International schools in Brussels' suburbs

Here's a list of top-notch international schools found in the green areas surrounding the Belgian capital

St John’s International School is accredited by the Middle States Association and the Council of International Schools. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme, and the related Primary Years Programme. The American High School Diploma and Advanced Placement Examinations are also available. The school, founded in 1964, stresses Christian values and welcomes students from throughout the world and from all faiths. More than 95 percent of graduates go to university. St John’s provides a broad education with an emphasis on drama, dance, music and the visual arts. The Support Services department cares for children with special learning needs. French is taught from age three. German, Spanish, Dutch, Korean and Swedish are offered from age 13. ICT is integrated into all subject areas from kindergarten to grade 12. The school offers many sports and extra-curricular activities. A 400-seat theatre with six performing arts classrooms is the most recent addition to the campus.

146 Drève Richelle, 1410 Waterloo, 02.352.06.10, Admissions@stjohns.be, www.stjohns.be

St Paul’s British Primary School was founded in 1975. A strong caring ethos is reflected through close association with St Paul’s Anglican Church Tervuren. Children of all nationalities, cultures and faiths are welcome. St Paul’s is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of primary-aged children from three years. Roughly 60 percent of pupils speak English as their first language, and approximately 20 nationalities are represented. We provide an excellent caring environment for young children and their families, with an emphasis on ‘The Best Possible Start in Life’. St Paul’s follows the UK National Curriculum in addition to taking advantage of the many opportunities that living in the heart of Europe brings.

3 Stationsstraat, 3080 Vossem-Tervuren, 02.767.30.98, info@stpaulsbps.com, www.stpaulsbps.com

The British School of Brussels is an international school offering a British-based curriculum to 1,200 students from ages three to 18. Forty-one percent of students are British with 70 other nationalities represented. Academic standards are high, and excellent results are obtained at (I)GCSE, GCSE, GCE A-level and in the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme (French and Dutch options). BSB also provides bilingual French/English programmes to children aged four to nine and offers significantly enhanced provision in French across the curriculum in secondary school. Students receive expert careers advice and leave well-equipped for worldwide university admission. Facilities are superb and include eight science labs, numerous ICT suites, 240-seat theatre, drama studio, state-of-the-art technology workshops, art studios, three libraries, two gymnasia, two multi-purpose halls and extensive all-weather sports fields. The Post-16 centre includes a business suite and a specialised library. There is a school bus service and self-service cafeteria. Extra-curricular activities include sports, music, languages drama and much more. The school’s ‘Kindercrib’ provides crèche facilities for children aged one to three. The school is known for its exceptionally well-organised and family-orientated welcome for all newcomers. Settling in at BSB is made very easy for students and parents alike. Principal: Sue Woodroofe, NPQH.

19 Leuvensesteenweg, 3080 Tervuren, 02.766.04.30, admissions@britishschool.be, www.britishschool.be

The Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel follows the standard German curriculum for children from the age of three to six at bilingual pre-school, and from the age of six to 10 at primary, then up to 19 at secondary level. With the exception of the nursery, the school offers special rates for families with several children.

71 Lange Eikstraat, 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem, 02.785.01.30, info@idsb.eu, www.idsb.eu

Ecole Internationale Le Verseau follows the Belgian curriculum for children aged two-and-a-half to 18 in its three sections: nursery, primary and secondary. English is taught from nursery onwards with special groups for English-speaking students. Beginners in French receive extra help. There are more than 850 pupils, with a class maximum of 22. Pupils are prepared for the Belgian school-leaving certificate, giving access to universities throughout the world.

60 Rue de Wavre, 1301 Bierges, 010.23.17.17 (primary), 010.23.17.27 (secondary), admissions: Françoise Mathieu, tel 010/23.17.15, fondamental@eiverseau.be, www.eiverseau.be

The Scandinavian School of Brussels has approximately 400 students ranging in age from two to 19 from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. We have 50 teachers from 13 countries offering lessons in the Nordic languages, English and French. Students can also study Spanish. Upper secondary students can follow the International Baccalaureate programme. After-school activities include music, sports, languages, maths, problem-solving and homework help. Students who are studying at a school other than SSB are welcome to study additional home language courses here or rent our facilities.

5 Square d’Argenteuil, 1410 Waterloo, 02.357.06.70, scandinavian.school@ssb.be, www.ssb.be

World International School (WIS) is a vibrant, friendly and educationally challenging school for young people aged two-and-a-half to 18. It is just south of Brussels and enjoys the use of fine facilities including a multi-purpose sports hall and extensive wooded grounds. The programme offered in pre-school and primary years is the International Primary Curriculum, which is taught in a select number of international schools worldwide and in various national schools in Britain. French is taught at all levels. WIS is a University of Cambridge International Examinations Centre and its Middle Years curriculum prepares pupils for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).  IGCSEs prepare pupils for entry to post age-16 studies in a wide range of programmes, including the IB Diploma. WIS also offers the International A-levels for 17- and 18-year-old students. It is recognised by the Communauté Francaise of Belgium. Scholarships are available and a network of school buses connects to most areas of greater Brussels.

280 Chaussée de Waterloo, 1640 Rhode-Saint-Genèse, 02.358.56.06, office@wis.be, www.wis.be

Bogaerts International School (BIS) offers a bilingual French/English education  and is open to both local and international families. The programme for the Primary school is based on the standard Belgian French language curriculum merged  with an English International curriculum. The Middle School programme provides an international education offering a challenging  curriculum that inspires strong academic and social development. The school boasts state of the art facilities and technology. The exceptionally beautiful grounds, surrounded by extensive parkland, provide an optimal environment for learning. There is also a comprehensive extra-curricular programme and the possibility of a door-to-door bus service. Admission is possible throughout the school year.

5 Square d'Argenteuil, 1410 Waterloo, 0475.51.34.51, info@bischool.be, www.bischool.be

The European school in Laeken opened on September 4 on a new site, surrounded by parks and forests. Pupils, teachers and parents will find high quality facilities including classrooms for nursery, primary, and secondary levels, 15 science labs, a library, sports facilities, a music and arts building, a canteen and a new kitchen. The new school is a unique combination of historical buildings and totally new ones, and offers a chance to bring in fresh ideas, to strive for an excellent school based on of the framework for European schools, and to build on what the school has achieved so far. An open day will be held on September 15; see the school's website for details.

88 Drève Sainte-Anne, 1020 Brussels, 02.340.13.90, www.eeb4.be