German International School Boston vs International School of Boston

	G German International School Boston Boston, United States	I International School of Boston Boston, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $28,365 - 41,970	Fees / year $29,500 - 51,260
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 304	Pupils 575
Typical class size	Typical class size 14	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 1962
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GISB operates two campuses: the Upper Campus in Boston and the Lower Campus in Watertown. The Upper Campus is located at 57 Holton Street, Boston, MA 02134. The Lower Campus is located at 46 Belmont Street, Watertown, MA 02472.	Location ISB is located at 45 Matignon Road, Cambridge, MA 02140. The historic Cambridge campus sits at the Cambridge–Somerville–Arlington border, minutes from downtown Boston. MBTA bus stops are within walking distance and two nearby Red Line stations (Alewife and Davis Square) are accessible on foot. ISB provides two bus options: its Private Bus Service and Cambridge Public Schools bus service for Cambridge residents.
Stages	Stages GISB serves preschool through grade 12. The Lower Campus serves Preschool–Grade 3, and the Upper Campus serves Grades 4–12.	Stages Preschool through Grade 12
School type	School type The school is a bilingual independent school serving students from preschool to grade 12.	School type Independent, non-profit private day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The community represents more than 40 cultures.	Pupil nationality mix Total nationalities represented: 32. Nationality breakdown: United States 68%, France 23%, other nationalities 9%.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Health and wellness services, social-emotional counseling, and special education support are available.	Additional learning support ISB provides Inclusive Learning and related student support services, including guidance, advisory programs, and access to health and wellness resources.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany (German government-recognized German School Abroad).	Country affiliation France (French Baccalaureate program homologué by the French Ministry of Education; ISB is connected to AEFE and related French education networks)
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Doors open at 8:00 am. Classes begin at 8:30 am and run until 3:00 pm or 3:50 pm. An after-school Student Life Program runs from 3:00 pm or 3:50 pm to 6:00 pm.	School day structure Upper School schedules start at 8:00 AM and end between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on course selection.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details ISB offers two private bus routes via a transportation partner; Cambridge Public Schools bus service is available for Cambridge residents; campus is served by MBTA bus lines 87, 88, and 89 and is near Alewife and Davis Square stations.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - Application fee: USD 50 (non‑refundable). - Enrollment deposit: USD 800 (non‑refundable) due with the signed Enrollment Agreement to secure a place. Enrollment Agreements and deposits submitted after published deadlines are subject to a USD 500 late enrollment administrative fee per student. Annual Tuition (2026–2027) — by year group - Preschool, Pre‑K & Kindergarten: USD 28,365 (standard tuition); Employer‑Sponsored Tuition: USD 38,130. - Grades 1–4: USD 28,645 (standard tuition); Employer‑Sponsored Tuition: USD 38,410. - Grades 5–10: USD 30,315 (standard tuition); Employer‑Sponsored Tuition: USD 40,080. - Grades 11–12: USD 32,205 (standard tuition); Employer‑Sponsored Tuition: USD 41,970. Per‑payment / per‑installment amounts (computed from the stated annual tuition and the school's payment plans) Note: the school offers clearly defined payment plans; the amounts below are arithmetic breakdowns of the published annual tuition according to those plans (shown as USD and rounded to the cent where needed). These are computed values based on the published tuition and the published installment structure. - Two‑installment plan (20% due May 1; 80% due July 1): - Preschool/Pre‑K/Kindergarten (annual USD 28,365): 20% = USD 5,673.00; 80% = USD 22,692.00. - Grades 1–4 (annual USD 28,645): 20% = USD 5,729.00; 80% = USD 22,916.00. - Grades 5–10 (annual USD 30,315): 20% = USD 6,063.00; 80% = USD 24,252.00. - Grades 11–12 (annual USD 32,205): 20% = USD 6,441.00; 80% = USD 25,764.00. - Five‑installment plan (five equal payments of 20% each; due May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Oct 1, Nov 1): - Preschool/Pre‑K/Kindergarten: each payment = USD 5,673.00. - Grades 1–4: each payment = USD 5,729.00. - Grades 5–10: each payment = USD 6,063.00. - Grades 11–12: each payment = USD 6,441.00. - Installment plan fee for the 5‑payment plan: USD 100 per student. - Nine‑installment plan (20% due May 1; then eight payments of 10% on the first of each month from July through February): - Preschool/Pre‑K/Kindergarten: initial 20% = USD 5,673.00; each 10% payment = USD 2,836.50. - Grades 1–4: initial 20% = USD 5,729.00; each 10% payment = USD 2,864.50. - Grades 5–10: initial 20% = USD 6,063.00; each 10% payment = USD 3,031.50. - Grades 11–12: initial 20% = USD 6,441.00; each 10% payment = USD 3,220.50. - Installment plan fee for the 9‑payment plan: USD 300 per student. Billing schedule and payment terms - Published payment plan deadlines and schedules are: 2‑installment (20% May 1; 80% July 1); 5‑installment (five payments of 20% on May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Oct 