ISB 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.[1]
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.[2]
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.[3]
Chateau des Fougères
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.[4] Features include:
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.[3]
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
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.[2]
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.[5]
Community
As of 2024, ISB enrolled approximately 1,300 students from 65 countries.[6] The school has 229 faculty members which represent 23 nationalities, and 107 staff members representing 26 nationalities.[7]
Leadership
The board of trustees has approximately 18 members and three to four ex-officio members. There are also a number of honorary trustees. All the trustees are volunteers. To ensure continuity and institutional memory in a population with a 25% turnover each year, the board strives for a balance of long-term and short-term members. Board members are appointed for three-year renewable terms, with a maximum length of service of nine years. Each member serves on one of the standing committees or on an ad hoc committee, depending on his or her area of expertise.[6] The Board is responsible for setting the school's strategy and is the guardian of the school's mission. This includes holding the school accountable for delivering on all aspects of the mission, verifying that the school operates on a sound financial basis, and taking all necessary steps to ensure the long-term success of the school.[8]
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.[9]
Arts: Music programs, theater productions, and art exhibitions.[10]
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.[11]
“Private PreK-12 School in Belgium: International School of Brussels.” Private PreK-12 School in Belgium | International School of Brussels, www.isb.be/.
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