ISB at a Glance

The PYP provides an engaging and challenging educational framework for all children, focusing on their whole growth. It prepares students to become active, caring, lifelong learners, who demonstrate respect for themselves and others.

We offer the PYP programme in two language combinations: English (with German as a second language) and a Dual Language Programme (English and German) for students ages 3 – 8.

Both provide an engaging and challenging educational framework that encompasses children's social, physical, emotional, academic and cultural development. 

The MYP is a rigorous and ambitious academic programme that prepares students for the demands of a changing world. It helps students develop their personal understanding,  sense of self and responsibility in their community.

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous, university preparatory course that challenges students academically, but also emphasises social, emotional, and physical growth. Working together with our teachers and counsellors, students use their two DP years to explore their interests and plan for life after graduation.

ISB offers students a comprehensive range of over 65 academic courses, leading to the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Students who do not wish to pursue the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma may choose to take IB Diploma courses, International School Basel (ISBasel) courses, or a combination of both IB and ISBasel courses.

Our students are academically challenged and motivated to learn, grow and thrive through our three internationally recognised IB Programmes. ​​​

We are proud that their academic results continue to place our school at the top amongst other schools around the world.

Our Dual Language Programme offers our youngest students (ages 3 – 8) the opportunity to learn in both English and German in an immersive, effortless way. 

It allows them to develop proficiency in both languages, therefore allowing students to better integrate with the local community. The programme is currently available to our youngest students (3 – 7 years old), and will be progressively extended to older students each year.

We provide Senior School students with practical information and individual advice about career and university choices, including opportunities for mentoring and interview preparation.

Take a look at our School Profile to check our most recent IB Diploma results and college acceptances and placements.

Our students learn how to use mathematics as a tool and a universal language to solve problems in the real world.

Our Maths programme gives them opportunities to explore the world through the lens of a mathematician, to use mathematics confidently in their daily life and to engage in further mathematical discovery.

Our Science programme develop students' curiosity to explore scientific inquiries and motivates them to learn about sciences and make connections between different scientific disciplines. Students have the opportunity to sharpen their problem-solving capacity, learn how to use sciences in their daily life confidently and better understand how the world around them works.

The language of instruction at ISB is English. To learn a second language, our youngest students (ages 3-8) may enrol in our new English-German Programme, while older students can study a combination of German, French and Spanish as secondary languages.

Students with little or no schooling in English receive additional support through the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme, which equips them with the language skills necessary to thrive in school socially, academically, and linguistically.

The cultural and linguistic diversity of our students and faculty, with more than 50 nationalities represented, is an integral part of the school’s identity and ethos.

We understand the importance of supporting the whole child. Meeting their social and emotional needs is vital to ensuring long-term self-esteem and confidence in themselves.

A dedicated team of wellbeing counsellors and teachers guide students through individual and group activities to develop essential skills that will help them through their school years and beyond.

Sports, drama, music, arts, robotics, debate, exploration and more! At ISB, we provide a truly holistic education that develops the whole child, both inside and outside the school. 

Our wide-range of co-curricular activities offer students numerous ways to cooperate and compete, to learn and apply new skills, and to make a difference within and beyond our community.

We provide a positive and inclusive sports culture that develops social and emotional skills, molds character, and prepares students for competition while in school and for life.

In addition to our regular Physical and Health Education programme across all grades, our Athletics Programme provides students aged 8 – 18 with a range of competitive sports' training sessions, friendly games and official tournaments.

Students (ages 14 – 18) with high-level, professional training needs can also benefit from the flexibility and adaptability that offers our Elite Performance Pathway.

Artistic expression, through painting, music, dance or theatre — promotes confidence, focus, perseverance, problem-solving, and accountability. 

Through a wide-range of age-appropriate activities, our students enjoy the freedom to share their feelings and passions and to express their emotions.

Through ubiquitous use technology on and off campus, we provide future-focussed learning experiences fully adapted to digital native students. Our students enjoy flexible and adaptable spaces for creative and innovative learning experiences, including student-led and collaborative projects.

The Robotics Club in Senior School (ages 14 – 18) is a starting platform for technological development and innovation. It is also a club where students can develop their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

We welcome students with very diverse learning profiles and ensure they learn in different ways but always to their highest potential.

Embracing students’ differences and unique abilities adds to the rich diversity of our school and establishes a culture of mutual learning and understanding.

In the summer holidays, we offer Holiday Camps to students (ages 5 – 16), where they can spend fun-packed days under the supervision of highly-experienced activity leaders.

During shorter school breaks throughout the year, our youngest students (3 – 11 years) can join a variety of daily childcare activities designed to keep them engaged and entertained on campus until it's time to go home.

Collaboration between students, parents and teachers is key to ensure children reach their full potential. We are fortunate to have a vibrant and engaged school community, where every family feels welcomed and supported from day one. 

Check out the myriad of activities and initiatives organised by our active Community Association and learn more about living in Basel.

As an officially recognised Eco-School, ISB is fully committed to sustainability. 

Our Sustainability@ISB programme engages our entire community to promote and foster environmental sustainability in and outside school.

Don't have a car? No worries! Connect with other ISB families who live near you to travel to/from school together using the ISB Car Sharing tool. In addition to reducing pollution, this is a great way to make social connections and expand your ISB network.

In addition, we will soon launch a new chaperoning service to accompany students coming to ISB by tramway, with pick-up and drop-off points at key Basel locations.

Our After School Programme for Inspiration, Recreation and Enrichment (ASPIRE) supports young students and their parents after the school day has ended and during extended school holidays.

Our daily routine begins with a healthy, nutritious snack. Younger children have their activities mostly outdoors, in the school playground and garden. Older kids also play outdoors and do indoor activities such as board games, arts and crafts, play dough, etc.