Curricula offered in international schools in Brussels

Complete list and explanations of international school curricula in Brussels and surrounding areas.

Understanding curricula in international schools in Brussels

Finding the right school for your child in Brussels also means understanding the different academic programmes (or “curricula”) they may offer. And that’s not always easy: between acronyms, different teaching methods, diplomas and grade levels, it’s easy to get lost.

This page has been designed as an essential reference point for families: here, you’ll find a clear, structured and reliable overview of all the curricula taught in international schools across the Brussels region.

Whether international, national, European or alternative, these programmes meet a wide range of needs depending on your language, mobility, educational values or your child’s future studies.

This page helps you understand the differences between each curriculum, learn their key characteristics, and identify the programme best suited to your family’s situation.

Curriculum International Schools in Brussels

List of educational programmes and curricula

International Curricula

So-called “international” curricula were specifically designed for global use. They are tailored to students from diverse backgrounds, often on the move, and promote a global-minded approach focused on cross-cultural competencies, languages, and critical thinking.

Among these programmes, you’ll find:

The International Baccalaureate (IB), recognised in over 150 countries
The International Curriculum (IEYC, IPC, IMYC), based on thematic learning and interdisciplinary teaching
The Cambridge International Curriculum, the international version of the British system
The DoDEA programme, designed for children of U.S. military families stationed abroad

These curricula are often chosen by international families seeking to ensure educational continuity during relocations or to provide their children with a universally recognised academic foundation.

> List of international curricula

National Curricula

These programmes come from national education systems (French, Belgian, German, British, Japanese), but once implemented in international schools, they are systematically adapted to meet the multicultural and multilingual realities of the students.

Even though these curricula retain their official structure, their implementation in international schools differs from that in standard national schools:

Teachers take into account the diversity of cultural and linguistic backgrounds
The teaching approach is more flexible, often more open to interdisciplinarity and individualisation
The school environment is international by nature (languages, teaching staff, intercultural projects)

This is why these so-called “national” curricula take on a truly international dimension in their daily application.

Among them are:

These programmes are often chosen by families who wish to stay close to their original education system while benefiting from an international school environment.

> List of national curricula

European Curriculum

European Baccalaureate (EB), awarded exclusively in European Schools, is a multilingual programme designed for the children of staff working in European institutions. However, it is also accessible to other families, depending on available places.

This curriculum is characterised by:

Teaching in several languages (mother tongue + foreign languages)
An integrated European approach, focused on citizenship, shared culture and history
A diploma recognised throughout the European Union

A unique curriculum – demanding, multilingual, and open to Europe.

> European Curriculum

Montessori Curriculum

Some international schools in Brussels adopt the Montessori approach, an alternative educational philosophy based on autonomy, hands-on learning, freedom within a structured environment, and respect for each child’s individual pace.

The Montessori curriculum is mainly offered: