Our History

In 1947, a group of United Nations parents collaborated with a shared vision to provide an international education for their children, leading to the founding of UNIS. The school opened in Lake Success, NY with just thirty-six students representing fifteen countries and speaking ten languages. This diverse beginning shaped UNIS’s enduring mission as a multicultural, international school that welcomes students of all races, national origins, religions, and cultural identities, in the spirit of the United Nations. Today, UNIS continues to intentionally weave this mission into every aspect of our vibrant campus community.
 

In 1950, UNIS relocated to Parkway Village in Queens and began a period of rapid expansion to accommodate additional grade levels and a growing student body. With the opening of the new campus, Henri Laugier, Chairman of the International League of Human Rights and Assistant Secretary-General for Social Affairs, presented the United Nations flag to the school on behalf of the Secretary-General. Displayed prominently above the front entrance, the UN flag became a lasting symbol of UNIS’s commitment to diversity, intercultural exchange, and academic excellence.

In 1958, UNIS relocated once again, this time to a vacant public school building at First Avenue and 70th Street in Manhattan. By then, the school offered six primary grades, a Secondary Sequence for middle school students, and tutorial classes designed to prepare high school students for college-preparatory examinations.

In 1959, UNIS received a visit from Eleanor Roosavelt and the Board of Trustees was founded. 
 

In 1964, UNIS was proud to celebrate its first official graduating class, with the student’s diplomas being handed by U Thant, the acting UN Secretary General. During this time period, UN Diplomats and leaders began to recognize the excellence and uniqueness of UNIS, with U Thant saying “there, children of different races and nationalities, religions and cultures live side by side. That intermingling afforded opportunities for combining the technology of the West with the intellectual qualities and philosophy of the East. United by their similarities and enriched by their differences, UNIS pupils were growing and learning in a harmonious atmosphere of work and co-operation.”

In 1965, UNIS received generous funding of $7.5 million from the Ford Foundation and $1 million from the Rockefeller family to support the construction of a new school building at the end of 25th Street along the East River. This landmark project established UNIS at the beautiful riverside campus we proudly occupy today.

In 1967, UNIS established itself as a center for academic excellence by becoming a founding school of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, alongside ten other institutions worldwide. Drawn to the IB’s rigorous curriculum and international focus, UNIS adopted the Diploma Programme as its highest academic offering. This meaningful decision has continued to benefit students seeking admission to universities both within and beyond the United States, preparing them for advanced academic study and earning them a globally recognized diploma.

In 1968, UNIS moved locations once again from 70th street to 51st street and 54th street awaiting the construction of the new building.
 

In 1971, a commemorative United Nations postage stamp featuring a Pablo Picasso painting of his daughter was issued to raise funds for UNIS and the International School of Geneva. That same year, an architectural firm was commissioned to design UNIS’s new riverside campus, working in collaboration with the Ford Foundation and leading architects to ensure a building of exceptional quality and design. Secretary-General U Thant marked the start of construction with a ceremony in the UN General Assembly Hall, during which he dedicated a cornerstone plaque to the new UNIS building. Construction was completed in 1972, and UNIS welcomed 1,200 students to its new permanent campus.

In 1974, the first UNIS sports teams were founded and the outdoor environmental program began. The following year, the school expanded its language programs to include Japanese, German, Chinese, and Arabic. 

In 1977, UNIS teacher Sylvia Gordon inspired students to create an annual forum for discussing pressing sociopolitical issues with peers from around the world. This vision evolved into UNIS–UN, a student-led conference held each year in the United Nations General Assembly Hall. UNIS–UN brings together more than 300 students to collaborate on complex global topics, empowering them to think critically, work collectively, and inspire positive change for the future. The first UN Day was held this year to celebrate the diversity of the school’s global community. 
 

In 1982, UNIS bought a new building in Jamaica Estates to provide green spaces, a playground, a gym, and classrooms for Junior School and Middle School students. UNIS Queens would provide a safe and enriching school environment for students for 40 years to come. 

In 1989, UN Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar visited UNIS to speak to the school about the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. 
 

In 1991, the Yokohama Peace Messenger programme began, creating a legacy of cross cultural collaboration that continues today. The Tut House Delaware River Canoe Trip also has its inaugural debut this year.

In 1996, the UNIS Environmental Studies programme is supported by an annual trip on the Hudson and a visit to Clearwater Ecological Center. 

In 1997, UNIS marked its 50th anniversary with a Festival of Lights celebrating the creativity and diversity of the UNIS community. The event featured music performances, film screenings, and art presentations, culminating in a gala dinner held at the River Café in Brooklyn.

In 1999, Secretary-General Kofi Annan delivers the UNIS Graduation Speech and distributes diplomas to the graduates

In 2000, UNIS began hosting large-scale musical productions for Middle School students, expanding access to high-quality, immersive arts programs. 

In 2007, UNIS pledged to “Go Green” by committing to prioritize sustainability through the daily operations of the school. 
 

In 2016, UNIS students had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the signing of the Paris Agreement in the United Nations General Assembly Hall. To mark this historic moment, students wore light blue shirts reading “Your Promise, Our Future.” UNIS is proud to offer experiences that allow students to witness and celebrate the achievements of the United Nations, empowering them to envision a hopeful future and inspiring them to become agents of change themselves.

In 2017, UNIS celebrated its 70th anniversary with a series of events reflecting on the school’s history and achievements. UNIS’s journey from its humble beginnings in Lake Success to its standing as a respected institution underscores its enduring mission to provide an exceptional education rooted in international collaboration.
 

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, UNIS, like schools worldwide, adapted to new challenges while remaining committed to its mission. To enhance the learning experience from home, UNIS launched weekly Master Classes, bringing distinguished guests from diverse fields directly to students through virtual exchanges. Notable speakers included a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, a Tony Award–winning actor, the creator of The Daily Show, and the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In 2022, UNIS marked its 75th anniversary with a yearlong celebration highlighting the school’s achievements, particularly its close partnership with the United Nations. Courtenay Rattray, UN Chef de Cabinet, addressed the UNIS community, including the Board of Trustees, UN Permanent Representatives, parents, students, and staff, celebrating the school’s ongoing success and global impact.