Our Legacy

The Oldest International School in Belgium

Established in 1951 as a not-for-profit organisation, ISB is the oldest international school in Belgium. For the past three-quarters of a century ISB has left a lasting impression on many generations of students, teachers, and parents, and remains a home to come back to for many alumni around the globe.

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. A wealthy economist and financier from Frankfurt, the Baron helped the establishment of Belgium as a new country and played an important role in shaping the economic policies of the new nation.

Once upon a time hosting classrooms and students, the Château is now home to ISB’s administrative staff and our Admissions Office.

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 opened its doors in October to 27 children and 4 teachers in grades 1 through 6 in Woluwe-St.-Pierre.

1952-53. The school was moved to Boitsfort, firstly 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 1 to 8.

1960s

First Graduating Class

1962. ISB 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 Château.

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 James 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 US make up nearly 75% of the total, with 29 other countries represented.

First ISB International Festival

1977-79. The first International Festival is organised 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

1980. First whole school accreditation by the Middle States Association and European Council of International Schools.

1980. 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.

1983. ISB officially launches the Intensive Learning Support programme.

New Facilities 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 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.

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

ISB ILS First Graduates

2005. The first student with intensive learning needs graduates from ISB.

ISB, School of the Future

2008-2009. In 2008 the school implements one-to-one technology, providing 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. 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. 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. We launch the first edition of our biennial Learning by Design conference. It's not just an event, it’s a call to reimagine the way schools facilitate learning in a culture characterised by open knowledge systems, inclusive educational communities, and rapid social change.

2020s

New Beginnings

2020. James MacDonald arrives as the new ISB Director. The school continues developing international citizens in a learning environment characterised by a sense of belonging 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 remain the top priorities for ISB.

2023-24. Summerfest, in June 2024, sees one of the largest alumni reunions held on campus, with over 300 alumni and former faculty from all corners of the world, including a former student from the first ever graduating class of 1962, bringing their best ISB memories with them, reconnecting with old classmates, and making new connections.

2024. ISB goes through another successful reaccreditation process by the Council of International Schools and Middle States Association.

A Consolidated Direction for the ISB Community

2024-25. ISB launches its Strategic Playbook, reaffirming its mission to develop independent learners and international citizens in an environment where all students are included, challenged, and successful. ISB’s Strategy places personalised learning at the heart, and it is supported by three other areas of focus – providing an Exceptional Education, fostering a Connected International Community, and being Future Focused.

75 Years of ISB

2026. The school marks its three-quarters-of-a-century milestone.