The United Nations International School (UNIS) is the school of the United Nations, and is a Pre-K-to-12th grade, coeducational, International Baccalaureate, college-preparatory day school. Founded in 1947 by a group of United Nations parents to provide an international education for their children, UNIS has grown into an internationally recognized educational institution. Today, UNIS has 1,600 students and two campuses (Manhattan and Queens). UNIS was one of the founding schools of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and was among those awarding the first diplomas. The comprehensive Pre K-12 curriculum prepares UNIS students for the IB, and the school’s internationally recognized academic standards enable our students to study in top colleges and universities in the United States and worldwide.
Our students represent 109 countries, and are offered far more than solid grounding in classic and contemporary academic discipline. The UNIS international education enables students to become cognizant of the differences among the world’s people and to work together for the benefit of humankind.
Campus Information
UNIS Manhattan is located on a site overlooking the East River one mile south of the United Nations. This campus enrolls children in prekindergarten through 12th grade. UNIS Queens is located in Jamaica Estates, a suburb approximately thirteen miles east of the Manhattan Campus. This campus enrolls children in kindergarten through 8th grade. At the 9th grade level, UNIS Queens students may automatically transfer to the Manhattan Campus.
UNIS at a Glance
In 1972, on the school's twenty-fifth anniversary, UNIS Manhattan opened its doors on East 25th Street overlooking the East River.
In 1983, UNIS Queens moved to its current location in residential Jamaica Estates.
Our Students
"UNIS is a school where we learn peace and tolerance. I have friends from all around the world. It's so much fun!"
Hippolyte, Junior School Student
"I learned many valuable skills and I made many friends from different countries...I am happy to be in the UNIS because of the staff and faculty"
Evelyn, Junior School Student
"We wish to develop an understanding of and a connection between the United Nations and our school."
Tutorial House, Model UN Students
icon
1600
students enrolled
icon
109
countries represented by students
icon
69
countries represented by faculty
icon
9
languages offered
icon
91
mother-tongue languages spoken by students
icon
IB
founding school, bilingual diplomas offered
icon
50%
UN families
icon
500+
students attending since kindergarten