1, Nov 1); 9‑installment (20% May 1, then eight 10% payments on the first of the month from July through February). The 5‑ and 9‑installment plans are not available for International Student Program applicants. An installment plan fee applies to the 5‑ and 9‑payment options. - Spots are held only after receipt of the signed Enrollment Agreement and the USD 800 deposit; late enrollment administrative fees apply for agreements submitted after the published deadlines. After‑school, student‑life and extracurricular fees (2026–2027) - After‑School Program (Preschool – Grade 3) — annual charge, by number of days per week: - Preschool / Pre‑K / Kindergarten: 1 day = USD 2,725; 2 days = USD 4,960; 3 days = USD 6,755; 4 days = USD 8,190; 5 days = USD 9,300. - Grades 1–3: 1 day = USD 2,410; 2 days = USD 4,365; 3 days = USD 5,955; 4 days = USD 7,225; 5 days = USD 8,210. - Student Life (Grades 4–7): annual costs by days per week: 1 day = USD 1,380; 2 days = USD 2,495; 3 days = USD 3,430; 4 days = USD 4,160; 5 days = USD 4,935. Senior Student Life (Grades 8–12) is published as USD 0 for 1–5 days unless a specific team or class carries a separate fee. Specific classes or optional activities may have additional fees; registration occurs before each semester. - Music & school‑day music lessons: small‑group string/instrument lessons carry semester fees (examples): USD 550 per student per semester for certain twice‑weekly small‑group string lessons; USD 375 per student per semester for some once‑weekly group lessons. Some music offerings are no fee (chorus, certain ensembles). The school notes year‑long commitments for many music offerings, with payment divided into two semester installments where indicated. International Student Program (ISP) - ISP full‑year tuition (2026–2027): USD 29,625. The ISP requires an application timeline and includes host‑family placement (host family match is arranged rather than a boarding program). ISP applicants are not eligible for the 5‑ and 9‑installment plans and are not eligible for financial aid. Boarding / Residential provisions - The school's ISP organizes host‑family placement for exchange students; the school does not list a boarding/onsite residential program or boarding fees. Host‑family matching is part of the ISP process rather than a paid boarding program. Other costs and fees - Installment plan fees: USD 100 per student for the 5‑payment plan; USD 300 per student for the 9‑payment plan. - Late enrollment administrative fee: USD 500 per student when Enrollment Agreements and deposits are submitted after published deadlines. - Financial aid application processing cost: USD 65 to complete the Clarity Financial Aid application. Financial aid awards may cover tuition and certain program fees; limits vary by grade band (financial aid currently limited to a maximum of 50% for preschool through grade 5; families with children in grade 6+ may be eligible up to 100% of demonstrated need). - School clothing and branded gear are made available through the school's clothing & gear vendor (school‑branded apparel sold separately). Instrument rental, private lesson fees and some optional activity fees are additional and billed separately when applicable. Refunds and withdrawal - Application fee (USD 50) and enrollment deposit (USD 800) are described as non‑refundable. Enrollment deposit secures a spot; late enrollment may trigger administrative fees. - Employer‑sponsored tuition arrangements include a flexible withdrawal provision in case of relocation; in those cases tuition is prorated based on attendance. For standard family accounts, published materials reference the deposit as non‑refundable and administrative penalties where applicable; specific tuition refund or withdrawal terms are handled through the school's enrollment agreement and the family's billing contract. Discounts and reductions - Sibling discount: 5% for the second child and 10% for the third child enrolled (not applicable to employer‑sponsored tuition plans). - GISB Employee Tuition Discount: children of GISB employees are eligible for a 50% tuition reduction (not applicable to employer‑sponsored tuition plans). - Employer‑sponsored tuition customers receive a set of administrative benefits (for example, no upfront USD 800 deposit, no late enrollment or administrative fees, prorated tuition on relocation). Fee payment options and billing portals - Tuition billing and enrollment are managed through the school's tuition/enrollment portal (TADS); families set up a TADS account and select a payment plan and payment method in their TADS tuition contract. The school uses separate portals for other program registrations (for example, Jumbula for after‑school and activity registration). Accepted payment methods for tuition are established in each family's TADS agreement (TADS supports online payments and multiple payment methods via the school's billing setup). - For extracurricular program registration and on‑campus music enrollments, the school uses Jumbula and other family portals; instrument rental and some private lesson payments are arranged with external vendors and billed separately. Key administrative notes (fees and timing) - The amounts above are the published 2026–2027 tuition rates and related fees, with installment schedules and plan fees as stated. The USD 50 application fee and USD 800 enrollment deposit are required steps in the admissions/enrollment process. Installment plan fees apply where noted. Financial aid and discounts are available under described conditions. If you require these figures presented in a specific field-by-field format for an external database (for example: separate lines for tuition, deposit, installment fees, ASP fees, etc.), the amounts above can be parsed directly from each bolded section.	