International School of Brussels (ISB) full description

The International School of Brussels (ISB) is one of Belgium’s leading educational institutions, offering education to students from all over the world. Founded in 1951, ISB is located in the heart of Brussels and attracts students from 70 countries. The school combines innovative educational programs with extracurricular activities, creating a supportive environment for all-round development. Thanks to its international approach, ISB has earned recognition as one of the best schools in Brussels and Europe.

History of creation

The International School of Brussels (ISB), founded in 1951, is a prestigious international organization in Belgium. It was initially created for foreign children whose parents worked for international organizations, including NATO headquarters located near Brussels. The school quickly grew and developed, adapting its educational programs for children.

Stages of development:

• Founded in 1951 for children of diplomats and NATO employees.
• Gradual expansion of campus and academic programs.
• The introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the 1970s.
• Transition to modern teaching technologies and integration of innovative approaches.

Since ISB opened its doors, it has become an important center for international education, offering cutting-edge educational programs and extracurricular activities to students from all over the world. Over the years, the school has repeatedly updated its educational processes, introducing innovative teaching methods and modern technologies. As a result, the International School of Brussels not only preserves its rich traditions, but also successfully adapts to the challenges of a globalized world, remaining one of the best schools in Brussels.

Interesting fact: ISB was one of the first schools in Europe to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

Location and how to get there

The International School of Brussels (ISB) is located in the southern part of the city, in the green district of Watermael-Boitsfort. The school is located at Kattenberg 19, 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels. This area has good transport accessibility, which makes it easy to get to the school by both private and public transport.

Nearest public transport stops:

• Boitsfort tram stop The Gare (tram line 8) is just a few minutes’ walk from the campus.
• Chant bus stop d’Oiseau (bus lines 95 and 96) also provides convenient access for students and parents.
• Watermael station is located close to the school, making travel even more convenient for families living outside Brussels.

Thanks to a variety of transport options, parents and students can easily reach ISB by car, bike or public transport, making the school accessible to everyone living both in Brussels and beyond.

Fun fact: ISB encourages the use of green transport and provides convenient parking spaces for bicycles and electric cars.

Educational programs

The International School of Brussels (ISB) offers a variety of educational programs to suit different levels and interests of students. The main emphasis is on an international education, which helps students to be competitive on a global level.

Key programs include:

• The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the most prestigious programmes, recognised worldwide, which prepares students for admission to leading universities.
• The American Diploma Program is designed for those planning to continue their education at US universities, with an emphasis on individual educational trajectories and a wide choice of subjects.
• English Language Assistance (EAL) – for students who are learning English as a foreign language. The program helps them quickly master English for full-fledged study.
• Special programs for students with special needs – ISB works with children with various learning difficulties, creating conditions for their successful integration into the educational process.

The educational programs at ISB give every student the opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of their level of preparation and future goals. The school offers many areas for development, which makes it attractive to students from all over the world.

Fun fact: ISB is one of the schools that is actively implementing technology in education, providing students with tablets and laptops to use in class.

Additional educational programs

The International School of Brussels (ISB) aims to develop its students in all areas, with a range of extracurricular activities. Each student can find clubs and activities that suit their interests and help them develop a variety of skills outside of the curriculum.

Key clubs and programs include:

• Sports Clubs: ISB offers a variety of sports such as football, basketball, swimming, tennis and volleyball. Students can participate in training programs as well as in competitions at regional and international levels.
• Music and Drama Studios: Students can take part in orchestras, choirs, theatre productions and musicals. These clubs help develop creativity and self-confidence.
• Interest Clubs: ISB has a variety of clubs, including programming, robotics, ecology, and chess. These clubs provide opportunities to expand knowledge in specific areas and try out new disciplines.
• Cultural and Language Clubs: The school offers additional language courses as well as cultural events where students can learn more about different countries and cultures.

Extracurricular activities at ISB help students not only develop physically and intellectually, but also find new hobbies, strengthening a sense of collective responsibility and mutual assistance.

Fun Fact: Every year ISB holds a “Cultural Day” where students from different countries can present their national traditions through dance.

How to enroll in school, requirements for students

The admission process to the International School of Brussels is quite simple, but it does require certain conditions to be met. First of all, parents must fill out an online application on the school’s official website. The application must be accompanied by copies of the student’s previous academic reports and language proficiency.

There are a number of entry requirements to the International School of Brussels (ISB) that help ensure that the school’s expectations are matched to the students’ abilities. These requirements are aimed at creating a friendly and productive learning environment.

Key requirements include:

• Age restrictions. Each level of education has its own age limits. For example, to enter primary school, children must be a certain age at the start of the school year.
• Academic performance. A preliminary assessment of the student’s academic performance is important upon admission. The school reviews reports on results from previous years of study to ensure that the child is ready for the new educational level.
• Proficiency in English. Since the language of instruction at ISB is English, a certain level of English proficiency is required, especially for new students entering secondary school. If English is not your first language, a language proficiency test may be required.
• Personal interview: Some students may be required to have an interview with teachers, which will assess both academic skills and personal qualities such as motivation and collaboration.
• References: It is recommended to provide references from previous teachers or educational institutions, which will help assess the student’s social and academic skills.

These requirements help to ensure the successful integration of students into the ISB international educational environment, contributing to the creation of a harmonious and productive learning environment.

Interesting fact: ISB accepts students from all over the world, so the class can include children with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, which enriches the educational process.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees at the International School of Brussels depend on the student’s age and the chosen program. As of 2024, the annual tuition fees are:

• Pre-school education: about 25,000 euros.
• Primary school: about 30,000 euros.
• Middle and high school: up to €40,000.

In addition, there are a number of additional fees, such as registration fees and fees for study materials. The price is affected by additional services, such as food or transportation. The cost of studying at ISB is high, but it is justified by the level of educational programs and extracurricular activities offered.

Fun fact: ISB offers scholarships to certain students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement or athletic prowess.

The International School of Brussels (ISB) is a unique educational institution that combines a high level of academic education with a rich extracurricular program. With an international environment, a variety of curricula and a caring attitude towards each student, the school offers a favorable environment for development. From primary education to high school, ISB helps children to reach their potential and prepare for a successful future.