9 Best International Schools in Brussels for Expats

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium, as well as its cultural, economic, and financial center. It is located in the northwest of the country and at the crossroads of Germanic Europe and Latin Europe, as well as host to other international communities such as ethnic Belgians coming from all over the world due to its high level of development.

The city is bilingual; Dutch and French are both official languages. Because of its international stature, Brussels is home to many excellent international schools catering to expatriates. Here are the nine best international schools.

1.    American School of Brussels

The American School of Brussels is a private, co-educational day school for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. It was established in 1951 and is the only American-operated school in Belgium, making it a popular choice among expat parents looking for an international school in Brussels. The teachers are recruited from different countries worldwide and have strong backgrounds in teaching English as a second language.

The curriculum is based on the U.S. Common Core Standards and offers a variety of Advanced Placement courses. ASB also has an excellent sports program, with teams competing in the Brussels and Benelux leagues.

2.    British School of Brussels

The British School of Brussels is a well-established international school founded in 1954 that caters to students from pre-kindergarten through 18 years of age. The school follows the English National Curriculum and is only a few schools in Brussels authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. BSB is also one of the largest international schools in Brussels, with over 1,000 students from more than 60 different countries.

3.    International School of Brussels

The International School of Brussels is an English-speaking international school for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It is a non-profit, co-educational day school that follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum. ISB has been educating students in Brussels since 1963 and currently has over 1,600 students representing over 70 nationalities.

The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). ISB offers the IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement Programmes, and many electives in fine arts, languages, technology, theatre, and physical education. ISB also focuses on sports, with athletics teams competing in district and regional leagues throughout Belgium.

4.    European School of Brussels II

The European School of Brussels II is a public, international school that follows the European Baccalaureate Curriculum. It is one of 14 schools in the European Schools network and the only one in Belgium. ESB II has been educating students since 1966 and currently has over 2,000 students from over 70 different nationalities.

ESB II is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). It offers both the European Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement Programmes, in addition to many enrichment courses like Photography, Sculpture, Modern Languages, Drama, and Business.

5.    International School of Brussels III

The International School of Brussels III is a private international school for students from nursery school through high school. It followed an American curriculum and was established in 1994 by parents who wanted to offer their children an alternative to the traditional Belgian education system. The teachers are recruited from all over the world and have experience teaching English as a second language.

ISB III offers the American curriculum, as well as the Advanced Placement Programmes and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The school has a student body of over 1,000 students from more than 60 different countries. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC).

6.    Saint John School

Saint John School is a private, international school for students from pre-school through grade 12. It followed an American curriculum and was founded in 1967 by the American Episcopal Church. The small class sizes are native English-speaking teachers and include teacher assistants. The student body comprises over 400 students from more than 40 different nationalities.

St John School adopts the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum in Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme while also offering Advanced Placement Programmes. The school has basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams that compete with other schools in the city.

7.    International French School of Brussels

The International French School of Brussels is a private international school that provides education for pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It follows the French Baccalaureate (BREVET) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum. IFSB was founded in 1984 by a group of parents who wanted their children to be fluent in French and English.

IFSB offers the IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement Programmes, and many electives focusing on the fine arts, languages, technology, theatre, and physical education. The school has over 650 students, with some 70 nationalities represented on the campus.

8.    British School of Brussels

The British School of Brussels is an international school for children between 2 and 18 years old, offering both day school and boarding facilities. It follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales and is accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).

The school has a student body of over 1,600 students from over 50 different nationalities. It offers the IB Diploma Programme, as well as Advanced Placement Programmes. The British School of Brussels also has an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, including music, drama, art, and sport.

9.    United World College of Southeast Asia

The United World College of Southeast Asia is an international school that provides a pre-university education for students from grades 11-13. It has two campuses: the UWCSEA East Campus in Singapore and the UWCSEA Dover Campus in Thailand. It is a boarding school that aims to give students a liberal education with a global outlook, preparing them for university.

