Connect with other ISB families who live near you to travel to/from school together by car, tramway, bike, etc. In addition to reducing pollution, ridesharing is a great way to make social connections and expand your ISB network.
Community
A Vibrant and Engaged School Community
Whether they are new to Basel or have always lived here, our families value global perspectives and local immersion, celebrating traditions from around the World and connecting with the local Swiss culture, creating a sense of belonging for all.
Creating Connections: How You Can Get Involved
All ISB parents and staff are members of the ISB Community Association. Our CA welcomes new families, supports educations enrichment and maintains an active dialogue between parents and ISB staff.
The Welcome Programme is group of volunteer parents to help new families settle down smoothly in Basel. Take a look at the Welcome to Basel webpage for practical information and tips, and join the wide range of events they organise to keep our community connected.
Liaison parents on each campus guide parents to help them find the information they need from within the school community. Grade Level Parents organise a variety of social events for parents with similar aged children.
This small but dedicated group of parents supports families of children with additional needs, working alongside the school management and Learning Support team.
A team of dedicated parents, working with ISB faculty and students, responsible for bringing innovative projects and activities that enhance our children’s learning at ISB.
These two groups of volunteer parents from each campus supports the Arts (music, theatre and visual arts) and Athletics (competitive sports) programmes. They help foster spirit and pride in these group activities and generate a welcoming environment for all.
The Sustainability Team comprises parents, faculty and staff supporting the efforts of our students and school to promote and foster environmental sustainability.
Local Community Engagement
Embracing our local community sits right at the heart of our Mission. Our students, teachers and parents actively participate in the vibrant tapestry of local associations, clubs and unique individuals who make our community come alive.
Public Events
International School Basel hosts several events throughout the year which are open to the public. We are looking forward seeing you!
Discover Basel
Basel is a vibrant and welcoming city where international families feel at home really quickly. Visit our Welcome to Basel website with tips and tricks to help you explore the city and region like a local!
"Our experience at ISB could not have exceeded our expectations more. ISB is top tier in all aspects. We are continuously impressed by all aspects of the school. Our only regret is not enrolling right away when we moved to Basel and waiting until our 2nd year. I don't know what we were thinking! You are all the best!"
– EC 3 Parent (United States) –
"We were worried about the decision to move schools and the compromises it forces, due to the long commute as well as financially. It was clearly the right choice and definitely worth waking at 05:15 every day, reducing holiday budgets etc."
– Grade 8 Parent (Switzerland) –
"We are so pleased that we chose to send the kids to ISB. You have awoken a passion for learning that we had only ever seen at home and never really at school. They both regularly talk excitedly about things they are learning, they are clearly understanding the material better than ever before and wanting to engage."
– Grade 7 Parent (Switzerland) –
"ISB has high standards on all aspects...from high level teaching/learning, to building relationships with families, to building an inviting culture, to safety. We are really impressed."
– EC 3 Parent (United States) –
"I believe the school excels particularly in communication and including everyone. The open lines of communication between teachers, students, and parents ensure that everyone is well-informed and engaged. Additionally, the school's efforts to foster an inclusive environment help all students feel welcomed and valued, promoting a sense of community and belonging."
– Grade 3 Parent (Switzerland) –
"Really appreciate the focus on practical work. The teachers are very friendly and take care of each child very well while maintaining the discipline."
– Grade 3 Parent (India) –
"I believe that the ISB is very committed to ensuring that students have the best possible school experience, and cares about the comprehensive development of the student. It takes an interest in the student. The school provides excellent preparation for college and a start in adult life. It pays special attention to helping students choose their own path in life."
– Grade 11 Parent (Poland) –
"ISB is the epitome of a community, a network of resources that are accessible and available to support the development of its students and in a caring manner. The impression given is that all of the teachers and administrators have a vested interest in the development and success of each student and are willing to go above and beyond when necessary. The lessons seek to incorporate real-world application versus just theoretical application. Certainly, it excels in helping new students assimilate with minimal issues."
