Discover Brussels' international schools for your children
AGNES SCHOOL - Etterbeek
In the heart of Brussels, Agnes School offers parents an educative project with guaranteed personal development and academic excellence for each child, with a Christian vision of family and life.
As an international school, this institute delivers several quality diplomas. Pupils can expect to obtain the certificates of the Cambridge, Belgian French Community (CEB) and Belgian Flemish Community (IDP) educational programs.
Rue Louis Hap, 143 - Bruxelles
Tel : 02 / 736 13 86
INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL
- 61 teachers, 602 students and 55 nationalities
- Mathematics, Biology and Physics taught in French and English
- Music and Theatre
Tel : 02 230 02 18
ISB - Brussels
The International School of Brussels offers quality education to more than a thousand students from almost 70 countries. This institution provides classes in English and is the oldest of its kind in Belgium.
The school employs highly qualified teachers who are experts in their fields, dedicated to helping students progress and develop new skills daily. Additionally, students have the opportunity to enrol in co-curricular programs that foster personal and creative growth.
Tel : 02 / 661 42 11
EUROPEAN SCHOOL BRUSSELS III
- seven languages sections (French, English, German, Spanish...)
- school trips
- European Baccalaureate...
Pupils are encouraged to be proactive and open-minded.
Do you own an international school in Brussels ?
Some tips for a good start
In Belgium, both public and private schools, as well as national and international institutions, start their academic year in September. This transition can be particularly daunting, and quite stressful, for children embarking on their first year within a new educational system. As parents, there are some tips you can follow to help your child feel more at ease as the new school year approaches.
- Generally, teachers draw a list of supplies. They sometimes establish it and send it to the parents prior to the first day of school. If you already know the school material (books, text books, craft supplies, etc.) which will be required, buy them in advance. These supplies will be needed during the entire school year.
- It is also the right time to reorganise the time schedule of your kids, especially their bed and meal time so that they will pick up the school rhythm gradually.
- Do not hesitate to establish a new routine that will follow the schedule of the school year: plan less outdoor activities and more reading time, and so on.
- Be sure to have all the needed clothes ready: sports outfit, pressed uniforms, winter shoes…
- If you plan to let your child go to school alone, make sure he or she knows the journey. Why not go with them a few times at the start of the year or even before the classes begin?
We also advise you to address and answer the questions and fears that your child may have. A new school year always represents a big change for them and might therefore cause stress and tensions. A good way to do that is by describing to them a typical day at school. If you know other parents of pupils, organise a meeting with the kids so they can all get along.
Information published on the 22nd of April 2024 on the Brussels Expats / International Schools webpage.
More information about international schools in Brussels
Why is it interesting to follow classes in an international school?
The vast majority of the time, international schools are attended by people from all across the world or others who want their children to learn several languages from a very young age. English is the most commonly used, but your child will also learn to speak fluently French, German, Dutch and Spanish among many others basing on the section chosen. Follow classes surrounded by pupils from different countries and cultures will help them to be as fluently as possible thanks to a complete immersion. Another great advantage is that it brings some values like openness and equity as well as the benefits of exchange.
What are the programs followed?
In general, these institutes work with the French or the English school system. If both are recognised as quality programs, there are some major differences between these two. For example, the English one is known to leave more freedom by encouraging pupils to participate more whether in class (with essays, oral presentations...) or in extracurricular activities. By contrast, the French one focus more on the structure, the discipline and the results. Thus, each system has its own strengths.
There is another important point that you need to take into account when choosing where to enrol your child: make sure you put the accent on the continuity of the learning process. For example, there are several French high schools (Lycée français). So, if you come from France and planning to go back in a few months or years, it may be in the child's interest to stay in a familiar environment. Your son or your daughter will follow the same program as his or her companions in France and will stay on track for when you go back. However, international and European schools are interesting for longer stays and help children to be more open and discover the variety of cultures.
What are the differences between an international and a European school?
In an international school, most of the lessons are given in a sole language – except in bilingual schools. The course is the same as the one followed in the country where the school is settled: French, English, American, etc. education system. Concerning European public schools, the priority is given to pupils whose parents work in institutions such as NATO or the U.N. Given that only a small number of students are admitted, other children are encouraged to enter accredited European school.
Furthermore, the international school cycle most often leads to the delivery of an International Baccalaureate (IB), recognised around the world. The students will then have access, just like the nationals, to more than 2,000 universities located in 75 countries. In the European (or Accredited European) schools, pupils obtain the European Baccalaureate (EB) at the end of the 7th year of secondary school. This degree is recognised in Europe as well as in some other partner countries.
Other international schools in Brussels
Do you want to visit other schools in your area before the start of a new year? Find hereunder other quality-education places:
BEPS : This international school in Brussels provides high quality courses to children aged from 2 to 14. Classes are given in English for a total immersion and they are prepared to pass the International Baccalaureate. They will also have access to numerous activities (sports clubs, cooking, discovering nature, etc.). Tel: 02/648 43 11.
British School of Brussels: This institution welcomes more than a thousand pupils from some 60 countries in its modern facilities. Classes prepares students for the university. They can get their A Levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma as well as BTEC vocational courses. The primary school provides skills-based learning that helps children flourish. Tel : 02/766 04 30.
LYCÉE FRANÇAIS JEAN MONNET – Uccle: This school welcomes pupils since the pre-primary cycle to dispense them the program of the French Education. However, the pedagogy is strongly centred on the languages and it is attended by children of dozens of nationalities. Tel: 02 / 374 58 78.