International School in Brussels
The International School of Brussels
Founded in Brussels in 1951, The International School of Brussels (ISB) is Belgium’s oldest international school. For 75 years, ISB has provided exceptional education as an independent, not-for-profit day school serving students from Preschool to Grade 12.
It welcomes over 1,300 students from 60+ nationalities across an exceptional campus in Watermael-Boitsfort, maintaining a consistent 7:1 student-teacher ratio throughout all levels.
ISB is the only international school in Belgium offering five High School pathways. In addition to the US High School Diploma, students may choose the IBDP, AP, BTEC, or the Individualised Diploma, which blends elements from across programmes. This range gives students the flexibility and academic challenge to prepare for best-fit universities and opportunities beyond ISB.
75
YEARS
1300
STUDENTS
60+
NATIONALITIES
The International School of Brussels is an independent, not-for-profit international day school located in the south of Brussels.
The school’s academic programme reflects the diversity of its student body, with a strong focus on developing independent learners and internationally minded citizens. Its three sections (Lower School, Middle School and High School) provide a culturally rich and inclusive learning environment from Preschool to Grade 12.
Its five High School pathways encompass the US High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), Advanced Placement (AP), BTEC and Individualised Diploma, supporting students in preparing for higher education and opportunities suited to their individual goals.
ISB Academic Programme – Brussels
Lower School
Preschool to Grade 6 | Ages 2.5 to 11
The Lower School brings together ISB’s former Early Childhood Centre and Elementary School in one connected learning journey, organised into Early Years, Junior Elementary and Senior Elementary.
Personalised teaching combines academic challenge with inquiry, STEM, outdoor education and multilingual learning, helping children grow in confidence and independence.
Early Years (Preschool to Kindergarten) | Ages 2.5 to 5
Purposeful play, early literacy and numeracy, creative activities and outdoor discovery build the foundations for learning. A nurturing environment and close partnerships with families support each child’s confidence and growing independence.
Junior Elementary (Grades 1-4) | Ages 6 to 9
Students strengthen literacy, numeracy and communication. Teaching responds to individual strengths and learning needs, while children increasingly set goals and reflect on their progress.
Senior Elementary (Grades 5-6) | Ages 10 to 11
Greater choice, specialised teaching and electives help students prepare for Middle School. Projects such as the Grade 6 Capstone connect learning to real-world issues and develop communication and leadership.
ISB Open Days – September 2026
Discover the International School of Brussels (ISB) and learn more about its international community, personalised approach to learning, and programmes for students from around the world.
- In-Person Open Day
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 | 13:00-16:00 CEST - Virtual Open Day
Wednesday, 30 September 2026 | 14:30-16:00 CEST
Families can attend either event or join both. ISB will organise regular Open Days throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
Registration is required.
Middle School – Bilingual FR/EN Option
Ages 12 to 15
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.
High School (Five Personalised Pathways)
Ages 15 to 18
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 five High School pathways. In addition to the US High School Diploma, they may choose the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), Advanced Placement (AP), BTEC, or the Individualised Diploma, which blends elements from across programmes. 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 2026 at ISB
ISB confirms its position among the world’s leading international schools, with exceptional academic outcomes for the graduating Class of 2026.
This year, 100% of the 149 graduates earned the US High School Diploma, while around 70% of the graduating class chose to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Among the 105 IB Diploma candidates, students achieved a 97% pass rate with an average score of 35.4, well above the global average. 45% of candidates were awarded Bilingual Diplomas, 16.2% scored 40 points or more, and 89.5% achieved at least 30 points, highlighting the success of ISB’s inclusive approach, where more than 70% of eligible students have access to the IB Diploma Programme.
ISB’s Advanced Placement (AP) programme also delivered outstanding results. Across Grades 9 to 12, 125 students sat 229 AP exams across 21 subjects, achieving an average score of 3.81. 92% of exams received a score of 3 or higher, while 33% of students achieved the highest possible score of 5.