– Grade 8 Parent (United States) –
"ISB's environment provides a "safe space" for students to learn more about who they are, have the ability to discuss and challenge in a respectful manner. The ongoing communication and access when needed to the Administrators allow you to know what is going on both with your child and what is going on at the school. For this age group, digital and technology are key enablers — good or bad, and ISB is clear on the expectations for the students and provides ongoing content to also keep the parents abreast of the ever changing landscape."
– Grade 8 Parent (United States) –
"Robust execution of the excellent IB curriculum. Hires great, young teachers with passion, intellectual curiosity and commitment to students (particularly at the high school level, and particularly recently). The adroit handling of Covid, distance learning and (most importantly) the organized and thoughtful approach to in-person learning during Covid. The technical under-pinnings of the curriculum, school administration and communication with the community of students and parents is incredible."
– Grade 10 Parent (United States) –
"ISB is a rigorous and well organized Educational Institution. Communications are very well organized and the Reinach facilities are best in Class. We would like to recognize our child's Grade 12 Math, Chemistry and Physics teachers! They have been very supportive to our son's success."
– Grade 12 Parent (Mexico) –
"The diversity of learning opportunities at ISB create self-confident independent learners capable of confidently presenting their work and ideas in a mature way."
– Grade 8 Parent (United Kingdom) –
"ISB has been a fantastic welcoming community, with high quality teachers and learning programs, no doubt it's on the top International Schools in Europe."
– Grade 8 Parent (Argentina) –
"ISB is a welcoming community, mindful of individualities, creating a diverse environment where kids develop at their best and parents contribute as they wish to. My daughter has shift to the MYP methodology so smoothly thanks to the engagement the approach creates but also thanks to the support of the teachers. I cannot be more grateful for seeing her blossoming in class and in the Athletics program and extra curricular activities."
– Grade 8 Parent (Spain) –
"ISB is a welcoming school and many of the teachers are extremely dedicated providing additional support to students if needed. The support to the IB DP students particularly, with regard to guidance and feedback with IA's, as well as support with the core subjects has been very impressive."
– Grade 12 Parent (United Kingdom) –
"There are many opportunities for students to collaborate in a variety of different teams and settings, be it working through complex Maths problems together, preparing for group presentations and debates in Individuals and Societies, or jointly composing music scores to go alongside a silent film. There are a good number of trans disciplinary learning projects in the MYP years at ISB which really does help to build those highly prized critical thinking skills."
– Grade 10 Parent (United Kingdom) –
"I think the teachers are wonderful and the way they look at a child is the biggest difference I could feel compared to the Swiss public school. I think every child on the planet should have the chance to grow up in such a good setting."
– Grade 7 Parent (Switzerland) –
"My son had a wonderful time at ISB, he really enjoyed the environment, the teachers, and the culture of the school. Amazing school for every single child."
– Grade 7 Parent (Switzerland) –
"Amazing community of school faculty and parents. Very warm and welcome. Make it easy for the entire family, but most importantly to the entering child."
– Grade 8 Parent (United States) –
"ISB was one of the highlights of our time in Switzerland. It opened our eyes to what a school could be and are incredibly sad to be leaving. We hope to return in the coming years. Everything from the kindness and responsiveness of the staff and teachers to the quality and thoughtfulness of my children's learning. I have and would, without reservation, recommend ISB to anyone. We are genuinely sad to be leaving."
– Grade 8 Parent (United States) –
"Our daughters' transition to the ISB was extremely smooth with the help of the host family who were welcoming and are now our close friends. The girls moved from a different curriculum and the teachers at ISB addressed their gaps whilst continuing to challenge them on a daily basis in the classroom."
– Grade 9 Parent (United Kingdom) –
"ISB encourage children to discover the joy of learning, reading and researching. Kids develop great presentation skills and independence. I really would like to express my appreciation for providing top quality education as well as life coaching to my two children."
