Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Brussels
Summary: If you're moving to Brussels with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Brussels
Brussels, is a hub for international politics and business, making it a popular destination for expats and digital nomads from around the world. As such, the city offers a variety of international and bilingual schools to cater to the diverse community. Among the most popular are the International School of Brussels and the British School of Brussels, both known for their high-quality education and multicultural environments. With a range of curricula including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and various national programs, these schools provide excellent educational opportunities for expat children. Here is a list of recommended international and bilingual schools within a short drive from Brussels.
International School of Brussels (ISB)
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels
Website: www.isb.be
The International School of Brussels is one of the premier educational institutions in the city, offering an international education to students from over 60 countries. The school follows the IB program from the primary years to the diploma program. ISB boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a performing arts center, sports fields, and science labs. Extracurricular activities range from arts to athletics, providing a well-rounded experience for students.
British School of Brussels (BSB)
Grades: Age 1-18
Location(s): Tervuren, Brussels
Website: www.britishschool.be
The British School of Brussels offers a British-style education with an international perspective. The school provides the English National Curriculum leading to GCSEs and A-Levels, as well as the IB Diploma in the final two years. BSB has excellent facilities, including a theatre, swimming pool, and design technology workshops. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and has a strong focus on pastoral care.
Brussels American School (BAS)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Sterrebeek, Brussels
Website: www.dodea.edu/BrusselsHS
Brussels American School is a U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school that serves the children of military and civilian personnel. The curriculum is based on U.S. standards, and the school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. BAS has a diverse student body and provides a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs.
St. John's International School
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Waterloo, Brussels
Website: www.stjohns.be
St. John's International School is known for its welcoming community and commitment to academic excellence. The school offers the IB program throughout, with a focus on developing inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring young people. St. John's prides itself on its fine arts program and competitive sports teams. The school's facilities include a performing arts center, sports fields, and modern classrooms.
European School of Brussels (Various Campuses)
Grades: Nursery through Secondary School
Location(s): Brussels I (Uccle), Brussels II (Woluwe), Brussels III (Ixelles), Brussels IV (Laeken)
Website: www.eursc.eu
The European Schools in Brussels serve the children of European Union personnel but are also open to other students. They offer a multilingual and multicultural education with the European Baccalaureate as the culminating diploma. Each campus has its own character, but all share a commitment to fostering European-mindedness and academic rigor. The schools offer a wide range of language sections and extracurricular activities.
BEPS International School
Grades: Early Years through Secondary School
Location(s): Ixelles, Brussels
Website: www.beps.com
BEPS International School provides a personalized learning experience with a focus on inquiry-based education. Following the IB Primary Years Programme and the Cambridge Secondary curriculum, BEPS prepares students for a globalized world. The school has a strong language support program and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including music, art, and sports.
Montgomery International School Brussels (MISB)
Grades: Age 2.5 through Grade 12
Location(s): Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels
Website: www.montgomery.be
Montgomery International School Brussels is a small, family-oriented school that offers a bilingual French-English education. MISB follows the IB Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, providing a challenging and balanced education. The school's facilities include a library, computer labs, and a sports hall. MISB is known for its supportive community and individualized approach to learning.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Brussels
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Brussels
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Brussels
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Brussels
- Public Transportation in Brussels
- Best Markets in Brussels
- Retire in Brussels Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Brussels
- Pros & Cons of Living in Brussels
- Driving in Brussels
- Cost of Living in Brussels
- Health Care in Brussels
- Discovering the Best of Brussels
- International Schools in Brussels
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Belgium
- Best Places to Live in Belgium
- Real Estate in Belgium
- Pros & Cons of Living in Belgium
- How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Belgium
- Pros and Cons of Living in Belgium 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Belgium