For 20 years, International School Augsburg has been a place where learning, growth, and community come together. As we celebrate this milestone, we look back with pride at the journeys of our students, staff, and families who have shaped our story. At the same time, we look forward with excitement – embracing new opportunities, nurturing global citizens, and continuing to inspire futures for the next generation.
20 Years of Learning
2005 — 2006
Founding of ISA
International School Augsburg gGmbH was founded in 2005 to provide an English-language education for a diverse, international community in the region. With strong support from local businesses and the IHK Augsburg, the school opened its doors in Gersthofen with 63 pioneering students and quickly grew into a vibrant hub of learning and cultural exchange.
First day of school
ISA opened its doors on September 11, 2005, welcoming 63 students. Leading the school from the very beginning were Head of School Cathie Mullen and Managing Director Dieter Kirchmair.
Cathie Mullen, Head of School
As ISA’s founding Head of School, Cathie Mullen led the school from 2005 to 2022, shaping its spirit and growth with unwavering commitment and inspiring leadership.
ISA’s first student
Felix Heinz was the first student enrolled at ISA in 2005. Today he is a Management Consultant at the International School of Management in Munich.
2008 — 2009
ISA continues to grow
In 2008, the school proudly reached a new milestone, welcoming its 200th student – a reflection of ISA’s growing reputation and thriving international community.
ISA celebrates its second building
In 2009, with more than 200 students attending, it was time for new spaces! ISA opened its second building, the Kirchmair Building, named in honour of founding Managing Director Dieter R. Kirchmair. The new spaces provided a gym, classrooms, and facilities that allowed our growing community to flourish.
Augsburger Land reported on our milestone
In December 2009, Augsburger Land marked the opening of ISA’s second building with this article, celebrating an important chapter in our school’s development.
Marcus Wagner joins ISA
Marcus Wagner joined ISA as the Director of Business and Finance in 2009.
IBPYP / IBDP Authorisation
Having received the PYP authorisation the year prior and the IBDP in 2009, ISA was authorised to provide an IB education for student diplomas to be recognised globally.
2009 — 2010
First IB Diploma graduates
With the class of 2012, ISA proudly celebrated its first 14 graduates at the IHK, a fitting venue for students who had entrusted the school with their educational journey.
2011— 2012
2012— 2013
CIS / NEASC Accreditation
Through accreditation with these two internationally recognised programmes, ISA students gained certified qualifications that ensured global university recognition, complementing the IB Diploma.
Ball court constructed
With the new ball court, students were able to play basketball and football during break. It was an exciting development!
First Zambia immersion trip
With the support of Mr. Kelleher and in partnership with SERVE, ISA launched the Zambia Immersion Project, a school-wide initiative dedicated to supporting communities in Zambia through a variety of meaningful efforts. The project became an annual tradition, continuing until 2019, when it was paused due to the challenges of COVID.
2013— 2014
2016— 2017
Public Limited Stock Corporation (AG) status
ISA became a public limited stock corporation (AG) and began raising capital to support future projects.
Chromebooks and iPads for students
ISA became a technologically advanced program with 1:1 devices provided for all students Grades 3 to 8 and a BYOD policy for Grades 9 to 12.
Career Day 2018
The ISA Alumni and community companies visited the high school to share insight and guidance for students thinking about their future careers. This showcase event was a positive community connector.
2018— 2019
2019 — 2020
Eco-Schools recognition as ISA continues to grow
ISA received Eco-Schools recognition in 2020. Achieving this milestone required strong support from school leaders and the Board, active engagement from staff, and above all, a long-term commitment to sustainability. Central to the programme was empowering students to take part in decision-making, ensuring their voices shaped the school’s environmental journey.
As growth continued and ISA had more than 325 students, the Madagascar containers were added to the campus to provide an additional classroom space as well as office space for the Admin teams.
Learning continues in a time of disruption
With the onset of COVID in early 2020, students and staff shifted to online and hybrid formats that continued over the following years. Thanks to ISA’s established cloud-based environment, the transition between school and home was remarkably smooth, enabling students to continue their learning programmes even while away from campus.
2020 — 2021
Munich Stock Market IPO
In March 2021, ISA successfully completed the IPO of its educational shares on the Munich Stock Exchange. Nearly 600 investors became the first educational shareholders on the German capital market. All ISA Alumni were offered shares to encourage them to continue their connection to ISA.
New campus project kickoff
Planning got underway with the “Phase 0” of ISA’s new campus project. The school began its plans for the new school campus at Gersthofen train station in cooperation with students of the Master’s program in Transformation Design at the Faculty of Design at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences.
2022 — 2023
ISA purchases main building
ISA purchased the Ziegeleistraße building from the Stadtsparkasse in order to gain time before the new campus is realised.
Jessamine Koenig joins ISA
Founding head of school, Cathie Mullen, stepped down and Dr. Jessamine Koenig joined ISA as the new Director of Education.
ISA Plus begins
With a new identity design implemented, the school year extended as a Ganztagsschule with ISA Plus explorations expanding the offerings for creative, physical, and targeted learning opportunities.
A new identity for ISA
In July 2024, ISA unveiled a new brand identity to better reflect who we are as a school and what we stand for. The refreshed look captured the spirit of ISA as more than just a school – a caring, international community where knowledge thrives and students are inspired to grow into global citizens. The new identity was introduced across campus, online platforms, and on updated school apparel, marking an exciting new chapter in ISA’s journey.
2023 — 2024
New spaces added as ISA’s growth continues
Now approaching 400 students enrolled, additional container buildings used for music and movement spaces were added to the ISA campus. This provided a brief respite for the space challenges that have existed for several years already.
ISA celebrates 20 years
For 20 years, ISA has been more than a school – it has been a community of connections, discoveries, and celebrations. Rooted in care and curiosity, ISA inspires open-mindedness, critical thinking, and a true sense of belonging, empowering students to grow into the global citizens of tomorrow. As we look ahead to the next chapter, we celebrate what we have become and what we will be – building our future together.
2025 — 2026
2027 — 2028
Building our future
Looking ahead, ISA will continue to grow as a centre of educational excellence, equipping students with the skills and values to thrive in a changing world, while preparing for the next chapter with plans to move into a new campus in 2028.
Our new campus
Led by Mr. Meixner and designed by Behnisch Architects, our new campus is set to welcome students and staff in 2028. We can’t wait to see the new spaces come to life and all the opportunities they’ll bring for our community to grow.
ISA 20th Anniversary Events
13 NOV 2025
17:00
St. Martin Celebration and Lantern Walk
Keep the traditions of St. Martin alive and join the ELC – Grade 2 students and families for songs and performances culminating in a lantern walk and bonfire evening.
18 DEC 2025
16:00
Christmas Market and Winter Concert
Join us for ISA’s Christmas Market and Concert – a joyful celebration of community, music, and holiday cheer.