Find the best international school in Brussels for your child
IBS helps expatriate families navigate Brussels' international education landscape with confidence. Compare schools, read honest parent reviews, and discover the right fit for your child's future.
Top rated schools in Brussels
These schools earn their standing through consistent excellence and parent trust. Explore what sets each one apart.
.jpg)
Guiding families through International Education in Brussels
International Schools in Brussels, founded by an international schooling parent, is a platform where parents and anyone interested can find advice and experiences about international schools in Brussels.
Our mission is to help anyone new to Brussels to understand the framework and have an opportunity to view a perceived view of the different Teaching Qualities, Facilities and Activities of each international schools from Brussels. This is the reason why we only ask you to be fair and honest leaving your comments and scores for other parents.
Thank you for your visit and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on the info@internationalschoolsinbrussels.com
Real guidance
Cut through the noise and find what matters most
Honest feedback
Make decisions backed by real parent experiences
Schools families choose most
These schools stand out for their commitment to excellence and parent satisfaction.
Bogaerts International School (North)
A warm, bilingual environment with small classes and a strong focus on personalized learning.
ACE of Brussels
A flexible, student-centered approach designed to support individual pathways and personal growth.
Ready to explore more schools?
Browse our complete directory with filters for location, curriculum, and fees. Find your match in minutes.
Parent stories
Families found their school match
IBS made our search simple. We compared schools in hours instead of months and found exactly what we needed.
The reviews from real parents gave us confidence. We knew what to expect before our first visit.
Moving to Brussels felt overwhelming until we found IBS. Everything we needed was in one place.
Learn before you choose
Read our guides to understand education systems and make confident decisions.
FAQ
Find answers to common questions about schools, applications, and using IBS.
IB vs Cambridge vs American curriculum
Curriculum
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Global, academically rigorous, inquiry-based. Strong focus on critical thinking and international mindset.
Highly recognized by top universities worldwide. Typical scores in top schools: 35–40 vs ~30 global average.
Globally mobile students, strong academic profiles, top university ambitions
Cambridge / British
Structured, exam-based (IGCSE → A-Levels). Early subject specialization. More traditional, less holistic than IB.
Well-recognized, especially in the UK and Commonwealth systems.
Students targeting UK pathways or preferring academic specialization
American curriculum
Flexible, continuous assessment (GPA, credits). Often combined with IB or AP programmes.
Recognized globally, especially for US university admissions.
Students seeking flexibility and planning to study in the US
If I join an internationals school can I join if I decide to change a public school.
Yes — but with some nuances.
This transition is generally possible if the international school is officially accredited or recognized by a national education system. In that case, the student’s level can usually be validated and aligned with the public system.However, if the school does not have governmental accreditation, placement in a public school may be more complex and could require assessments or adjustments.
Where do most expat live in Brussels
Most expats in Brussels tend to cluster in a few key residential areas, often depending on proximity to international institutions and schools.
Popular with families, this area is green, residential, and largely French-speaking
Favoured by EU and NATO families, with a strong international community.
Known for larger houses and close proximity to The British School of Brussels.
More urban areas, popular with younger expats, offering apartments and easy access to the EU quarter.
Most expats choose their location based on proximity to EU/NATO institutions and international schools.
Why are the 2 big international schools in Brussels so expensive ?
International schools can have high tuition fees
For example, the International School of Brussels can reach up to ~€49,700 per year.
This cost is driven by several key factors:
including swimming pools, theatres, and large sports complexes
allowing for more personalized learning
often recruited globally with competitive salaries
many schools are non-profit but reinvest heavily into infrastructure and programmes
strong international reputation and university pathways
You are paying not just for academics, but for a full ecosystem — facilities, network, and overall student experience.
Have more questions ?
Feel free to reach out, we’re here to help.