The International School of Ouagadougou is founded on the firm belief in the dignity and worth of each student. Maximum intellectual growth of each child in school can be achieved by guiding him through a comprehensive sequential course in basic academic and communication skills, with emphasis on developing his ability to think clearly, logically and independently. Social growth can be nurtured through emphasis on cooperation and consideration for others, both in the classroom and on the campus, and through encouraging the development of self -respect and self-discipline in each child. In addition, children in an international setting need special guidance in developing respect for, and appreciation of, cultural, social and political differences.  

While the formal advocacy of no one specific political system is appropriate, the ISO itself is committed to democratic procedures and practices in its policy-making and daily operations, thus setting an example for students to follow. The physical development of a child can be aided by the school through adequate opportunity for exercise and play, but the school cannot presume to cater adequately by itself to this aspect of a child's development. The formation of artistic and musical skills and appreciation can similarly be encouraged through special classroom projects and extra-curricular school-sponsored programs. These school-wide offerings should be supplemented by opportunities in the wider community. Likewise, a warm, supportive, though guiding, atmosphere in the school can foster healthy emotional growth in a child, while in no way meeting his/her total needs in this developmental area.

The education of a child should encourage the development of personal values and a thinking process which will facilitate intelligent adaptability to their own changing circumstances and to a changing world. The ability to adapt to change rests upon: a firm foundation of basic knowledge; firmly held personal convictions, coupled with tolerance of others' beliefs; and the realization learning extends beyond the school building and beyond the school years. It is the job of a good school to contribute to all three of these fundamental attributes of a well-developed person.

Therefore, excellence in an international school does not depend primarily on an exhaustive list of course offerings nor on extensive physical facilities. Far more important to the quality of education given by the school are the following factors:

A.     Close and understanding relationships between teachers and staff and small groups of students, such an atmosphere allowing a large measure of adaptation to meet individual needs even in a situation where special education classes cannot be offered.

B.     Interest of parents and community members in serving on the School Board and in contributing to school and extracurricular activities for children.

C.     Flexibility of all those concerned with school operations in coping with widely varying student bodies, staff availability, and school board composition along with changing local conditions from year to year. Such flexibility allows the school, among other adaptations, to take advantage of the special expertise of teachers who may be in the city for only a year or two.  

•  The students will follow a basic academic program that integrates musical, artistic, and athletic skills to enhance the student’s capacity to think critically, logically, and independently.

• The student will respect the dignity of all community members at all times and appreciate the cultural, social, and political differences.

• A student will grow socially in a positive atmosphere built upon methods of cooperation and consideration.

• The student will demonstrate knowledge of the local community and awareness of the host country.