The International School of Brussels (ISB), founded in 1951, is an independent, nonprofit day school which offers an international education for students from age 3 to 19 for students of all nationalities.
Organization: The Board of Trustees has approximately 18 members and three to four ex-officio members. There are also a number of honorary trustees. All the trustees are volunteers. To ensure continuity and an institutional memory in a population with a 25% turnover each year, the board strives for a balance of long-term and short-term members. Board members are appointed for three-year renewable terms, with a maximum length of service of nine years. The board has representation from different nationalities to reflect the school’s international population. Each member serves on one of the standing committees or on an ad hoc committee, depending on his or her area of expertise.
Curriculum: The school has an international curriculum designed to develop independent learners and international citizens. The language of instruction is English with French being taught from the age of 5. There is an extensive English-as-a-Second-Language program. Other languages include Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese. High School prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma as well as the IB Careers-related Diploma. All students who complete our High School program receive a US High School Diploma. In addition, students may opt to enter the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program or the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Program. Students in our special education program receive the ISB Individualized Diploma. The school has the largest competitive athletics program in Europe, including the only American football program in a European international school. It is equally committed to education in the Arts, with extensive programs in the visual and performing arts. ISB offers a summer camp and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including an outdoor-education international award program. The school is also highly committed to learning through technology with all students from grade 3 provided with mobile devices. ISB is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools.
Faculty: In the 2020-2021 school year, there are 224 full-time faculty members.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, enrollment was 1,365.
Facilities: ISB occupies an outstanding campus comprising 45 acres of woodland situated in the southeast end of Brussels. The campus houses the 4 school divisions, from Early Childhood Center to high school and the school’s administrative hub, the Chateau de Fougères. ISB has excellent facilities, including 2 multipurpose gyms, 2 all-weather sports fields, an athletic track, a fitness center, an indoor climbing wall, and covered tennis courts. Vehicle access is strictly controlled, and all adults wear security badges. The campus is fenced and supervised by an efficient security team and monitored by CCTV. This upgrade is purely preventive and has not affected the welcoming atmosphere of the school or physical beauty of the campus.
Finances: In the 2020-2021 school year, annual tuition ranges from €18,310-€39,515. (All fees quoted in euros.)
Information and statistics are current as of September 2020 and provided by the school.