The UWCSEA East Campus follows the IB Diploma Programme and offers Advanced Placement Programmes. The Dover Campus follows the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) instead of the traditional IB Diploma Programme. The Dover Campus has a student body of just under 100 students from more than 20 different nationalities.

5 Things to Know Before Moving To Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and home to the EU headquarters, is a city that has been steeped in history. It’s a great city, but moving here can be tricky if you don’t do your research beforehand. Here are seven things you should know before making a move.

1.    The Official Language Is French, Not English

Belgium has three national languages: Dutch (spoken in the Flanders region), French (spoken in the Wallonia region), and German (spoken in the east of the country). But while Dutch is currently the most widely used language, it will be practically impossible to live or work here if you can’t speak French or Dutch.

I would definitely recommend learning some basic French before moving here, whether it’s just the key phrases to get by on your travels or a more intensive course.

2.    You’ll Probably Have to Commute into Work

A lot of people who move here will relocate for their job. If that’s you, then be prepared for a long commute because Brussels is notorious for its traffic congestion. The average commute time is around an hour, so make sure you factor that into your calculations when deciding whether or not to move here. Also, remember that public transport in Brussels is not the cheapest, so you’ll probably want to buy a monthly or yearly pass.

3.    The City Is Split Into 19 Municipalities

Brussels is made up of 19 municipalities, each with its distinct character. If you’re thinking of moving here, it’s a good idea to research the different areas and see which one best suits your needs. In fact, I’d even recommend visiting each municipality to get a feel for them before deciding.

4.    The Weather Can Be Quite Unpredictable

Belgium has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 3-18 degrees Celsius. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack both summer and winter clothes. More so, the weather in Brussels is often quite wet, so an umbrella is a must-have.

5.    The City Is Home To Over 1,000 Restaurants

Brussels is a foodie’s paradise, with over 1,000 restaurants to choose from. From traditional Belgian cuisine to international favorites, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But if you’re looking for the best places to eat, then check out this list of restaurants in Brussels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brussels Schools

What schools are in Brussels?

Many international schools, colleges, and universities can be found in Brussels. The city has a large French-speaking community with many French language-based institutions. In addition to this, there are a number of International Schools teaching bilingual curricula in either English or French.

How good are the schools in Brussels?

The quality of schools in Brussels varies depending on the neighborhood in which they are located. Most schools are excellent, but some are not as good as others. If you are interested in a specific school, it is best to do your research ahead of time. You can find school rankings online or speak to expats who have already enrolled their children in Brussels schools.

How do I find a school in Brussels?

To find a school in Brussels, you can search on the website of the City of Brussels. The website lists all the schools in Brussels, including public and private schools. You can also search for schools by location or type of school. Also, the website of the French Community of Belgium has a list of all schools in Brussels.

What are the school hours in Brussels?

In Brussels, the school hours vary depending on the type of school. The majority of schools have school hours from 8 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 5pm. However, there are also a few schools with different hours. You can find the school hours on the website of the City of Brussels or the website of the French Community of Belgium.

What are the school hours in Brussels?

In Brussels, the school hours vary depending on the type of school. The majority of schools have school hours from 8 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 5pm. However, there are also a few schools with different hours. You can find the school hours on the website of the City of Brussels or the website of the French Community of Belgium.

What are the school holidays in Brussels?

In Brussels, there are three types of school holidays: Christmas holiday, Easter holiday, and summer holiday. The dates of these holidays vary depending on the type of school. You can find more information on the website of the City of Brussels or the website of the French Community of Belgium.

Conclusion

Choosing the right school for your children can be hard, but it is important to get it right. The benefits of attending an international school are vast and varied. This way, you need to read this article for more information about the best international schools in Brussels as an expat.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

If you are an expat living in Brussels, you will likely want your children to attend an international school. There are many great options for international schools in Brussels, and the best one for your family will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

International schools in Brussels are educational institutions based on an international curriculum. Many expats choose to send their kids to one of these schools for various reasons, including but not limited to language immersion, high-quality education, and a child-friendly environment.