Fee details Annual tuition by grade (2026–2027 academic year) - Half-Day Preschool (Toute Petite Section and Pre-K only, mornings only): USD 29,500. - Preschool (TPS, Pre-K, Mid-K) and Kindergarten: USD 36,880. - Lower School (Grades 1–5): USD 40,770. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 43,000. - Upper School (Grades 9–12): USD 51,260. Application / admission charges - Matriculation fee (one-time, non-refundable, not applied toward tuition): USD 2,000 for the first new student; USD 1,500 for the second child; USD 1,000 for any additional children. - Annual re-enrollment deposit (non-refundable, applied toward tuition): USD 2,000 per student. Tuition payment schedule and payment terms (dates shown are the stated due dates for the 2026–2027 cycle) - Option 1: Payment of tuition in full by June 5, 2026. - Option 2: Two installments — 60% of the annual tuition due by June 5, 2026, and the remaining 40% due by November 5, 2026. Example amounts by grade under Option 2: - Half-Day Preschool: 60% = USD 17,700; 40% = USD 11,800. - Preschool & K: 60% = USD 22,128; 40% = USD 14,752. - Lower School: 60% = USD 24,462; 40% = USD 16,308. - Middle School: 60% = USD 25,800; 40% = USD 17,200. - Upper School: 60% = USD 30,756; 40% = USD 20,504. - Option 3: Ten monthly installments (June 2026 through March 2027). Monthly payment examples (annual tuition divided by 10) plus a yearly flat administrative fee of USD 40 billed by Veracross: - Half-Day Preschool: USD 2,950 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Preschool & K: USD 3,688 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Lower School: USD 4,077 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Middle School: USD 4,300 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Upper School: USD 5,126 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - All matriculation fees, re-enrollment deposits, and tuition payments are completed through the school's Veracross billing system. Methods of payment accepted include checking/savings accounts drawn on a U.S. bank, wire transfer, and credit cards. Additional and recurring charges (typical items billed separately or based on participation) - Textbooks / media (Grades 6–12) and examination fees (Grades 11–12) are billed separately. Typical estimates: Grades 6–10 average ~USD 350 per year; Grades 11–12 (French Baccalaureate) ~USD 500 per year; International Baccalaureate fees up to ~USD 1,000 covering two years. - Examination fee estimates: Grade 11 (French program) registration ~USD 280; Grade 12 (French program) registration ~USD 340 plus ~USD 270 for the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI); Grade 12 (IB DP) ~USD 750 total. - Global Learning Program (overnight and curriculum trips) anticipated fees (cover transportation and accommodations when applicable): Grades 1–2: USD 300; Grades 3–4: USD 500; Grade 5: USD 1,200; Grades 6–8: USD 1,000. Grade 9 and Grade 12 GLP costs are covered by the school; Grades 10–11 GLP fee: USD 400. - Extended day / after-school: Garderie (TPS through Grade 5) USD 14.00 per hour; Middle School study hall USD 15.00 per hour or an annual flat fee of USD 900. - Extracurricular activities and overnight trips are billed based on participation; Upper School varsity teams carry no participation cost. - Private ISB bus service and the hot lunch program are optional and billed upon participation. The hot lunch program is provided by an external catering company and is billed separately. Boarding / homestay (where offered by the school) - ISB Housing Program (host-family room and board, supervised by ISB) for Upper School international and domestic students: USD 25,000 for room and board from August 25, 2026 to June 30, 2027. This fee includes day field trips, the ISB lunch program, a monthly public transportation pass, the yearbook, and, if applicable, the new student orientation program in August. Uniforms and other school supplies - Preschool (Pre-K, Mid-K) and Kindergarten: supplies included in the listed tuition. - Lower School: all supplies included in the listed tuition. - Textbooks and media for Grades 6–12 are billed separately (see textbook estimates above). Uniform costs (where applicable) and personal supplies vary and are generally family-paid; extracurricular equipment, travel clothing, and optional program materials are billed separately when required. Refunds and non-refundable items - The matriculation fee is one-time and non-refundable. - The annual re-enrollment deposit is non-refundable but is applied toward tuition. - Other refund specifics for tuition installments or program fees are not listed in the school's tuition summary document; the only explicitly stated non-refundable items are the matriculation fee and the re-enrollment deposit. Fee payment channels and administrative notes - All matriculation fees, re-enrollment deposits, and tuition payments are processed through Veracross. - Accepted payment methods: checking/savings account drawn on a U.S. bank, wire transfer, or credit card. - The ten-month payment plan carries a yearly flat administrative fee of USD 40 billed via Veracross.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Homestay Program for international students in Grades 9 through 12; students stay with local families for the duration of their enrollment; fee-for-service arrangement.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Students do not have to wear uniforms, but each division has its own dress code.
