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IB
Ages 3 to 18

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CityBrussels
CurriculumIB
Language of instructionEnglish
Age RangeAges 3 to 18
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Quick summary of key school information

Language of instruction English
Native English teachers
Extra languages (other than English)
Class sizes Average 20 students / class
Maximum 22 students / class
Extracurricular activities
School bus
School's webpage:
Yearly fees: from: €21,650
to: €46,725
Address: Kattenberg 19 1170 Brussels Belgium
Is this school a perfect match for you?

Tell us your preferences and we’ll calculate your compatibility.

  • Based on 10 different criteria including price and location
  • Fees personalised to your childrens’ ages

All the details about this school in their own words

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.
Number of students

Over 1300

Number of nationalities represented in the school

More than 65

Most common nationality

North American (25%)

Ratio of local students to international students

16% Belgian students. A number of our Belgian students are repatriates and attended international schools elsewhere before moving back to their home country.

Native English speaking teachers

Yes

Language support for students not fluent in English

English is the main language of instruction and communication at ISB. It is therefore important that all students become proficient in the academic language of the classroom. ISB offers an ELD programme (English Language Development) to enable students to acquire the level of literacy in English needed to access the curriculum in all subjects. An assessment is done upon entry and students will then receive the appropriate ELD programme (Intensive, Intermediate and Advanced). Ongoing assessments allow students to move between levels as their English language skills improve.

Additional language classes offered by the school

French, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese.
In addition to the above languages, ISB is offering an expanded range of languages as part of the home language programme after school. The home language programme is designed to support students in maintaining the language and culture of their home country.
Students taking the IBDP have an option to take their native language as a Tutored Language. There are up to 13 Tutored Languages on offer.

Max. number of students per class

22

Average number of students per class

19-20

Does the school employ teaching assistants?

Yes, we have teaching assistants in our Preschool through Kindergarten classes.

Use of technology in the classroom

Every child, from age 3 to 18, is provided with access to age appropriate technology. In the Early Childhood Centre, this means digital cameras, educational games and tablet computers are available for use in every classroom.
From grades 3 to 5, students are engaged directly in one to one computing, meaning every student has their own tablet computer for use in the classroom, integrating technology and research skills into the curriculum to complement all units of study.
Students in grades six and above are given their own laptops. These are used in class and at home, bridging the gap between home and classroom ensuring students can be independent in their learning which can occur at any time and in any place.

Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)

Yes, distance learning was implemented for all grade levels during the countrywide lockdown of spring 2020. Currently, it is being used for students needing to quarantine and will be implemented if a lockdown is once again required. Students experience both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.

Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?

No, we are an international and inclusive school that is made up of students from around the world with all different types of religious and non-religious beliefs.

How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?

We are an international and inclusive school that is made up of students from around the world with all different types of religious and non-religious beliefs.

External examinations or assessments available

MAP testing, IB

Do teachers assign homework to their students?

Yes, as of 2nd grade and the expectation is students complete their work independently. However, as students are kept engaged and busy throughout the school day, the school believes it's more important for students to spend time in the evenings connecting with their families and pursuing activities in which they're passionate.

Approximate hours of homework given

It varies by grade level.

Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation

Close to 100% will attend higher education. Having a gap year is becoming increasingly popular with some of our students. The school is well equipped to support students wishing to have this experience before going on to their higher educational studies.

Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs

ISB accepts students with a broad range of learning and developmental disabilities.

Learning support offered

Multidisciplinary teaming is a well-established best practice in the field. Within the team there are experienced professionals with specialized expertise in pedagogical support and mediation of learning and cognitive disabilities, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and counseling.

The school supports gifted, able and talented students

Our programme of education is differentiated as of Kindergarten. We have standards and norms we expect students to reach for each grade level. However, there is no ceiling and many of our students perform and work well beyond the grade level expectations.

Student access to education psychologist

Yes. We have one Educational Psychologist, five School Counselors and four College and Careers Counselors.

Entry evaluation for students

The Head of School evaluates an application along with supporting documents. Placement tests are conducted for High School students after acceptance to determine the best program of study.

Waiting list

We sometimes have waiting lists for certain grades. The grades with waiting lists will change depending on the demand for that particular school year.

Deadline for registration (new academic year)

We run a rolling admission with no deadlines to apply.

Students can join after academic year begins

Yes

School start time

Between 8:35 and 8:45 depending on the grade level.

School finish time

Between 15:20 and 15:40 depending on the grade level.

Supervised care before/after school

ISB provides an extended after school care programme for its students (ages 3-12 years) until 18:00 from Monday to Thursday.

School bus service available

Yes, we have close to 30 school buses servicing the southeastern part of Brussels and surrounding areas.

School provided lunches

Yes, the school has 2 cafeterias.

Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)

Yes

Uniform required

No

Extracurricular activities or clubs offered

A wide range of extra-curricular activities are offered for all grades. Activities fall under five general categories: Art, Outdoor, Active, Interest and Language. Activities include Art, Chinese, Chess, Climbing, Coding, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Fashion and Textile, Fencing, Home Language, Math, Martial Arts, MUN, Music, Robotics, Science, Soccer, Speech and Debate, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga ...

Sports activities included

American football, badminton, baseball, basketball, dance, cross country, field hockey, fitness club, golf, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball

Sports teams or sport competitions available for students

Yes. We have one of the largest international school athletics programme in all of Europe, offering 15 sports and 53 competitive teams. The competitive sports teams are cross country, field hockey, American football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, rugby, swimming, lacrosse, baseball, softball, track and field and golf.

Facilities at the school

Two Libraries; a Theatre with a Lights booth and several rooms for rehearsal, classes, costumes; Science Labs in the Upper School; several Music rooms; 5 Visual Arts rooms, and 2 Design & Tech rooms.

Sports facilities at the school

Outdoor grass field, and two full-size artificial ones as well as a track for running and field events. Furthermore, there are two indoor tennis courts. In addition to that, there are two large gymnasiums, and an Outdoor Education Centre packed with climbing walls and mountain bikes.

Qualities and characteristics best defining the school

With over 1300 students aged 3-18 and 70 years of history, ISB is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier international schools.

Teaching approach of the school

ISB believes that everybody can learn.
ISB is committed to developing Independent Learners and International Citizens in an environment where all students are included, challenged and successful.

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