Building Belonging: Inside the School Community Association at ISP

At the International School of Prague, building a strong and supporting community is a key part of the school experience.

At the heart of that effort is the School Community Association (SCA), a parent-led group dedicated to bringing students, families, and staff together to make ISP feel like home.

A shared purpose, different journeys

This year’s SCA Board brings together parents from different countries, backgrounds, and life paths, united by a common goal: helping families feel at home at ISP and in Prague. For Jill Graham and Barbora Blackman, both from the United States, Prague became home through US embassy postings for their spouses. With children in the Middle and Upper School, both were drawn to ISP for its strong academic reputation, extensive After-School Activities (ASA) ranging from sports to theatre performances, and a centralised campus that is easily accessible from the city center.

“Beyond academics, it was the sense of safety, proximity, and the ability for our kids to really be part of a whole community.”

Jill Graham, Secretary of the SCA board

Their experiences reflect a common theme among SCA members: the friendships that their families build and the sense of community that they find here at ISP. That sense of connection is echoed by Anisa Kir, another parent on the board of the SCA. 

“I’ve never seen a community like this. Schools can be similar everywhere, but the community makes all the difference.”

Anisa Kir, SCA board member

What the SCA does, and why it matters 

The SCA’s mission is simple but powerful: to support the entire ISP community. Throughout the year, the parent volunteers organise and fund events that bring the ISP community together, from coffee mornings and school dances to bake sales, family bingo, and staff appreciation initiatives.

A highlight of the SCA’s community involvement is the “Let’s Go” trips, which are outings designed for parents to explore Prague and the surrounding region together. These outings range from walks up Petřín Hill to day trips and cultural workshops, which provide invaluable opportunities for new families to explore the city and be a part of the ISP community. 

“For adults, making friends can be just as hard as it is for kids. The SCA creates a space for parents to create meaningful relationships.”

Barbora Blackman, Chair of the SCA Board

The International Food Fair is one of the most anticipated events of the year at ISP, bringing families together to celebrate the rich diversity that defines the school. Families proudly share traditional dishes, music, clothing, and customs from their home countries, transforming the campus into a vibrant gathering of cultures from around the world. These events go beyond celebration, they create meaningful opportunities for families to connect, learn from one another, and feel a sense of belonging.

Beyond events, the SCA also plays an important role in welcoming new families to ISP. Through a parent buddy system, new families are paired with experienced parents, matched by grade level or language, to help them navigate school and daily life in Prague. For many families, this first connection makes all the difference.

Shared experiences, lasting connections 

At ISP, both students and parents connect across 60 nationalities, languages and perspectives, navigating the city, making new friends, and building independence along the way. For ISP parents, it is rewarding to see their child flourish and thrive in an international environment. Both students and parents are able to form friendships across many nationalities and gain a worldview that extends far beyond one country. Parents consistently describe how the ISP environment has shaped not only their children’s confidence, independence, and openness but also for themselves as well.

“They (students) learn that the world is bigger than one place. They are learning to see things from other people’s perspectives and to value these new experiences you wouldn’t get elsewhere.”

Barbora Blackman, Chair of the SCA Board 

Building for the future 

Looking ahead, SCA hopes to deepen student involvement and to collaborate closely with Student Councils and Clubs to give students an outlet to take responsibility and to inspire them to be leaders. The vision is not only to support students but to empower them as active contributors to their community.

Want to find out more about SCA?

Three words that reflect the spirit of the SCA: accepting, connected, and supportive. SCA strives to provide a community where families from around the world don’t just find a school, but a true sense of belonging. At ISP, the SCA brings families together in a shared journey of connection, collaboration, and discovery. 

Through these experiences, parents not only build lasting friendships but also shape a community where every family feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to be a part of something bigger.

Parent volunteers play a pivotal role in the SCA, and there are many ways to get involved. Whether helping organise events, supporting fundraising initiatives, contributing ideas for school programmes, volunteering at community events or becoming a  new parent buddy, every contribution strengthens the sense of connection among families. Click here to find more information on how to get involved and follow us on Instagram.

Annual SCA events to look forward to:
New Families Orientation
Let’s Go Trips 
Welcome Back Party 
Winter Fair 
Family Bingo 
Valentine’s Day Bake Sale
Coffee with Counsellors 
Friday Night Social 
Staff Appreciation Lunch 
Coffee with Content 
Car Boot Sale 
International Food Festival 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the SCA Board 2025/26 and all parents who contribute their time, energy, and ideas to the ISP community.

Your dedication helps make the school a welcoming, inspiring, and connected place for families. Every effort, big or small, creates community and a sense of belonging and makes a real difference.