The BTEC Class of 2026 achieved a 100% pass rate, with 12 students successfully certificated: 10 in Sport and 2 in Art & Design. 67% of students achieved D* in their profile.
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 languages most spoken at home by ISB’s Lower School community – Korean, Spanish, Hebrew, Swedish, Mandarin, and Japanese.
Since 2025-2026, ISB has extended 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.
The strengths of ISB
Why Choose The International School of Brussels?
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.
Who is ISB for?
ISB is particularly well-suited to expat families based in southern Brussels who are looking for a large, well-established international school with a clear and flexible academic structure. Its five High School pathways (US High School Diploma, IBDP, AP, BTEC and Individualised Diploma) make it the ideal choice for families who are not yet certain which academic direction their child will take at 15, or who anticipate studying in different countries. The bilingual Middle School option is also particularly relevant for mixed-language families seeking French-English grounding within an English-medium school.
With over 30 bus routes covering Brussels and the surrounding area, ISB is accessible well beyond southern Brussels. For sports-minded families, ISB offers 15 sports and over 50 competitive teams, including American Football, a rare option in Brussels. The fully enclosed, gated campus with CCTV and controlled access provides a secure and reassuring environment, particularly appreciated by families settling in Belgium.
School Life at ISB
Outside school hours
A rich selection of extracurricular opportunities is available across all grade levels through the ISB Plus programme, encouraging students to explore their interests beyond the classroom. Activities are organised into five broad themes: Arts, Sports & Movement, Languages, Exploration & Innovation, and Outdoor Discovery. Options include robotics, chess, debate, martial arts, swimming, drama, fashion design, and more.
ISB provides daily hot meals in two on-site cafeterias. Menus are seasonal, varied, and reflect the school’s international community, with options for vegetarian and special dietary needs. The recently renovated dining spaces offer a modern and welcoming environment.
ISB also offers 15 sports and over 50 competitive teams, including unique options like American Football. Its top-tier facilities and inclusive Raiders Academy support all student-athletes, including Special Olympians.
In the arts, every student engages in visual or performing arts from an early age. With over 50 annual performance opportunities and a 315-seat professional theatre, creativity and expression are central to campus life.
ISB is a fully enclosed and gated campus with controlled access, CCTV, and on-site security. Located in a calm, residential area, it provides a safe and reassuring environment for students throughout the school day and beyond.
ISB offers a reliable daily bus service for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with over 30 routes covering Brussels and surrounding areas. Pre-K students may also use the service if accompanied by an older sibling. A trained student monitor is present on each bus, and real-time updates are provided via a dedicated transport app. Late buses are available for students in Grade 5 and above, and for younger students when accompanied by an older sibling.
ISB organises a wide range of educational trips, including curriculum-based day trips, field trips (Grades 3-9), outdoor education, sports tournaments, arts and theatre outings, and service learning experiences, all designed to enrich student learning beyond the classroom.
Tuition Fees 2026-2027 – International School of Brussels
| Tuition fees | |
|---|---|
| Application fee | € 2 000 |
| Preschool (ages 2.5-3) | € 22 995 |
| Pre-Kindergarten (4 years old) | € 25 480 |
| Kindergarten (5 years old) | € 38 440 |
| Grades 1 & 2 (ages 6-7) | € 41 400 |
| Grades 3-6 (ages 8-11) | € 42 145 |
| Grades 7-9 (ages 12-14) | € 48 135 |
| Grades 10-12 (ages 15-18) | € 51 105 |
| Intensive Learning Support (only ILS students) |
€ 25 860 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 and Admissions – International School of Brussels
The International School of Brussels invites all interested parents to schedule a visit via the website, by email, or by phone.
Location of ISB – Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels
ISB is located in the commune of Watermael-Boitsfort, the greenest area in the Brussels Region.
Address : Kattenberg 19, B-1170 Brussels, Belgium