About » Why Choose Harbor City International School?

Why Choose Harbor City International School?

Harbor City International School (HCIS) is a tuition-free 7th–12th grade public charter school in Duluth, Minnesota—and we have it all:

✅ Top-tier academics
✅ Inspiring extracurriculars
✅ A warm, inclusive community
 
A student and a teacher are working together in a Harbor City classroom

Top Academics

At HCIS, students are challenged and supported to reach their highest potential.

  • Rigorous, academically excellent curriculum
  • Standout results—locally and statewide
  • Inquiry-based learning with AP, CITS, and PSEO course options
  • Personalized academic support for every 7–12 student

Engaged Learning

School shouldn’t just be about tests. At HCIS, students explore, create, and discover.

  • Hands-on, experiential learning opportunities
  • Unique symposium classes that dive deep into new ideas
  • Robust programs in visual arts, music, and theater
  • Environmental education that connects learning with the natural world

A Culture of Caring

We’re more than a school—we’re a community.

  • Small school feel with a close-knit community
  • Expression is encouraged; every student’s voice matters
  • Service learning builds empathy and connects us to our city
  • Low student-teacher ratios lead to meaningful mentorship

 

When you choose Harbor City, you’re joining a school that puts students first—in learning, creativity, and connection.