– Grade 1 Parent (Italy) –
"The feeling of being "taken care of" when you enter the school as a new family. I will never forget that. The environment, all the cultures, the whole community, the buildings, the Welcome Programme, Parents, teacher, student conferences, the Classroom management (especially at Aesch campus), The level in the Music lessons and PE. That it is easy to "drop by" and have a talk. And always prompt response to a concern or anything else from Director, Principals and teachers. That is Great!"
– Grade 4 Parent (Denmark) –
"The teaching staff are wonderful - very caring/supportive, individualized attention, attuned to developing the whole person, socially and intellectually. The attention they give to each child and activities that they do in the classroom is amazing! The school environment fosters wonderful friendships for the families and provides wonderful opportunities to the parents. It's really added to our experience here as a new expat family."
– EC 2 Parent (United States) –
"Great teachers and afterschool programs as well as afterschool care. My kids were always very happy when I came to pick them up. The Seesaw app means I know what is happening at school and as a working mum that is really important to me."
– Grade 4 Parent (Australia) –
"I appreciate that the approach to learning is more about self discovery as opposed to imposing ones thoughts and opinions onto young impressionable minds."
– Grade 9 Parent (United States) –
"The focus on progress, the extent of collaboration among students, the flexibility of the teaching staff to accommodate different learning needs, the effort to develop other non-academic skills in the children (organization, community engagement, etc), genuine concern for the well being of our children, the school-wide efforts to evolve and improve - all of these factors have made for a fantastic educational and personal experience for our children."
– Grade 6 Parent (Canada) –
"For this age group, digital and technology are key enablers - good or bad, and ISB is clear on the expectations for the students and provides ongoing content to also keep the parents abreast of the ever changing landscape."
– Grade 8 Parent (United States) –
"The work at the ISB is age appropriate and engaging for students. As a result, kids are able to manage their own assignments without parent intervention. Kids are allowed to make mistakes without it being "the end of the world", and I trust the teachers to contact me when my child needs extra support, correction, or consequence at home for their actions at school. Bottom line, I think the ISB does an AMAZING job teaching ownership, personal responsibility, and self-management."
– Grade 7 Parent (United States) –
"We have been so pleased with our time here. I think the thing that stands out to us as parents and to our children as well is the kindness and helpfulness of staff and teachers. Truly exceptional."
– Grade 6 Parent (United States) –
"Fabulous assessments, collaboration and building of executive function. As a professor of curriculum and instruction (and former K-12) teacher, I can say that ISB places best practices at the center of their instruction. The students are going about the business of learning by doing and social interaction."
– Grade 10 Parent (United States) –
"ISB is a great international school that welcomes students in a smooth manner and provides a lovely education system where global students from all over are able to interact well and learn from amazing teachers."
– Grade 5 Parent (United Kingdom) –
"ISB welcomes students well, making them comfortable and stable to help them adapt to a new school smoothly. Also the facilities and resources are wonderful and they can facilitate students’ learning."
– Grade 5 Parent (Korea) –
"ISB welcomes new students very warmly and help them transition to a new environment very smoothly. It has a lot of great events so students and their families can have wonderful memories. This could lead students enjoy their school lives very happily and also make them more confident and independent while they prepare for the various events."
– Grade 3 Parent (Korea) –
"Each teacher is creative, caring and knows about the students and gives great feedback. The ISB community among children, teachers and parents is wonderful."
– EC 3 Parent (Japan) –
"We were particularly impressed with support provided (digital learning) during the pandemic. The learning experience during this period was quite seamless. We like the way ISB promotes holistic thinking by way of various Units of Enquiries where a particular theme is chosen, and it is touched upon from various angles & subjects. ISBX activities, after school care/support (ASPIRE), and the Veracross portal are great value additions. The libraries are well stocked (and luckily also provide access to the parents)."
