.
Our approaches and strategies allow educators to know our students and commit to personalized attention, deeper engagement and a better understanding of each learner’s strengths and areas for growth. This approach not only enhances academic performance, but also helps students feel seen and supports wellbeing and belonging.
Our teaching team is made up of highly skilled and knowledgeable educators recruited from around the world, many of whom bring rich international teaching experience and uphold the highest global standards. We are intentional in our recruitment and retention efforts, ensuring that students benefit from continuity and consistency in instruction and are connected through long-term relationships with skilled professionals who are passionate about education.
We are proud to share that our turnover rate at ISG is currently 9%, which in an international school setting, is considered low and a positive indicator of employee satisfaction, strong leadership and successful retention efforts. In international schools, turnover rates can average anywhere from 15–20% in more stable environments or above 20% in less developed international schools.
A key part of our continued success lies in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, supported by a balanced budget approach, and a strategic focus that prioritizes successful student learning at the core. This commitment is reflected in our academic results, our ongoing accreditation with respected international bodies and our forward-thinking vision that includes inspiring innovation across the curriculum.
ISG recognizes the confidence families place in our school for their child(ren)’s education and a student’s re-enrollment is not just about confirming a seat for the next school year—it’s a reflection of a family’s continued belief in our mission and the educational journey we offer. It allows us to continue building a thriving school community that supports student learning at our core.
Beyond the classroom, ISG students participate in a breadth of well-rounded opportunities and experiences that include competitive athletics, fine and performing arts, experiential learning opportunities and an established college and career program that builds their skills and knowledge for life after graduation or the next step in their learning journey.
Every step of the way, we aim to provide a learning experience that is academically rigorous, emotionally supportive and globally minded that aligns with the unique interests for each student.
REMINDER: MSA ACCREDITATION STARTING APRIL 27
We would like to remind our ISG community that a team from the Middle States Association (MSA) will be visiting ISG campuses and the central office for an accreditation visit starting April 27, for the duration of one week.
During their visit, the MSA team will be conducting interviews with staff, parents and students as part of their review and evaluation process. This is a valuable opportunity for us to share the strengths of our schools and our commitment to continuous improvement. MSA is a partner in providing the best education for our students.
Thank you for your engagement in this process to date and thank you in advance for your support and engagement throughout this important visit.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Graduation Dates:
May 22: ASD Graduation
May 24: BSD Graduation
May 27: BSD Y6 Leavers Ceremony
May 28: ISG Jubail Graduation
May 29: ISG Dammam Graduation
May 29: SVS Leavers Ceremony
Important Dates:
June 3: Last day for students
June 4: Last day for staff
College and University Visits:
We are pleased to provide support for our students in a range of counseling services including college and university. You can see the latest information here.
SCHOOL UPDATES
American School Dhahran
ASD’s Science Club Hosts Successful Middle School Competition.
ASD Elementary School Students Shine in Year-End Recital of Dedication and Talent.
British School Dhahran
BSD Students Learn the Meaning of Respect Through Wellbeing Classes.
Poetry By Heart at BSD: A Performance of Talent and Culture.
ISG Dammam
High School Assembly Honors Excellence and Creativity at ISG Dammam.
ISG Dammam’s Middle School Debate Club Proudly Launches Season II of Voice for the Right Choice.
ISG Jubail