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|
Private school in Brussels, Belgium
| International School of Brussels | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
| Brussels Belgium | |
| Coordinates | 50°47′20″N 4°25′1″E / 50.78889°N 4.41694°E / 50.78889; 4.41694 |
| Information | |
| Type | Private school |
| Motto | Everyone Included. Everyone Challenged. Everyone Successful. |
| Established | 1951 (1951) |
| Head teacher | James MacDonald |
| Faculty | 200 |
| Number of students | 1,350 |
| Campus | 162,134.62 m (40.06434 acres) |
| Mascot | Raiders |
| Website | www |
The International School of Brussels (ISB) is an English-language international school located in the Brussels commune of Watermael-Boitsfort.The school serves students from preschool through high school, offering a diverse educational program on a 40-acre (16 ha) wooded campus. Catering to an international student body, it is a recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
History
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The school was founded in October 1951 as the American School of Brussels, initially to serve U.S. Department of Defense personnel and their families residing in the area. It began with four teachers and 27 students, aged 5 to 11, at a location in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. By 1953, the school had about 100 students and relocated to the Château des Fougères in Watermael-Boitsfort and adopted its current name.
In 1966, ISB added a high school building, followed by a new elementary school building in 1967. The entire school initially operated within the Château. ISB became the 50th International Baccalaureate school worldwide on January 1, 1977, and hosted its first International Festival the same year.
In February 2006, the school board opted to begin fundraising because it determined that the tuition charged to its students was insufficient for its needs. This decision marked a shift towards increased financial planning to support the school's operations and development.
Campus and Facilities
The ISB campus spans 162,134.6 m² (1,745,202 sq ft) of wooded land and features academic buildings, athletic facilities, and a performing arts center. Key features include:
- Early Childhood Centre (ECC): students aged 2+1⁄2–8
- Elementary School (ES): students aged 8–12
- Middle School (MS): students aged 12–15
- High School (HS): students aged 15–19
- Château des Fougères: A 19th-century building housing administrative offices with a reception area for parents.
- Athletic Facilities: Outdoor track, two gymnasiums, and 15 hectares (37 acres) of playing fields and woods.
- Performing Arts Center: A venue for concerts and theatrical productions.
- International Community Centre (ICC): Hosting additional facilities and rooms for community activities.
- Additional Features: The campus includes a theater, annex building, and various sports facilities for its extracurricular programs.
Academics
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ISB offers a wide range of academic programs with 45 International Baccalaureate courses available to students. It is known for its commitment to inclusive education, providing opportunities for students with diverse needs, including the Intensive Learning Support (ILS) program.
Tuition and Finance
Annual tuition fees vary based on grade level, ranging from €21,650 for preschool to €46,725 for grades 10-12. Additional fees apply for specialized support programs.
Student Body
As of 2022, ISB enrolled approximately 1,400 students from 65 countries, making it a vibrant and multicultural educational environment.
Extracurricular Activities
ISB offers extensive extracurricular programs, including:
- Athletics: Sports such as basketball, cross country, football, volleyball, field hockey, and track & field. Notably, ISB is one of the few international schools to offer American football.
- Arts: Music programs, theater productions, and art exhibitions.
- Cultural Events: The annual International Festival celebrates the diverse cultures represented within the school community.
Financial Overview
In the 2018-2019 academic year, ISB reported revenues of €54.17 million and expenses of €54.76 million, indicating a proactive approach to fundraising and financial management to maintain its facilities and programs.
References
- “Private PreK-12 School in Belgium: International School of Brussels.” Private PreK-12 School in Belgium | International School of Brussels, www.isb.be/.
- “Preparing Students for the Future of 70 years” https://www.isb.be/
Notes
- "Our Legacy". ISB. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022.
- ^ "International School of Brussels".
- ^ Conlin, Jennifer. "International schools get serious on funds." International Herald Tribune at The New York Times. Monday October 16, 2006. Retrieved on January 4, 2014.
- "Our Campus". ISB.
- "ISB Tuition & Fees | International School of Brussels". www.isb.be. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- "American Football". ISB.
- "This is ISB / 2019-2020 Annual Report". ISB.
