Our Legacy

Meeting the challenges of a changing world for 70 years.

70

Years of ISB

The Oldest International School in Belgium

Established in 1951 as a not-for-profit organisation, ISB is the oldest international school in Belgium. Turning 70 is an important milestone in the history of our school. Looking back over the past seven decades and listening to the many students, parents, and employees that came before us, it is clear this is a school that leaves a lasting impression. Inspiring teachers, a beautiful campus, the Chateau, the joy of making life-long friends from every corner of the globe, and pathways towards a successful future beyond ISB.

There is no doubt that this is a school that leaves a mark on each one of us. It is also a school that challenges students to find their passion, pushes them to be better, and make their own mark in the world.

The Château

An iconic building at the heart of our campus.
The Château des Fougères, or the Château Bischoffsheim, was built in 1854 as a country home for Baron Jonathan Raphael Bischoffsheim and his family. The Baron was a wealthy economist and financier from Frankfurt, in Belgium to help in the establishment of the new country and played an important role in shaping the economic policies of the new nation.

ISB History

1950s

ISB is born

1951. The American School of Brussels was founded to meet the needs of U.S. Department of Defense military personnel and their families living in Brussels. It opens its doors in October to 27 children and 4 teachers in grades one through six in Woluwe-St.-Pierre.

1952-53. The school was moved to Boitsfort, first at Avenue Van Becelaere 9, and Dr. Arthur T. Denyer was appointed Superintendent in 1952. In 1953, the first lease was signed for the Château des Fougères and the official name of the school was changed to The International School of Brussels. The school year began with 112 students in grades one to eight.

1960s

First Graduating Class

1962. SB celebrates its first senior graduating class, after opening its High School division in September 1960, which is housed in wooden huts in front of the Chateau.

ISB has Three School Divisions

1964-67. Donald K. Phillips is appointed Superintendent in 1964. The new High School is officially opened in 1966, and later became a home for the Middle School from 1969-2000. The new Elementary/Middle School (currently the Elementary School) is opened in 1967. ISB now has over 1000 students.

1969. William R. Schumacher is appointed Superintendent. He establishes three school divisions, and also institutes a sports programme to provide competition with other schools.

1970s

The IB Diploma is offered at ISB

1971-72. The Upper Field is constructed and the ISB American Football team plays its first games. Kindergarten classes are added, and classes for children with special learning needs begin under the guidance of Jim Sidgwick. Albert J. Perelli is appointed new Superintendent in 1972.

1975-76. ISB receives authorisation to offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum in the High School. There are now 206 companies and organisations representing the student population of 1051. Students from the U.S. make up nearly 75% of the total with 29 other countries represented.

First ISB International Festival

1977-79. The first International Festival is organized by the PTA in 1977. In 1978, the Métairie building is acquired and added to the school campus to house the music and High School French programmes. The tennis courts are added in 1979.

1980s

ISB Joins the ISST Programme

1981. Bob Ater becomes Superintendent after serving as the HS Headmaster from 1973-1977. There is a renewed interest in construction as music and drama are now part of the curriculum and the athletics programme is expanding. Thompson Field is dedicated in 1981.

1983. The new gym and auditorium open, and ISB increases its sports activities to include the International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) programme so students can compete with other international schools in Europe. The Special Education Unit opens with four students.

More Construction at ISB

1989-91. Richard P. Hall arrives at ISB as Superintendent in 1989. The Annex building, new high school cafeteria, and science labs are constructed.

1990s

2000s

ISB Adopts its Mission

2000-2001. The new Middle School opens and the current High School building is modernised. The old Middle School continues to this day as the International Community Centre. More than 400 computers are made available for student use in all Divisions.

2002. Kevin Bartlett is appointed ISB Director in 2001. ISB adopts the Mission statement: “Everyone Included, Everyone Challenged, Everyone Successful.”

ISB ILS First Graduates

2005. ISB graduates its first student with intensive learning needs.

ISB, School of the Future

2008-2009. In 2008 the school implements one-to-one technology - one laptop or tablet for every student. In 2009, ISB is recognised by the National Association of Independent Schools as a “School of the Future” and is praised for its outstanding integration of tradition and innovation.

2010s

New High School Building

2012. 2012. After two years of construction, the new High School building opens its doors. Designed to reflect and support ISB’s key learning principles, the High School becomes a model for learning space enhancements in the other school Divisions. Enrolment moves beyond 1500 students.

65 Years of ISB

2015. Lee Fertig arrives as the new ISB Director. The school continues to be a diverse and rich international community with a commitment to empowering students for the future.

2016. 2016-17 is a landmark year for our school as we celebrate 65 years of ISB Legacy. From 7-9 October 2016, over 300 alumni and guests come back home to ISB from all over the world to reconnect with their shared ISB experience.

Learning By Design Conference

2017. In 2017 we launch the first edition of our biennial Learning by Design conference. It's not just an event, it’s a call to re-imagine the way schools facilitate learning in a culture characterised by open knowledge systems, inclusive educational communities, and rapid social change.

2019. Re-accreditation take place.

2020s

Distance Learning

2019. ISB successfully transitions to Distance Learning for the first time, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2020. James MacDonald arrives as the new ISB Director. The school continues developing international citizens in a learning environment characterised by an explicit commitment to social justice for all. Providing academic excellence and challenge for all learners, helping students to meet their personal potential, and ensuring the wellbeing of all community members remains a priority for ISB.

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