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A Holistic Way of Learning

International School Basel is the only school in Basel to offer an International Baccalaureate (IB) education in English for 3 - 19 year olds. The IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes provide a coherent educational experience that meets the needs and developmental stages of all our students.

Collaboration between students, parents and the school gives each student the best possible environment to reach their potential. By working together to create a safe and positive learning environment for each child, parents are able to extend school learning beyond the classroom, while faculty help students find a place for their life experiences in school.

Aligned with our Mission, this collaboration ensures that our students are constantly learning while having fun in a supportive and helpful community.

Curriculum

Junior School Curriculum
Ages 3 - 11

Middle School Curriculum
Ages 11 - 14

Senior School Curriculum
Ages 14 - 19

The ISB Difference

ISB is a not-for-profit, co-educational day school serving students ages 3-19 with the three widely acclaimed programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) at three separate campuses.

1200

students representing 60+ nationalities spanning 3 campuses

100

subject combinations offered in three IB programmes (ages 3-19)

98

pass rate in 2023 IB Diploma exams, with 32% of students receiving a Bilingual Diploma

50

athletics teams competing in 11+ sports in 3 international conferences

15

music ensembles performing in 20+ concerts per years

200

clubs and co-curricular activities, mostly free of cost

5

School Counselors, 3 University Advisors, & 1 School Psychologist

3

green Flags awarded in recognition of student-led sustainability efforts.

Activities

Students of all ages participate in 150+ school-organized activities, both on- and off-campus.

Field Trips

From day excursions to local museums, farms, exhibitions and galleries, to longer journeys to other countries and continents – ISB trips are opportunities for students to venture beyond the classroom, to encounter first-hand different cultures, environments and peoples and to enrich and embed their learning in tangible and rewarding ways.

Learn more about Field Trips

Learn more about Field Trips

Academic, cultural and recreational trips are an integral part of the educational experience of all students at ISB, from Early Childhood right through to Diploma Years.

Here are some examples of recent trips (offered trips may change from year to year):

Senior School

Basel University Library
Berlin Language Trip
Economics Trip to London
Foundation Beyeler Art Workshop, Weil am Rhein, Germany
Hydroelectric Power Station, Birsfelden
Iceland Geography Trip
Le Struthof Concentration Camp
Paris Language Trip
Swiss Ski Camp
South Africa Educational Trip
Tanzania CAS Trip
Tinguely Museum Art Trip
Vienna Maths Competition

Middle School

Augusta Raurica Roman archaeological site
Basel Zoo
Kunstmuseum, Basel
Natural History Museum, Basel
Swiss Ski Camp in Nendaz & Verbier
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern

Junior School

Augusta Raurica Roman archaeological site
Basel Old Town
Basel Zoo
Hike in Kaltbrunnental Valley
Kunstmuseum, Basel
Pfeffingen Beekeeper
Pumpkin Farm Field Trip
Ski Camp in Haute-Nendaz & Gstaad
Techorama Trip, Winterthur
Tinguely Museum

ISB Subject Continuum Guides

Three Campuses, One Learning Journey

International School Basel has developed school-wide subject guides ("Continuums") to inform teachers planning and facilitate student transitions between campuses and the induction of new students. This work is complemented with ongoing efforts to facilitate teacher collaboration between campuses (from Early Childhood to Grade 12) as they plan, teach and review curriculum and student performance.

Continuum Guides

English

German

Mathematics | Mathematik

English | EC1-G12
Deutsch | EC1-G5

Physical & Health Education

Science

Learning@ISB

Global Citizenship@ISB

Benchmarking

International School Basel benchmarks itself with international peers to assess the skills and aptitudes developed by students at various stages of their learning journey.

While ISB internal assessments remain the main indicator of a student’s academic, social and emotional progress at school, external assessments provide students, parents and the school with an indication of the learning styles and achievement levels for each student. They also reflect the specific abilities and progress of our students at given levels , providing opportunities to compare them with students from all over the world.

Associated Board of the Royal School of Music

Each year the London-based Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) sends highly experienced music examiners worldwide to examine over 600,000 students, so providing the international benchmarks for the measurement of musical achievement. Practical and theory exams are offered twice a year at ISB.

Please see the ABRSM website for more information about this programme.

MAP® (Measures of Academic Progress®)

MAP assessments are computer adaptive achievement tests in Mathematics and Reading. The computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions so that each student takes a unique test. The difficulty of each question is based on how well the student has answered previous questions. Students are assigned to take MAP based on grade level, MAP for Primary Grades (MPG), MAP 2-5, or MAP 6+.

MAP is a norm-referenced measure of student growth over time. MAP assessments, joined with other data points, provide detailed, actionable data about where each child is on his or her unique learning path. MAP assessments differ from other data sources used by the ISB to inform instruction by being aligned with core requirements, by tracking student progress throughout a year and across school years, and by being linked to software tools which can assist teachers and administrators in planning instruction. MAP reports allow teachers to better target instruction based on students’ strengths and needs.

Morrisby Profile

Scholastic Aptitude Tests

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and SAT tests are required entrance exams for many U.S. colleges and universities. ISB is authorised by the College Board to be a PSAT and SAT testing centre where students have the opportunity to sit these exams throughout the academic year. Students who are interested in applying to U.S. colleges are encouraged to inform the college counselors to ensure they are kept informed of testing dates and deadlines.

Please see the College Board website for more information about this programme.

Learn about IB Assessment & Moderation

Resources

Learning Technology

Co-Curricular Activities

Student Support

Wellbeing

What People Say

There are excellent, truly inspirational teachers at ISB. Warm, relaxed, friendly atmosphere at the school with approachable staff. Excellent music and drama with lots of opportunities for students to perform and also partake in the annual school musical. Very welcoming and helpful to new families.
Grade 12 Parent (Ireland)

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Great educational methodology and a really broad scope, making the best of a real International School. We have enjoyed fantastic facilities. The best for me is how they handle new comers not only professionally but with warm care. Kids feel so welcome and are so happy in this school that they would stay here forever. Activities like the top of the top Ski Camp will never be forgotten, or the International Festival, it is really extraordinary. My son has developed tremendously but most importantly, he has been a happy kid everyday going to school.
Maria, Grade 4 Parent (Spain)

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ISB offers a solid academic program, and teachers are always available for one to one approach to students when needed. It supports students when they have difficulties and challenges them when they need more stimulation.
Grade 11 Parent (Italy)

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The teachers were caring and the curriculum was strong. I felt that my children were challenged, but not to the point of stress. The evaluations were the most comprehensive I have ever seen and the teachers were always open and inviting.
Kristin, Grade 5 Parent (United States)

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We have seen a great transformation of our daughter in study performance, motivation and confidence. ISB offer an excellent programme with great teachers and members of the board. Thank you, our daughter feels proud to be part of ISB.
Stanley, Grade 12 Parent (Switzerland)

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