– Grade 7 Parent (India) –
"ISB has a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes expat families settle in swiftly. The teachers are well experienced and skilled. The school employs innovative ways of learning and gamified experience that is so much fun for kids. ISB also has activities happening regularly that involves both kids and parents keeping the engagement so lively. We sure recommend ISB for incoming families."
– EC 3 Parent (India) –
"ISB does well in engaging students' diverse interests and creating a comfortable and empowering environment for students to express themselves and to learn."
– Grade 11 Parent (United States) –
"The school creates a positive and save environment for students to express their questions and to learn. Learning support has been collaborative and effective."
– Grade 9 Parent (United States) –
"ISB does well integrating new students, encouraging them to excel, and involving them in extra-curricular and charitable activities. Overall, a high quality education."
– Grade 9 Parent (Russia) –
"Very open community to facilitate induction with great staff and well-equipped facilities. There is a complete calendar of social activities for parent networking. There is a focus on building self-autonomy of children through diverse experiences and responsibilities."
– EC 2 Parent (Spain) –
"Outstanding development of our child's communication skills (writing, speaking, debating) and development of project management skills. ISB's scientific program is outstanding. I have yet to meet an ISB kid that doesn't have a love for science."
– Grade 10 Parent (United States) –
"Our children loved ISB. It was un unforgettable experience for them. The cultural diversity and the day-to-day immersion with English was undoubtedly very important to them."
– Grade 6 Parent (Switzerland) –
"The Early Years are fabulous. Waldkinder is a wonderful way to foster learning at a young age. I think the EC years are very strong. Also, ISB is very welcoming to new families arriving to the Basel area."
– EC 3 Parent (United States) –
"ISB welcomes kids very well and works on their "soft skills" with a high focus on each individual."
– Grade 2 Parent (Italy) –
"Students love school and don't want to leave the ISB family and that is the best award that can be ever given to the school. Combination of very warm and friendly atmosphere with strong academic program gives a very strong base for the child's future. We are very thankful to ISB for happy first 6 years at school!"
– Grade 5 Parent (Russia) –
"Qualified and caring teachers, very conscious of child's overall wellbeing. Guides the child to progress at their own pace. Great use of outdoor learning."
– EC 3 Parent (New Zealand) –
"The school looks after the needs of each student individually and has a is a strong sense of both education and pastoral care. ISB is inclusive of all cultures and nationalities and fosters connections among parent communities. There is continuous communications of the life of the students and a detailed weekly newsletter to promote parent engagement."
– Grade 1 Parent (France) –
"ISB and the ISB Community did an incredible job welcoming and onboard our 5th grader who arrived at the beginning of the Spring semester. ISB has a very personalized approach to education and dedicated the time up front to understand our son's needs and followed up with the attention and support he needed."
– Grade 5 Parent (United Kingdom) –
"The school provides a friendly environment for new students to adjust to the curriculum. The teachers are knowledgeable and helpful. The school also encourages sports activities which helps kids in building friendship and team-spirit. The school provides overall development of the students based on their choice whether its theater, music, sports, academics etc."
– Grade 6 Parent (India) –
"It's a great learning place during the formative days of students. Both my kids really love studying at ISB. The teachers are excellent and provide constructive feedback. Other than academics, the school also provides ample extra-curricular activities like theater/ music/ sports and helps in the overall development of the kids. The school provides world-class facilities."
– Grade 10 Parent (India) –
"Great support during transition and throughout the school year. Genuine care from teachers aim at ensuring student's successful development."
– Grade 7 Parent (Mexico) –
"ISB is a student-centred school, with a very friendly and rewarding experience for a student and the parent."
– Grade 7 Parent (India) –
"Terrific social environment for students and families with a very strong music extracurricular program."
– Grade 8 Parent (United States) –
"Supporting and caring for students with their individual needs. ISB has excellent communication between staff members and they prioritize the best for the students."
– EC 3 Parent (Ireland) –