Food options	Food options Lunch program is available with an online ordering system; daily meals are provided and today's lunch is posted; there are periodic lunch ordering windows.	Food options Lunch is provided by an outside food vendor; all students have a full hour for lunch and recess every day; students may bring their own lunch; families are responsible for providing snacks.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership GISB is a non-profit corporation named German International School Boston, Inc. It is governed by a Board of Trustees. Guardians of enrolled students automatically become corporate members and pay annual membership dues.	Governance and ownership Governance is by a Board of Trustees.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GISB offers a bilingual education with a German KMK-approved curriculum. The program prepares students for the German International Abitur (DIA) and confers both the DIA and the Massachusetts high school diploma. High school emphasizes science and mathematics with 13–16 hours of instruction per week across all four years, and college-level mathematics, science, and history are required. All students take German and English Language & Literature, and study at least one additional world language from grade 6 through grade 10. The Abitur program in grades 11–12 spans 11 subjects and ends with final Abitur exams (three written and two oral) proctored by German officials, while the AP German Language & Culture exam is available from 10th grade. All GISB graduates are fluent in English and German and speak at least one additional world language; 100% of graduates pursue higher education.	Curriculum details ISB is a bilingual French-English school. From Maternelle through Upper School, the curriculum offers two internationally recognized diplomas: the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) taught in English. The Elementary/Maternelle program teaches in French and English; in Maternelle the French Ministry of Education curriculum is combined with Massachusetts Common Core Preschool and Kindergarten standards; Lower School has accreditation from the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with options to emphasize either language and to pursue IB or French Baccalaureate tracks. In Upper School, students choose between the French Baccalaureate or IB, with additional language options including Spanish, German, and Mandarin.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio High school classes typically have no more than 18 students. Elementary class sizes are small with individualized attention.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results GISB follows a KMK-approved curriculum that prepares students for the DIA. The final Abitur exams consist of three written and two oral subject exams proctored by German officials. The AP German Language and Culture exam is available as an option in the German curriculum from 10th grade. 100% of GISB graduates pursue higher education.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% of GISB graduates pursue higher education.	Higher education progression ISB's College Counseling Office supports students with higher education planning across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and parts of the Middle East and Asia. ISB students matriculate to many of the nation's and the world's top colleges and universities, with geographically diverse matriculation the most in New England.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented GISB Merit Award is an annual award honoring academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school counselor provides individualized mental health support to students and teaches social-emotional learning classes to middle school students. The student services team supports students in reaching their academic and emotional goals with health and wellness, social-emotional counseling, and special education support.	Social & emotional learning Learning is a dynamic and holistic process that develops social-emotional skills, study skills, and learning habits.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) GISB's Special Education Teachers support all teachers in creating an inclusive environment that provides specialized instructions for students with learning differences.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English fluency is not required at any grade level. Our English Department provides differentiated instruction for both novice and native English speakers alike.	English as an additional language The school teaches bilingual instruction in English and French; Preschool through Kindergarten explore both languages, and Middle School courses are offered in French or English with schedules that emphasize one language to support bilingual proficiency.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The health team promotes the health and wellness of all students and provides day-to-day care. They oversee all public health requirements relating to our school, sports, and camp programs and offer health information sessions for students of all ages. The school counselor provides individualized mental health support to students.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is embedded in the school's mission and culture, with emphasis on empathy, respect, open-mindedness, and resilience; inclusive community and service activities further support student wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The health team oversees health and safety and public health requirements for the school, sports, and camp programs and offers health information sessions for students of all ages. The Magnus Health Portal is available for health information management, and the health team can be contacted at health@gisbos.org.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview GISB operates on two campuses in the Boston area: the Upper Campus on 57 Holton Street, Boston, for grades 4–12, and the Lower Campus on 46 Belmont Street, Watertown, for preschool through grade 3. The Lower Campus features classrooms designed for younger students, an outdoor playground, a large indoor multi-use space, and a teaching kitchen for young chefs. It also includes a bilingual library and a dedicated music room, with both campuses renovated and expanded to support growth. The Lower Campus moved to Watertown in Fall 2025, reinforcing GISB's presence in the Boston area. The school provides a bilingual German–English program within a German curriculum.	