Danielle Franzen
Head of School
At Montgomery International School, most students come from abroad, speak two or three languages and add much to the character of the school. We also attract Belgian families and long term expats who are looking for an international education and quality teaching and learning.
MIS' strengths:
· A welcoming family atmosphere, in which every child is able to fit in.
· MIS offers both a Primary and Secondary section with an IB education in an accessible, student-centred environment.
· MIS offers a choice between an English or a Bilingual English-French programme in the primary and secondary section.
· A dedicated, international staff who use inquiry-based pedagogy in small classrooms with an average of 15 students per group.
· A modern, equipped science lab and access to sports centres nearby, as well as a membership to university libraries for individual research and studies.
· Regular outings and school trips throughout the year, in Belgium and abroad.
· A school performance culture with shows every year in historic Brussels theatres.
· MIS is located in the heart of Brussels, close to the European Institutions and NATO, easy to reach by metro, tram or bus.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 40 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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210
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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54
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Most common nationality
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Most of our students are from European nationalities, but we also welcome students from a variety of other countries (Japan, India, China, North America, etc.)
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Ratio of local students to international students
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10% of our students are local.
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Native English and French speaking teachers
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Yes.
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Language support for students not fluent in English and French
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Thanks to small class sizes, a strong differentiation system and language support, students can join Montgomery International School with little or no knowledge of English up until MYP5 (Grade 10). These measures are designed to ensure that students quickly develop a functional proficiency in English.
In Primary (Grades 1-5), some children start with no prior knowledge of English or French. Differentiation is used to support students' language development across different levels. In English, MIS offers extra language support lessons in smaller groups, and/or direct support within the classroom. Language is explicitly taught in the language classes through a variety of engaging methods, linked to the unit of inquiry/a broader topic of interest. In social studies and science classes, students can apply their language learning to other academic contexts in English in the English programme, or French in the bilingual programme. Students in both programmes have further opportunities to apply their language skills in a variety of subjects (e.g. art in French, theatre in English) and experiences (e.g. field trips in English, French, or a mix of the two).
In MYP (Grades 6 to 10), small class sizes facilitate effective differentiation, enabling various phases of language learning to occur simultaneously. For beginners and those still acquiring French language skills, the curriculum includes French as Language Acquisition. Students are welcome to stay for an extra hour after school as part of the After-School Support programme, where they can receive additional support in languages or any other subjects they may need help with.
Additionally, Montgomery International School has implemented a cross age tutoring system where older students assist their peers with their language skills when needed.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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At the Diploma Programme level, students can keep studying their mother tongue as part of the programme.
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Max. number of students per class
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18
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Average number of students per class
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15
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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PRIMARY
PYP 1-3 (Grade 1-3) : For specific subjects or activities, students may use school provided devices to participate in interactive or digital learning experiences.
PYP 4-5 (Grade 4-5): Students need a personal laptop or tablet. Since we utilise Google Workspace, we recommend that tablets have Google Slides and Google Docs downloaded.
In the classroom, students are expected to use their devices only when instructed by the teacher. Devices should be closed and put away when not needed and they are to be used strictly for specific projects or activities.
SECONDARY:
In our secondary school, we embrace a balanced and intentional approach to screen use. All students are required to bring laptops, which are integrated into learning at the teacher’s discretion. Laptops are only used when they add value to the lesson or unit, helping to develop specific, relevant skills such as research, collaboration, and academic tasks. For example, students do not take notes on their laptops, as we encourage them to engage more deeply with offline learning methods. Students with inclusive arrangements are permitted to use their laptops as needed to support their learning and accommodate their specific needs.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies)
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Yes, we are fully equipped with systems such as Google Classrooms and Managebac.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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No
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External examinations or assessments available
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International Baccalaureate Diploma
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Results in these examinations
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For seven consecutive years, our students have achieved a 100% pass rate in the rigorous IB Diploma Programme, consistently surpassing the global average.
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes, and we have a homework policy to clarify expectations and purpose of homework.
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Approximate hours of homework given
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Our Homework policy clarifies the amount of time that students need to complete homework. The duration is dependent on the grade level.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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100%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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We have a learning support teacher.
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Learning support offered
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Our Learning Support programme is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of diverse learners, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive. Through personalized strategies, targeted interventions, and collaboration with teachers and families, the programme ensures that students with varied learning profiles have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. From enhancing academic skills to building confidence and independence, Learning Support empowers students to reach their full potential while celebrating the value of individuality and diversity within our school community.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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Our small class sizes allow for differentiation.
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Student access to education psychologist
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We have a school psychologist onsite one morning every two weeks.
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Entry evaluation for students
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We request the child(ren)'s school reports from the past two years, along with a reference from a current teacher. The admissions office may also ask for additional information to assess whether the school can meet the individual needs of each child.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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The purpose of the language placement tests in the secondary school is to assign the student to the appropriate language level (Language & Literature or Language Acquisition). The level assigned should not be too challenging nor too easy. For Mathematics in the Diploma Programme, the purpose is to determine whether the student should take the subject at Higher Level or Standard Level.
