ICS Student and Family Involvement

International Community School (ICS) cultivates curiosity, complex reasoning, problem solving, and global awareness in every student. The emphasis on visual and performing arts, humanities, and international studies and extended learning programs offered at ICS require funding beyond the per-pupil allotment provided by Lake Washington School District and Washington State. Programs at ICS exist because of the essential commitment of ICS staff, the ICS Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), and all ICS families.

Over the last decades, ICS families have contributed well over $3 Million and hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours to create, build, and maintain our unique learning environment. 

ICS Staff Commitment / Grant Funding
ICS staff actively pursue grant funding for specific needs related to education and community stewardship projects. Since ICS opened in 1999, the community has secured well over $50,000 per school year in grant funding to directly support student programs.

ICS Family Contributions in time, expertise and resources (money)
Family contributions are essential to sustaining the extended learning programs that make ICS distinctive: Focus Week, Camp Phoenix and extracurricular clubs.  ICS families need to join and actively participate in the ICS PTSA. Supporting the community includes paying PTSA fees and recording yearly volunteer hours.

ICS Student and Family Expectations

Financial Assistance: “All are welcome!” Confidential financial assistance for some program expenses is available through the ICS counseling office. Flexible volunteer arrangements are also available through the PTSA board. Families who wish to donate to the financial assistance program are welcome to do so.

Volunteer Commitment
Volunteer Hours: minimum 30 hours per year per family.  ICS extended learning programs: Camp Phoenix, Phoenix Day, Focus Week, and special projects depend on extensive and essential family volunteer participation. The breadth and quality of these programs are only possible when families actively contribute their time.

Financial Contributions
ICS PTSA Membership: All ICS families are expected to join the PTSA.  As a school community, ICS is committed to no school-sponsored fundraising programs, but each family is asked to make an annual fall contribution (average range $225–$500 per child; some families contribute well over $1,000 per year) to the ICS PTSA, in lieu of all other fundraisers.
In 2025/26 the minimum expected contribution is $225 at beginning of the school year.

ASB: Associated Student Body (official student government organization): All students are expected to join the ASB; $40 annual fee.

Camp Phoenix (fall overnight camp): All students participate.  In 2025/26, each student pays approximately $250 for food/supplies/lodging for camp.

Clubs: ICS offers a wide range of clubs, and they are a key part of the ICS experience.  Activities & Clubs - International Community School. Clubs: Have a teacher assigned and depend on family volunteers and financial contributions. Some clubs are free, others require fees. For clubs like FBLA, Mock Trial, MUN, HOSA or FBLA, expect $200-$400 per year to attend competitions. Some clubs are competing on state and national levels, require students to travel to participate. Flight and accommodation can cost over $1,000 per student per event. Parent volunteers (4+ days) are essential as chaperones. The Ski Bus requires families to provide Ski passes and equipment in addition to the fee for the bus itself.

Corporate Matching: Many employers offer matching donations for charitable contributions of money or volunteer time. The ICS PTSA is a 501(c)(3) organization. Matching funds received by the PTSA are used for programs, supplies, and expenses that benefit all students.

Focus Week (spring):  Students select from activities offered by ICS teachers (and supported by family volunteers). Cost varies from free to $400 for local activities and up to $2,500 for occasional cross-country travel opportunities.
Grade 9 and 12 overnight camp experiences for all students cost approximately $300-500.  Scholarships are available.

Material Fees: Usually around $100 per year and student (e.g. art, science and music materials).

Transportation: Plan for daily transportation to and from school. ICS PTSA organizes a thriving carpool system for families across the district. Additionally, there is a lottery-based shuttle bus offered by the LWSD at an annual cost.