Facilities overview An historic Cambridge campus anchors the International School of Boston's facilities. The campus features dedicated Libraries for each division, a large gymnasium and a Media Center, two playgrounds, shared outdoor athletic fields, and dedicated spaces for the visual and performing arts. The Media Center for Middle & Upper Schools is on the 4th floor of Building 3, the Lower School Library is on the 1st floor of Building 3, and the Maternelle Library is in Building 4. Middle School science labs support hands‑on learning as part of a bilingual program. The campus is accessible by foot or bike, with MBTA stops and school transportation options nearby.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Lower Campus includes a gymnasium with a performance stage for indoor athletic and performance activities. The physical education program includes off‑campus activities at Harvard University's athletic facilities, swimming at Boston University, rock climbing at a local indoor gym, and CrossFit. GISB also supports youth sport programs such as the GISB Futsal Team for lower grades (Grades 1–3), with practices held at the Lower Campus and participation in local leagues.	Sports facilities ISB has a large gymnasium on campus used by students across divisions. There are shared outdoor athletic fields available for team practices and games. ISB offers interscholastic teams in soccer and volleyball in the fall, fencing and basketball in the winter, and volleyball and ultimate frisbee in the spring, for both Middle and Upper School students. Club sports provide exposure to additional activities including archery, badminton, fencing, flag football, indoor soccer, running, table tennis, and more. Through a partnership with AEFE, students compete in AEFE‑sponsored tournaments in volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities GISB follows a KMK‑approved German curriculum and prepares students for the Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA), with courses in German and English and a two‑year Abitur track in grades 11–12. Science and mathematics receive emphasis with substantial instructional hours across all four years, and U.S. history topics are incorporated into the history curriculum. AP German Language and Culture is available in upper grades and may be taken for college‑level recognition, with AP designation on the 12th‑grade German course transcript. Graduates pursue higher education, and 100% of GISB graduates go on to higher education.	Academic facilities ISB provides three on‑campus libraries to support academic work: the Media Center for Middle & Upper School on Building 3's 4th floor, the Lower School Library on Building 3's 1st floor, and the Maternelle Library in Building 4. Middle School science classes include regular time in the school's science labs for hands‑on activities. Middle School language of instruction is bilingual, with classes taught in French or English. The libraries offer Follett Destiny catalog, ebooks through Sora, and Gale databases including The Boston Globe and The New York Times. There are dedicated spaces for the visual and performing arts to support academic and creative work.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Secondary School Extracurricular Activities include Sports: Ski/Snowboarding (Ski Week), Volleyball, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, and Soccer. Clubs include Creative Writing, Yearbook, Student Newspaper, Environmental Club, GSA, Model UN, and Tutoring. Music & Arts offerings include Private Recorder, Piano, and Voice lessons and Musical Theater Club. GISB Futsal Team (Grades 1–3) trains weekly at the Lower Campus and participates in league play.	Extra curricular facilities Preschool through Grade 5 participate in seasonal arts clubs such as Charcoal Drawing, Dance, Digital Arts, Discovery of Music, and Violin/Viola Ensemble, with Open Chorus and private music lessons available. Middle School offers Drama Club and Rock Band, plus seasonal clubs in Photography, Digital Art, Makerspace/Crochet, and Guitar. Upper School provides opportunities in Rock Band, Theater, and Studio Art, with continued access to private lessons. ISB Radio, a web‑based program launched in 2021, gives students a platform to produce content, practice language skills, and share projects. Arts events and traditions include Arts & Design Night and the MaMA (Maternelle Museum of Art).
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 2001 by a dedicated group of parents, GISB is an officially recognized German School Abroad. It moved to 57 Holton Street in Allston in 2006, where the Upper Campus houses the elementary, middle, and high school programs. In 2011 the German government designated GISB an Exzellente Auslandsschule, and the first senior class graduated in 2013 with the German International Abitur. GISB became a MINT Friendly School in 2015, and the Lower Campus opened in 2017 on Western Avenue. In 2024 GISB expanded with long-term leases for 57 Holton Street and 46 Belmont Street in Watertown; renovations in 2025 opened the new Lower Campus at 46 Belmont Street for Preschool–Grade 3, while Grades 4–12 returned to the renovated Upper Campus.	History ISB began in 1962 as a French bilingual kindergarten in a house basement and quickly expanded into a bilingual elementary school. In 1983, the school moved to the Parmenter School building in Arlington. A Middle School opened in 1997 in the Almshouse in Cambridge through a partnership with the Archdiocese of Boston, and the Upper School began in 1999, with the first graduating class earning the French Baccalaureate in 2001. ISB purchased the Almshouse in 2005, and in 2019 expanded Cambridge's campus footprint to include Maternelle, previously located in Arlington, through a long-term lease with the Archdiocese of Boston. Since 2005 the historic building at 45 Matignon Road in Cambridge has been ISB's campus home.