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Waiting list
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This depends on the demand and the grade level.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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We cap each grade level at a maximum of 18 students, and when the class is full, we do not accept enrollments anymore. We therefore encourage families to enroll by January to be certain to have a place in the grade level(s) required.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes
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School start time
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8:10
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School finish time
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15:30 every day for secondary.
For Primary school, 15:30 every day except Wednesdays (12:05)
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Supervised care before/after school
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From 7:30 to 8:10
From 15:30 to 18:00
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School bus service available
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As our school is located in the city and easily accessible by public transportation, very few students request school transport (typically 0–1 per year). As such, we do not operate a school bus service. However, current and past families have used the following services: INFINITIES and KIDS RIDE. Please note that these services are not organised, managed, or guaranteed by MIS, and the school is not liable in any way for their availability or operations.
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School provided lunches
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Montgomery International School offers a hot lunch service for all primary and Grades 6-8 (MYP 1-3) students . Alternatively, they are welcome to bring their own lunches, and warm them up at school. From the age of 14 (Grade 9/MYP4), students are allowed to go outside the school grounds for lunch with parental approval. We are within walking distance to cafés and delis - teenagers typically love to go out, as it gives them an early taste of independence.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes, our caterer is flexible.
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Uniform required
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There is no required uniform, but we do have a dress code.
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Facilities at the school
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We have a chemistry and a physics lab, offering all modern amenities. Drama classes are held in our Black Box theatre. We also have a primary and secondary library, which includes fiction & non fiction in both English and French.
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Sports facilities at the school
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Our Physical Education classes take place in sport centres nearby: V.U.B, Centre Mounier and Centre Sportif Etterbeek. These centres allow our students to practice sports such as climbing, swimming, basket ball, fencing, etc.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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Montgomery International School is located in the heart of Brussels, just steps away from the European institutions, NATO, public transportation, and residential areas.
We welcome students from 5 to 19 years old, offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum—from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP). From primary school onwards, our students can choose either a bilingual programme or an English programme with French as a second language. Our mission is to provide an excellent education in a caring environment where each student is encouraged to grow both academically and personally.
We value strong, trusting relationships between students and teachers, as well as a warm, family-like atmosphere, so that every student can thrive in a safe and supportive setting that fosters initiative and learning. Our innovative, inquiry-based programme encourages students to think independently and critically, driven by curiosity and a spirit of exploration.
Academic excellence is important to us—but it goes hand in hand with the holistic development of each student. We pay close attention to their well-being, and ensure regular, personalized follow-up to support their individual progress and needs. The human scale of our school makes communication between families and staff both natural and effective, strengthening the sense of community that defines us.
Our central location also allows us to take full advantage of everything Brussels has to offer: from cultural outings and language immersion opportunities to science centers, parks, and international events—enhancing the learning experience far beyond the classroom.
At Montgomery International School, we prepare students to succeed in an ever-changing world—confident, curious, and compassionate
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Primary Years Programme | Ages 6-11
At Montgomery International School, our Primary programme is designed to nurture curiosity, confidence and a love of learning in every child. Families may choose between two enriching pathways: our English Section, where English is the main language of instruction and French is taught as a strong second language, or our Bilingual Section, which offers an even balance between English and French exposure. In both options, children are encouraged to explore, express themselves, and discover the world in a warm and international environment that values every child’s unique potential.
Middle Years Programme | Ages 11-16
At Montgomery International School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) builds on the strong foundations laid in Primary and continues to offer two enriching pathways. In the English Programme, all subjects are taught in English, with French studied as a second language. In the Bilingual Programme, students study French at a proficient level and follow Social Studies in French, combining both languages in a balanced way. The Middle Years Programme at MIS emphasizes project-based learning, with highlights such as the Mini-Entreprise, innovative Design projects, and the Personal Project in MYP5, helping students develop creativity, time management, and real-world skills.
Diploma Programme | Ages 16-19
The IB’s innovative, transdisciplinary DP curriculum equips students for university and beyond by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning. While the main language of instruction is English, the IB Diploma requires students to study a second language, either at acquisition or bilingual level. Montgomery International School is the only school in Brussels to offer the prestigious Advanced Bilingual Diploma, which includes French at Language & Literature level and Social Studies in French, while all other subjects are taught in English.
Our Campus
We are located in the heart of Brussels nearby the European Institutions and NATO. We take full advantage of our location to visit international institutions, museums, galleries and theatres.
MIS is housed in a former double "hôtel de Maître", built-in 1907. In 2020, we acquired an additional facility to accommodate our growing student body. This 500 m2 venue is located 50 m away from the main building and provides students with a modern educational environment which includes a black box theatre, modern classrooms and a study space for our students.
Our infrastructure includes an equipped science lab as well as a bilingual library. The PE classes take place at a close-by sports center where students can practice a wide variety of sports such as basketball, swimming, volleyball, indoor climbing, etc.
IB Results
In July 2025, we celebrate seven straight years of all our students successfully earning the IB Diploma.
As an inclusive school, nothing makes us prouder than knowing that each of our students—regardless of their background or starting point—crosses the finish line with this prestigious diploma in hand, ready to embark in the next chapter of their life with confidence.
This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication of our teaching team. With deep care, individual attention, and steadfast belief in each student's potential, they guide, encourage, and challenge our learners every step of the way—ensuring that academic excellence is always paired with personal growth.