IASA History
A legacy of nurturing the talents of our nation’s best and brightest.
In 1987, Raphi Amram (z”l) and Mary Jane Asher (z”l) and Robert H. Asher (z”l) undertook to make their vision—a high school for high-achieving and motivated students combining art and science—a reality.
For years, the three had advocated for the establishment of a school that would give Israel’s brightest students the best opportunity to reach their full potential.
IASA Founders Mary Jane (z”l) and Robert H. Asher (z”l)
IASA Founder Raphi Amram (z"l)
The land that became IASA.
Construction site, January 24, 1990.
Work in progress building IASA.
A rare snowy day at IASA. Sculpture in foreground: The Wind, by Danny Kafri, in memory of Charles Schusterman.
Aiming at an estimable goal
The Founders assembled a distinguished international panel of academicians, scientists, artists and musicians. They drew up plans for an academy that would welcome high-achieving students from every corner of Israel, with a focus on the periphery.
Then fate stepped in
The preparation of the architectural blueprints, the submission of the plans to—and approval by—51 separate municipal agencies, and the construction of the academic and housing facilities in Jerusalem, was a protracted process that would typically take three years. Miraculously, it was all completed in 15 months, and on September 2, 1990, the Israel Arts and Science Academy—a school destined to make an incredible contribution to Israel—opened its doors to its first class of high school students.
A proud history of excellence and accomplishment
Since that day, IASA students and graduates have achieved at an unprecedented academic level, and have contributed to society at an outsized rate. IASA has become a powerful force advancing excellence in education and commitment to the community.