Community	Community GISB operates on two campuses: the Upper Campus at 57 Holton Street, Boston, and the Lower Campus at 46 Belmont Street, Watertown. The community hosts events such as the Spring Concert, Lion King Musical, Sound of Summer Concert, and GISB Flea Market (Flohmarkt), along with programs like the Spring Vacation Program and various field trips and performances. The school also offers author readings, parent education, clubs, and other extracurricular activities across both campuses.	Community ISB serves nearly 600 students from more than 425 families, reflecting a diverse, global community. Community is central to ISB's identity, with families connected through bilingual, international education, traditions, and relationships that make ISB a sense of home. The school's community highlights include the OneISB Parent Network, school-wide Events & Traditions, and connections to Boston's French cultural networks, enriching the bilingual environment for families. ISB's community fosters engagement across divisions and backgrounds through parent involvement and partnerships within Boston's Francophone landscape.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association GISB is a non-profit membership organization governed by a Board of Trustees. All current parents become members, and memberships are available to community members who are not enrolled at the school (for example, alumni); non-parent memberships carry an annual fee. At the start of each school year, every class elects representatives to the Parent Council, which meets approximately every six weeks to share information, address concerns, and collaborate with the school administration. The Parent Council also organizes community events, the staff appreciation fund, teacher gifts, and staff appreciation day. Parents can volunteer in the classroom, chaperone field trips, or help with community events, and there are opportunities to contribute through leadership roles and board committees.	Parent teacher association OneISB Parent Network, ISB's parent association, aims to build a sense of community among ISB's nearly 800 parents. The network operates on three pillars—Community Events, Parent Connect, and Volunteer Opportunities—to keep families connected, informed, and involved throughout the year. Volunteer opportunities span weekly Bread Sales (a school tradition supporting OneISB events), the Gala Planning Committee (a major fundraiser for the Annual Fund), and the Spring International Picnic Planning Committee, among others. Additional roles include handling the Best of Boston Guide for relocating families, Admissions Ambassador activities, and room parent support across divisions. ISB provides contact channels and details for involvement through the network's dedicated pages and staff contacts.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual GISB is a bilingual independent school serving preschool through grade 12. The German curriculum is internationally acclaimed and GISB awards the International Abitur. GISB is part of a network of 136 officially recognized International German Schools worldwide. The International Abitur is recognized at European and American colleges and universities as an academic distinction.	Academic & intellectual Career exploration is available through the Grade 10 Work Observation Program, and an Upper School Career Fair connects students with parents and alumni to explore paths after high school. The Global Learning Program provides travel opportunities via Academic Exchange Programs and Culture & Curriculum Trips. Student-led clubs span many subjects, including Ambassadors, Advanced German, Astronomy, BioBuilder, Chess, Creative Writing, Film, Finance, Model UN, and more. Weekly Assembly and the Student Council support leadership development and community engagement beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music is a core, collaborative experience at GISB. The School Day Music Program for Grades 1–3 includes small-group violin and cello lessons, singing and recorder, and instrument rental. For older students, there are additional instrumental lessons and ensembles, plus a chorus that performs at school events. After-school offerings include the GISB Ensemble, GISB Symphony Orchestra, and a Musical Theater Production; private instrumental instruction is offered after school by experienced instructors.	Arts & creative Art is introduced across all grades through age-appropriate visual and performing arts courses, with seasonal or year-long clubs and private lessons in Visual and Performing Arts. Middle School offers Drama Club, Rock Band, French Theater Company, and Studio Art. Performance & Club opportunities for Preschool–Grade 5 include Seasonal Clubs and Open Chorus, with private music lessons available. Arts events include Arts & Design Night, MaMA (Musée d'Art de la Maternelle), and the Grade 12 Art Exhibition as part of IB Visual Arts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language GISB provides bilingual education with a German language focus and a Fast Track program designed to develop German language proficiency. Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten welcome beginners and provide immersive German-language instruction with targeted language support. Grades 1–5 Fast Track accelerates language learning, enabling participation in GISB's bilingual curriculum after one or two years. Ongoing language support is provided for all students, including native German speakers.	Cultural & language The Global Learning Program is the cornerstone of student life, combining local, national, and international experiences and strengthening language skills. Travel opportunities fall into Curriculum & Culture trips, Academic Exchanges, and AEFE Partnerships. AEFE Partnerships enable participation in AEFE-sponsored tournaments and events, and ISB hosts AEFE events. Middle School SEP topics include Japanese Culture, and language-focused clubs such as Advanced German are offered.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies GISB Upper Campus offers daily student life with a broad menu of clubs and activities, including Admissions Ambassadors, Band, Basketball, Chess, Coding, Creative Writing Club, Environmental Club, Film Making, Model UN, Musical Theater & Musical Ensemble, Student Council, Yearbook, and Open Art Studio. A GISB Children's Choir and ensemble program provide additional musical outlets after school, alongside private instrumental instruction. Senior and Junior Student Life include a range of clubs and classes that foster collaboration and personal interests.	Social & hobbies ISB Middle School offers after-school clubs and athletics, expanding opportunities for social and intellectual engagement. Clubs include Archery, Art, Chess, Chorus and Select Singers, Jazz/Rock Band, Model United Nations, Movie Making, Private Music Lessons, Sailing, Soccer, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Yearbook, and more. Clubs run after school Monday through Friday, with some Saturday options, and are supervised by ISB faculty or approved partners. Interscholastic and club sports are offered across fall, winter, and spring.
