About Us
Our Core Principles
The purpose of education is to hand down and sharpen timeless ideas.
Higher education should be rooted in the American cause of liberty and our rich history. A university degree should prepare students to be patriotic and conscientious leaders.
Discourse is central to a flourishing society.
Western civilization is the story of the search for truth through debate and discourse. Academia should reflect this tradition and preserve the freedoms of speech and thought.
Our nation’s civic life should be grounded in the full heritage of Western civilization.
From Athens to Jerusalem, Rome to London, our American order draws on the religion and rhetoric, art and architecture, philosophy and science of ages past. The educated American must understand and appreciate this legacy, not as dead relics, but as a living flame.
History and Foundation
Filling the Void in Higher Education
In the early 1950s, we recognized the gaping void in higher education.
Progressive ideas were in vogue; conservative ones were ignored or attacked. (Sound familiar?)
Under the leadership of our first president, a young journalist named William F. Buckley Jr., we began mentoring young men and women to become eloquent defenders of the principles of liberty.
And that’s exactly what we do today.
We cultivate a vibrant community of students, faculty, and alumni and teach foundational principles that are rarely taught in the classroom—the core ideas behind the free market, the American Founding, and Western civilization.
Our graduates become leaders in their communities, in their states, and on the national and global stages.
Thousands of thoughtful, principled leaders have come through ISI’s programs, including the following:
- Supreme Court justice Neil Gorsuch
- Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito
- PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel
- Heritage Foundation founder Ed Feulner
- Hillsdale College president Larry Arnn
- Reason Magazine editor Katherine Mangu-Ward
- See a full list of our notable alumni here.
The ISI Campus
A Place of Timeless Wisdom
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute campus embodies the perfect harmony of intellectual pursuit and natural beauty, making it a unique haven for learners, thinkers, and creators alike. Situated in the heart of the Brandywine Valley, our campus serves as a vibrant center for education, debate, and discovery, all within an environment that inspires and invigorates.
Linda L. Bean Conference Center
Generously endowed by Linda L. Bean, this modern facility blends elegance with functionality, providing an ideal setting for seminars, workshops, and lectures. With its state-of-the-art amenities and inspiring setting, the center fosters deep discussions on America’s founding principles, surrounded by the natural beauty and artistic heritage of the region.
Joining the ISI Community
You don’t have to look far to see the problems plaguing America’s college campuses. A hollowed-out curriculum. Attacks on free speech. Students who feel isolated and even threatened if they question progressive orthodoxy. Thoughtful students turn to ISI to receive the education they thought they signed up for but aren’t getting at their schools. We don’t train activists; we educate talented, intellectually curious students and bring them into our vibrant intellectual community.
If you yearn for wisdom, thoughtful discussion, and a tight community of lasting influence, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll introduce you to the rich traditions of liberty, connect you with an engaged community, and help you become an effective advocate for timeless principles.
Join our community today to start filling the void in your own education. We can’t wait to have you!
Join Us
We warmly invite you to explore what it means to be part of ISI.
Email [email protected] or call (302) 652-4600.
Whether you’re considering attending one of our events, participating in our educational programs, looking for a graduate fellowship, or seeking a new career ISI offers a unique blend of intellectual rigor and natural beauty. Discover the enriching experiences that await you in the Brandywine Valley and take the first step towards joining a community that values tradition, cherishes liberty, and inspires excellence.
