ISB château

International School in Brussels

The International School of Brussels

Founded in 1951, The International School of Brussels (ISB) is a private international school located in the south of Brussels. It welcomes over 1,300 students from more than 60 nationalities, offering a culturally rich and inclusive learning environment from Preschool to Grade 12.

The school’s academic programme reflects the diversity of its student body, with a strong focus on developing independent learners and internationally minded citizens. ISB offers multiple graduation pathways, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the US High School Diploma, the BTEC programme, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. All of which provide access to leading universities worldwide.

74

YEARS

1300

STUDENTS

60+

NATIONALITIES

ISB Academic Programme

The Early Childhood Centre

Ages 2.5 to 8

  • Average student-teacher ratio of 7:1

  • English-language instruction with multilingual offerings

The Early Childhood Centre (ECC) at The International School of Brussels welcomes children aged 2.5 to 8, offering them the foundations of a lifelong love of learning. In this dedicated space, young students benefit from the close-knit atmosphere of a small learning community, while also enjoying access to the broader resources and opportunities of the ISB campus.

The ECC provides a secure and nurturing environment where children begin to develop core literacies in reading, writing, and mathematics, essential skills for future academic growth. The programme places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning, social development, and collaboration. It also supports each child in gaining confidence and developing self-awareness as a learner, helping them to understand how they learn most effectively.

The Elementary School

Ages 8 to 12

  • Average student-teacher ratio of 7:1

  • English-language instruction with multilingual offerings

The Elementary School at The International School of Brussels (Grades 3 to 6) welcomes students aged 8 to 12, encouraging them to learn through curiosity, critical thinking, and problem solving. Building on the foundations established in the Early Childhood Centre, the programme deepens core skills and knowledge in preparation for lifelong, inquiry-based learning.

Learning in the Elementary School is concept-driven and connected to broader ideas, helping students make meaningful links across subjects. Teachers provide personalised guidance to ensure each child is appropriately challenged and actively engaged. Students are encouraged to set personal goals and take ownership of their learning journey.

The Middle School

Ages 12 to 15

  • Average student-teacher ratio of 7:1

  • English-language instruction with multilingual offerings

The Middle School at The International School of Brussels (Grades 7 to 9) is designed specifically to support students aged 12 to 15 through a pivotal stage of development. The programme places equal emphasis on emotional and intellectual growth, while fostering increasing autonomy, personal choice, and ownership of learning.

Students benefit from a dynamic and personalised academic environment, guided by a team of passionate educators, many of whom bring real-world experience as authors, engineers, scientists, or artists. The curriculum combines rigorous academic subjects with a wide range of electives such as digital music, creative writing, robotics, sustainability, and engineering design, all taught in state-of-the-art facilities.

The Middle School also offers a well-established bilingual programme, allowing eligible students to study Science or Social Studies in French. This immersive approach supports both native and non-native French speakers in achieving fluency through meaningful academic content.

The High School

Ages 15 to 18

  • Average student-teacher ratio of 7:1

  • English-language instruction with multilingual offerings

The High School at The International School of Brussels (Grades 10 to 12) welcomes students aged 15 to 18 and prepares them for life beyond school through a broad, flexible, and challenging academic experience. While Grade 9 is housed in the Middle School, its courses count toward High School graduation.

With over 120 course options, students can personalise their academic journey through multiple pathways, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), BTEC, and the US High School Diploma. Learning is complemented by a rich co-curricular programme in the arts, athletics, and student-led activities.

The High School also places strong emphasis on character development and future readiness. Students receive tailored guidance and counselling as they define their goals, explore their interests, and prepare for higher education or other post-graduation opportunities.

Outstanding results in 2024 at ISB

The ISB confirms once again its position among the leading international schools worldwide, with exceptional academic outcomes for the graduating class of 2024.

Nearly 100% of students obtained the US High School Diploma, and over 95% enrolled in externally assessed programmes, including more than 70% who completed the IB Diploma Programme, the largest inclusive IBDP cohort in Belgium. Across all pathways (IB, AP, BTEC, and IBCP), student performance consistently exceeds global averages, reflecting the school’s high academic standards and inclusive philosophy.