Community & service	Community & service Volunteer opportunities are available through Senior Student Life for older students. The program includes field trips and career-oriented outings that connect students with the broader community. The school emphasizes community and teamwork through a wide array of student clubs and activities such as Admissions Ambassadors and Student Council.	Community & service Upper School has an active Community Service Club that engages with the local community through service projects and fundraising. IB students participate in service-learning and partner with organizations such as Groundwork Somerville, Alewife Biodiversity and Pollinator Garden, Mystic River Watershed Association, Food for Free, Food Link, and Cradles to Crayons. Middle School's Community Service Day involves students and faculty delivering services to the community, with projects and presentations about partner organizations.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional GISB offers leadership opportunities such as Admissions Ambassadors and Student Council. Junior and Senior Student Life empower students to shape their own experiences through daily clubs, events, and supervised activities. The after-school program provides leadership development through a broad range of clubs and activities for older students.	Leadership & professional Upper School features a Student Council with student-elected officers. Grade 10 offers a Work Observation Program and an Upper School Career Fair to help students explore futures. ISB encourages student leadership through a wide range of student-led clubs, created by students and supported by faculty. Clubs include Ambassadors, Advanced German, Model UN, and other leadership-focused activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and fitness are integral to GISB's program, with a wide array of athletic activities available through Senior Student Life. The program also includes a maker space and an open art studio for hands-on projects and creative exploration. Students participate in field trips and career-oriented outings as part of a balanced, engaging after-school experience. Dance, Crossfit, and various clubs support wellness and healthy lifestyle habits.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The athletics program promotes sportsmanship, competition, physical fitness, and lifelong wellness. Upper and Middle School students participate in interscholastic teams and club sports across fall, winter, and spring, including soccer, basketball, fencing, volleyball, and more. Club sports provide exposure to new activities in a non-competitive environment. Traditions such as the Cambridge Cup and International Cup highlight ISB's athletic culture.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in German and English. In the Abitur, classes are taught in German or English depending on the subject, and occasionally in both languages. A third language is learned as part of the Abitur program. GISB is recognized as a German School Abroad and can award the International Abitur.	Language provision ISB teaches French and English as core languages across all grades; Spanish, German, and Mandarin are available as electives. In Maternelle, about 75% of the day is in French, with English interwoven. Lower School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with options to emphasize one language and to add Spanish, German, or Mandarin; Upper School offers the French Baccalaureate or the IB Diploma, with continued access to Spanish, German, or Mandarin alongside French.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching GISB offers a bilingual education in German and English. The German International Abitur program provides instruction in German and English depending on the subject, with occasional bilingual delivery. The curriculum is robust, internationally oriented and well-rounded, opening doors to colleges and universities in the United States, Germany, and worldwide.	Bilingual teaching ISB provides bilingual instruction in French and English across all grade levels. Maternelle and Lower School teach in both languages, with Lower School holding accreditation from the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with students able to emphasize one language and to add Spanish, German, or Mandarin. In Upper School, students may pursue the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB), with additional language study in Spanish, German, or Mandarin alongside French.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Early Childhood Education uses a play-based language-immersion program. There is a German immersion preschool offered, with a German-language curriculum through elementary to high school. Immersion is a central component of GISB's bilingual program.	Immersion programs ISB uses a bilingual immersion model from Maternelle through Upper School. Maternelle has about 75% of the day taught in French. Lower School maintains bilingual instruction in French and English and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. Middle School and Upper School continue bilingual delivery, with options to add Spanish, German, or Mandarin.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is a bilingual independent school serving preschool through grade 12 and is part of a network of officially recognized International German Schools worldwide, enabling it to award the German International Abitur. The Abitur and GISB High School Diploma are recognized by European and American colleges and universities.	Accreditations CIS; NAIS; NEASC; IB; AISNE; AFSA; HDMFS; MLF; AEFE
