Twin Cities International Schools kicks off the 2025-2026 school year with an engaging open house, highlighting its commitment to community, cultural appreciation, and student success.
Minneapolis, MN — On August 26, 2025, Twin Cities International Schools (TCIS) welcomed parents and students to a lively open house event, heralding the start of the 2025-2026 school year. From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the school gym buzzed with activity as families lined up to receive directions, have their classes assigned, and meet their teachers for the upcoming academic year.
The warm atmosphere was palpable, thanks to School Director Abdirashid Warsame and school principal Kelli Wilson, who greeted each family with enthusiasm. Their welcoming demeanor underscored TCIS’s commitment to not just being a school, but a community dedicated to supporting its students and their families. Parents engaged with staff, exchanged smiles, and explored the diverse offerings of the school, creating an infectious energy throughout the gym.
Voices from the Community
During the open house, we spoke with several parents and students about their experiences at TCIS. Farah, a 7th grader who has attended TCIS since kindergarten, expressed her gratitude for the school’s high expectations. “I learned skills such as how to solve stuff on your own with no teacher helping,” she shared. “I like the school because I feel safe, and my culture is appreciated.” Farah’s comments reflect TCIS’s mission to create a nurturing environment that respects and values the cultural backgrounds of its students.
Hibaaq Mohamed, a parent of five TCIS students, including a graduate who is now thriving in high school, voiced her deep trust in the school’s commitment to academic and behavioral standards. “I trust this school with my children in terms of academics and behavior, and I can say this is the best school in Minneapolis,” she told Somali Media of Minnesota. Hibaaq praised the strong relationships between parents and the administration, highlighting the prompt communication about students’ needs. Accompanied by four of her children in 8th, 6th, 4th, and 1st grades, her daughter Sumeya proudly stated, “My whole life,” when asked how long she has been at TCIS, emphasizing her long-standing connection to the school.
Another parent, Habon Osman Ahmed, echoed similar sentiments. With two daughters who graduated from TCIS—one holding a college degree and the other currently attending university—she shared her satisfaction with the school’s offerings. Currently, she has two children in 8th and 3rd grades. “The school has a close relationship with parents,” she emphasized, encouraging parental involvement. Speaking in Somali, she urged other parents to actively engage with teachers and administrators, stating, “If parents are engaged with their child’s teachers and the admin, the children will get the help they need at this stage of their lives.”
A Commitment to Culturally Relevant Education
As the open house concluded, the sense of community and commitment to student success at Twin Cities International Schools was unmistakable. This dedication reflects TCIS’s mission: to prepare all students for future success in academics and life. Founded in 2005 by community leaders in North Minneapolis, TCIS was established to meet the educational needs of East African immigrant families, recognizing the necessity for culturally relevant education and creating an environment that honors the unique backgrounds of its students.
TCIS remains dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers its diverse student body while preparing them for success in a global society. The school employs culturally responsive teaching methods, integrating curriculum materials that reflect the experiences and histories of East African students.
The Role of Charter Schools in Minnesota
Charter schools, like TCIS, have played a significant role in Minnesota’s educational landscape since their establishment in the state in 1991. Today, over 160 charter schools in Minnesota offer diverse educational options that cater to various communities’ unique needs. These schools emphasize flexibility, innovation, and a focus on student outcomes, allowing them to tailor their educational approaches to better serve their students and families.
As families embrace the upcoming school year, TCIS’s open house showcased not only the school’s commitment to its students but also the vibrant community that supports their growth and success.