By offering one of the most comprehensive course selections in Belgium and removing barriers to access, ISB empowers every student to achieve success on their own terms, and the results show it.

Discover the full results and university destinations of the Class of 2024.

Languages at ISB

English is the main language of instruction at ISB, with French offered from age 2.5 and continuing throughout the school. Additional language options include Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese, as well as a well-established bilingual programme in French from Grade 5 onward.

ISB also offers a unique Home Language Programme, integrated during the school day and within students’ timetables. This programme was implemented in the Lower School in the 2024-25 school year, offering language lessons in the five languages most spoken at home by ISB’s Lower School community – Korean, Spanish, Hebrew, Swedish, and Japanese.
From 2025-26, ISB is extending this programme to the Upper School as well, supporting students throughout the school in maintaining their linguistic and cultural identity.

Learning Support & Inclusion

ISB offers a comprehensive Inclusion & Challenge programme to support students with diverse learning needs.
From speech and language therapy to occupational therapy, educational psychology, and dedicated learning spaces, personalised support is available across all age groups. Small-group instruction, co-teaching, and flexible learning environments ensure every student receives the guidance they need to succeed.

Why choose The International School of Brussels?

The strengths of ISB

The International School of Brussels is one of Europe’s leading international schools, combining academic excellence, exceptional facilities, and a strong culture of inclusion and personalisation.

A world-class campus in a unique natural setting

Nestled in the Forêt de Soignes, just steps from a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ISB offers one of the most impressive school campuses in Europe. Its state-of-the-art facilities, spacious grounds, and dedicated spaces for each age group create an inspiring and supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

Academic excellence through flexible and inclusive pathways

ISB combines the US High School Diploma with a wide choice of additional qualifications, including the IB Diploma, BTEC, and AP courses. With over 120 course options and no restrictive entry, students benefit from personalised learning routes tailored to their goals. Results consistently exceed global averages, reflecting the school’s high standards and inclusive philosophy.

A truly international and future-ready community

With more than 1,300 students from over 60 countries, ISB fosters intercultural understanding and global citizenship. The school prepares students for the world of tomorrow by combining academic rigour with creativity, leadership, and emotional development, essential skills for success in a fast-changing world.

Take a Virtual Tour of ISB

An immersive 360° experience of the ISB campus, featuring classrooms, sports facilities, and learning spaces. A unique way to discover one of Europe’s leading international schools from anywhere in the world.

ISB in Video

A short film presenting The International School of Brussels. A powerful introduction to the learning environment, community, and opportunities offered on campus.

Extra Curricular activities ISB

Extracurricular activities, meals, bus, travel

Outside school hours

Tuition Fees 2025-2026 | ISB

Tuition fees
Application fee € 2 000
Preschool (ages 2.5-3) € 22 590
Pre-Kindergarten (4 years old) € 25 030
Kindergarten (5 years old) € 37 760
Grades 1 & 2 (ages 6-7) € 40 670
Grades 3-6 (ages 8-11) € 41 400
Grades 7-9 (ages 12-14) € 46 825
Grades 10-12 (ages 15-18) € 49 715
Intensive Learning Support
(only ILS students)
€ 25 155
Plus grade level fees

Other potential costs

Some optional services at ISB may incur extra fees during the school year. These include:

  • Cafeteria: Pay-per-use meals; €10 fee for lost lunch card.
  • Co-curricular activities: Fees apply for clubs, ISB Plus, supervision, and summer programmes.
  • Music rental: €190/year per instrument.
  • IB Programme: Exam and administration fees billed separately.
  • Student Support Services: Additional fees depending on individual needs.
  • Athletics: Seasonal fees (€170–270) plus travel costs.
  • Transport: Annual bus fees (€3,140 return / €2,385 one-way); payment plan available.

Contact | ISB

The International School of Brussels invites all interested parents to schedule a visit via the website, by email, or by phone.

WEBSITE

ISB

Send an email to ISB

Location of ISB

ISB is located in the commune of Watermael-Boitsfort, the greenest area in the Brussels Region.
Address : Kattenberg 19, B-1170 Brussels, Belgium

The International School of Brussels