1. All Are Welcome Here
All voices are valued at Harbor City. Our close-knit community of teachers, students and families care about each other and want to hear what we all have to say. We encourage expression and celebrate differences. With tuition-free enrollment, all are truly welcome at HCIS.
2. Top Ranked Academics
Our 7th-12th grade curriculum prioritizes high standards of learning and challenging classes. We significantly outperform other schools in our state in both testing results, and are ranked #20 in Minnesota high schools and #1 in Duluth. Students and staff partner in individualized, challenging learning where curiosity is encouraged and work is done ethically.
3. Inspired Learning
Our unique symposium model takes students out of classrooms three weeks each year to explore a specific area of study. Through hands-on, experiential learning, symposium topics can be academic, service-oriented, or simply a deep dive into a subject, and often lead to lifelong interests for our graduates.
4. Community Connections
Our building is filled with natural light and student artwork, and our location in Downtown Duluth enables us to extend student learning into our community. We regularly take walking field trips to the YMCA, the waterfront, and local nonprofit agencies.
5. Values Matter
Our “5R’s” values statement has guided our culture since our founding and inspires students through character education that they can apply to their lives both inside and outside the classroom. Posted prominently throughout our school, the 5R’s include Respect, Responsibility, Relationship, Reach, and Resilience.
6. Robust Arts & Music
Harbor City is known for our robust arts program, which offers opportunities for in-school and after-school visual art, music and theater programs for beginning through advanced students. Public performances include a fall play and spring musical; choir and band concerts (including an Appalachian string pep band); and CITS Music History and Listening, which earns college credits through Lake Superior College.
7. Global Perspectives
We are committed to environmental education: our students participate in community clean ups; our ACT Action Club Team empowers students to take action on environmental issues; and service-learning symposiums have featured excursions into nearby wilderness areas and guest lectures on outdoor careers. We connect local change with a global perspective, fostering the next generation of global citizens.
8. We Reach All Learners
All learners can thrive at Harbor City - from students needing extra support to those who want to engage more deeply in their learning. Our innovative teaching model features inquiry-based activities and a low student-to-teacher ratio. For motivated learners, we offer challenging AP, CITS and PSEO courses. We also offer a variety of academic and SEL supports for students that need them.
9. Small School Culture
Harbor City is a small school with a big heart. With a maximum of 250 students across six grades, our students benefit from an intimate learning environment and small class sizes. Our small school size enables staff to know students - and their families - personally. When students enroll here, they often report that they’ve found a sense of belonging - that they’re understood and known by their peers and teachers.
10. We Partner for Student Success
Harbor City sees students, teachers and families as crucial partners in student success. Our teachers and students challenge each other, advocate for one another, and learn together in a culture of respect. Families are welcome on campus and develop supportive relationships with school teachers and staff. By partnering together, HCIS ensures that students are always at the center of our school’s educational climate.
These are just some of the ways that Harbor City International School serves students with top-notch education in a caring school environment. Are you interested in learning more about how HCIS can be a fit for your student? Contact us and enroll today.
About Harbor City International School
Harbor City International School is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 7-12 in the Duluth, Minnesota area. Our highly ranked academic curriculum is augmented by robust arts and inspiring experiential symposiums, all in a warm and welcoming small school environment. Join the next generation of global citizens at Harbor City International School today! Enrolling now.
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