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit an inquiry form. We'll contact you to schedule a (video) call or a personal tour. This begins the admissions process. 2. Join an admissions event. Meet our community and learn about GISB. This helps you understand the program and culture. 3. Submit your online application and non-refundable $50 application fee. This starts the formal application process. You will be guided through the admissions timeline. 4. Schedule a student visit. Language and math assessments are required for Fast Track applicants. Other applicants may have additional evaluation steps. 5. Await admissions decision. View the admissions timeline to understand when decisions are released. You will be notified within the stated timeframe. 6. Submit your enrollment agreement and $800 non-refundable deposit to secure your child's spot. Deposits and enrollment agreements are due by the specified dates. Spots cannot be held until both documents are received. 7. International Student Program (ISP) Applications. International students follow the same admissions timeline. A mandatory online interview is scheduled. If accepted, enrollment is initiated along with visa processing and host-family matching. 8. Fast Track Applications. GISB accepts Fast Track applications for grades K to 5 according to the regular admissions timeline. Grades 2–5 undergo Math and English assessments. The program is subject to minimum enrollment; contact Marion Goodwin for more information.	Admissions ISB has four steps in its admissions process: Inquire, Visit, Apply, Enroll. Step 1 Inquire: complete a brief inquiry form to join the mailing list and hear about upcoming ISB events. Step 2 Visit: ISB offers campus tours, on-campus and virtual Open House events, Secondary School Shadow Days, and virtual campus visits; local families are encouraged to participate in on-campus programming. Step 3 Apply: applications are submitted online through Ravenna with no application fee; priority review is given to applications received by January 15; siblings of current students receive priority if their application is submitted by December 15; January 15 is the application deadline for priority review and the financial aid deadline. Step 4 Enroll: decisions are released by March 10; enrollment confirmations are due by April 10; ISB accepts applications year-round depending on space and student qualifications; applicants admitted after April 10 will have one week to respond to an offer of admission. Application materials vary by grade (Preschool & Kindergarten, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) with language considerations and testing requirements as described.
Scholarships	Scholarships GISB is committed to enrolling a diverse student body and making bilingual education affordable to all families. We offer various tuition reductions and a need-based financial aid program. 2026-2027 Tuition: Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten $28,365; Grades 1–4 $28,645; Grades 5–10 $30,315; Grades 11 & 12 $32,205. Payment Plans and Financial Aid: GISB offers three payment plans (2, 5, or 9 installments). Financial aid is awarded based on financial need and is typically for tuition as well as after-school program costs and overnight trips. Financial Aid: Aid is typically granted based on need and is awarded through Clarity Financial Aid; an annual renewal is required. International Student Program applicants are not eligible for financial aid. Important Dates: Financial aid applications become available online in mid-October 2025; returning families due January 1, 2026; new families due February 1, 2026. Other Tuition Reductions and Benefits: Sibling Discount 5% for the 2nd child and 10% for the 3rd child; GISB Employee Tuition Discount 50%; Employer-Sponsored Tuition Benefits include benefits such as guaranteed enrollment, waitlist priority, no upfront deposit, and customized payment plans. For further information about financial aid or tuition reductions and benefits, please contact the Director of Finance. Merit Award: Established in 2016, the GISB Merit Award honors academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service. Applications are open for students in grades 9 and up; the award includes a one-year tuition reduction and is awarded annually by a committee.	Scholarships ISB offers financial aid based on demonstrated need. The financial aid application is separate from the admission application and uses Clarity; deadlines are returning families December 15, 2025 and new families January 15, 2026. Awards are grants (not loans) and are based on demonstrated need and available funding; awards may cover tuition and other costs such as books, transportation, clubs, and exam fees. Returning families' aid is typically released with reenrollment in February 2026; new families' aid is released with the admissions decision and enrollment contract on March 10, 2026. Financial aid awards are renewable with annual reapplication. Financial aid is not available for students requiring an I-20 or who participate in ISB's homestay program. ISB may offer French government scholarships (Bourses Scolaires Françaises) for eligible French citizens, and the ISB Financial Aid Program may supplement government funding. The school also offers a ten-month payment plan for families in the financial aid program.
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