Due to the lack of information out there about international schools in Brussels, especially if you come from an ESL country, there are many questions that you will have to answer before making the final decision about which Brussels international school to choose for your child.

However, choosing the right school is a daunting task for parents, but with so many great schools in Brussels, it’s hard to go wrong. Take your time and visit as many as possible to get a sense of what each has to offer. Ask other expats for their recommendations and do some research online to see what others have said about each school.

In this article, we will walk you through the nine best international schools in Brussels for expats. Not only is that, but we have compiled the benefits of international schools in Brussels. Also, you’ll know why people love to study in any of the best international schools. Would you love to know more? Read on!

Benefits of Studying in Brussels

Brussels, as the capital of Europe and the headquarters of the EU, has been in the spotlight for every possible reason. The number of expats is increasing day by day. This increased rate of foreigners brings a new problem to locals – integrating them into their society.

Each year thousands of children from expat families come to study here, and if parents want them to be in the best position in terms of education, they must find the best international school in Brussels. Local schools can’t provide this kind of education where every child gets tuition according to their level and need.

This is when international school comes to the rescue with guaranteed high-quality education and better results. In this section, we have compiled the benefits of studying in Brussels. Without further ado, take a look at it below.

A Broad Curriculum

One of the main benefits of attending an international school is that your child will be exposed to a broad curriculum. This means that they will learn about different cultures and traditions from around the world, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the English language.

Not only is that, but the use of different teaching methods also broadens their horizons regarding how they learn. This can help them prepare for university in future years, where courses are taught in various ways, including lectures and seminars.

A Variety of Subjects and Topics

Another benefit of studying in an international school is that your child will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics and subjects. In addition to the core curriculum, many schools also offer specialized classes in science, technology, maths, and the arts.

This means that your child can gain a well-rounded education that covers various areas. And, if they decide to pursue higher education, they will be prepared for this too.

A Safe and Secure Environment

At an international school in Brussels, your child will likely spend hours each day in the classroom; therefore, the teaching environment must be conducive to learning. This generally means smaller class sizes, proper sanitary facilities, clean drinking water, and a safe environment.

Because the schools aren’t located in residential areas and don’t offer boarding facilities to students, they are generally very safe and secure. This can provide your child with peace of mind as they learn each day.

An Educated and Trained Teaching Staff

One of the most important factors when choosing an international school in Brussels for your child is the quality of teaching staff. All schools must employ qualified and trained teachers in order to be accredited. This means that you can trust that your child is being taught by educators who are passionate about their work and have the necessary skills to help them grow and develop.

An English-speaking Environment

Finally, one of the best reasons to choose an international school in Brussels for your child is because it will be an environment surrounded by other English speakers. This makes it much easier for them to learn and process what’s being taught in class while also boosting their fluency in the English language.

With this increased exposure to English, your child will have an easier time learning the language when they start speaking with friends and family outside of school. As well as this, it can also open up opportunities for them in future careers, where most positions require excellent oral and written skills. It’s never too late to start learning a new language.

Higher Chances of Universities Acceptance

One of the biggest benefits of attending an international school in Brussels is that students who study at some of the top universities in the world are more likely to be accepted. This includes institutions like Harvard Business School, Oxford University, and Cambridge University.

Of course, this will depend on the quality of the school and how well your child performs while attending, but it’s a good indication that if you want your child to have a bright future, an international school in Brussels may be the best place for them.

Better Chances of Receiving College Scholarships

When it comes to securing college scholarships, students who attend international schools in Brussels are at an advantage. This is because they can learn about different cultures and speak more than one language, skills that can be highlighted during scholarship applications.

Improved Self-confidence

Finally, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an international school in Brussels is the confidence they can build. While like-minded peers surround students, their self-confidence will grow as they learn about different topics and subjects each day.

This improved self-confidence is something that they carry with them throughout life, making it easier to secure jobs or further their education in the future. Children need to attend an international school in Brussels as it can set them up with a range of skills that will help them thrive later on in life, regardless of which direction they choose to go down.