"One of ISB's greatest strengths is its tremendous cultural diversity. Nearly seventy nationalities are represented on campus and a host of different languages spoken. This makes for a vibrant and exciting community, and a very healthy environment in which our children can grow and develop."   

- Frances Bekhechi - Head of ELD ECC/Elementary Schoool

At ISB we have a supportive learning environment that enables students, whose primary language is not English, to acquire the social and academic language needed to participate fully in all aspects of school life and to reach their maximum potential.  At all times, the importance of maintaining the home language and culture is emphasized. It is fundamental to the students’ overall emotional and academic development.

ELD instruction begins in Kindergarten and, in the Early Childhood Centre and the Elementary School, support is provided through a combination of withdrawal (small group instruction with a specialist teacher) and inclusion (additional support in the mainstream class).  Students are assessed on entry and then on an on-going basis and are required to reach grade level proficiency in English before beginning formal French lessons.

Testing procedures are in place at both Middle and High School level to determine placement and there are three levels of instruction:

Middle School

• Intensive: 3 periods a day, 5 days a week
• Intermediate: 2 periods a day, 5 days a week
• Advanced: 1 period a day, 5 days a week. Advanced students participate in mainstream English and social studies classes.  

High School

• Level A (intensive): 3 periods a day, 5 days a week, plus 1 period each day in a special social studies course and a special science course.
• Level B (intermediate, lower and higher): 2 periods a day, plus 1 period a day in a special social studies class.
• Level C: 1 period a day