International School of Brooklyn vs The British International School of New York

	I International School of Brooklyn New York, United States	T The British International School of New York New York, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $40,206 - 52,537	Fees / year $44,250 - 66,900
Age range	Age range 3 - 14 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), French Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 386	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2006
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISB's main campus is at 477 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, with reception and mailing at 192 Luquer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231. ISB is located in Carroll Gardens, a historic Brooklyn neighborhood with a small‑town feel; Court Street features cafés, parks, shops, and restaurants, including French- and Spanish-speaking businesses.	Location Located at 20 Waterside Plaza, Manhattan, NY 10010, BIS-NY sits in the Kips Bay neighborhood on Manhattan's East Side, alongside the East River. Access is via 23rd Street, and the campus is near Gramercy Park, Murray Hill and Stuyvesant Town. The riverfront setting provides a calm, light filled environment with open views and space to breathe, and many families reach BIS-NY from Long Island City and Greenpoint.
Stages	Stages Pre-K 3–8th Grade	Stages Early Years (2.9 – 5 years); Lower School (5–11 years); Middle School (11–14 years); Upper School (14–18 years).
School type	School type Independent, non-profit day school	School type The school is a private international day school in New York for students aged 3 to 18.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 44 nationalities represented; 23 languages spoken at home.	Pupil nationality mix Over 40 nationalities represented across BIS-NY.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support; targeted language support for English, French, and Spanish; social‑emotional and behavioral support; counseling; School Nurse.	Additional learning support The school has a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) team and EAL specialists; a full-time Nurse and a School Counselor support student wellbeing.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation France (affiliated with AEFE and Mission laïque française)	Country affiliation British/UK curriculum (English National Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Secular	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure ISB is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily. Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4: 9:00am–3:00pm. Kindergarten to 5th Grade: 8:30am–3:30pm. Middle School (6th–8th Grade): 8:45am–3:45pm (zero period 8:15am–8:45am). Early drop-off starts at 8:00am for Kindergarten–5th Grade and 8:20am for Pre-K 3–4; Campus opens to Middle School at 8:15am. After School programming until 6:00pm.	School day structure Drop-off begins at 8:15 am; a full-day program ends at 3:30 pm, with late care until 5:30 pm. Nursery offers full-day or half-day schedules, with half-day ending at 12:30 pm including lunch.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus service within about four miles; stops include Bed‑Stuy, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Clinton Hill, Cobble Hill, Crown Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Gowanus, Kensington, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Prospect Park South, South Slope, Windsor Terrace.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - An application fee is required as part of the online admissions application. Application fee waivers are available for families for whom the fee presents a financial hardship, families who submitted an application last year, and families affiliated with the Early Steps and Prep for Prep programs. Annual tuition by year group (2026–2027 academic year) - Pre‑K 3: USD 40,206 per year. - Pre‑K 4: USD 42,125 per year. - Kindergarten through Grade 5: USD 47,626 per year. - Grades 6 through 8 (Middle School): USD 52,537 per year. Per‑term / payment‑plan breakdowns (same tuition amounts, different billing schedules) - One‑payment plan (full payment): - Full annual tuition payable in one payment by July 1. - Two‑payment plan (50% / 50%): - Two equal installments: 50% due July 1 and 50% due October 1. - One‑time administrative fee for this plan: USD 50. - Example installment amounts (50% of annual tuition): - Pre‑K 3: USD 20,103.00 per installment. - Pre‑K 4: USD 21,062.50 per installment. - K–5: USD 23,813.00 per installment. - Grades 6–8: USD 26,268.50 per installment. - Ten‑month plan (monthly payments): - Ten equal monthly payments, due each month from July 1 through April 1. - One‑time administrative fee for this plan: USD 110. - Example monthly amounts (annual tuition divided by 10): - Pre‑K 3: USD 4,020.60 per month. - Pre‑K 4: USD 4,212.50 per month. - K–5: USD 4,762.60 per month. - Grades 6–8: USD 5,253.70 per month. Deposit and confirmation payment - A USD 5,000 deposit is required with signed enrollment contracts to secure a student's place. The deposit is deducted from the tuition balance; the deposit amount is adjusted for families who receive tuition assistance. Billing schedule and payment terms - Families choose one of the three tuition payment plans; exact due dates are: - One‑payment: full amount due July 1. - Two‑payment: 50% due July 1 and 50% due October 1. - Ten‑month: payments due monthly from July 1 through April 1. - The chosen plan includes the one‑time administrative fee noted above where applicable. Tuition covers books, field trips (including overnight trips), classroom activities, and materials; some programs and fees are charged separately. Boarding fees - ISB is a day school (Pre‑K 3 through Grade 8); there are no boarding fees. Other costs and recurring fees - Parents' Association fee: USD 100 per year (not included in tuition). - Lunch program: available for an additional fee (Little Green Gourmets hot lunch program); lunch is not included in tuition. - After School & Enrichment program: offered on a trimester basis for an additional fee; After School Care fees are charged separately from tuition. - Athletics program: fees for athletics are charged separately from tuition. - Middle School laptop fee: Middle School technology/laptop fee is charged in addition to tuition. - Summer program: non‑refundable registration fee USD 30 per session; the summer program is charged separately. - School store / school‑branded gear and optional uniform items are available for purchase through The ISB Store. These purchases are additional to tuition and program fees. - Transportation: ISB partners with the NYC Department of Education to offer bus service free of charge to students in Kindergarten through Grade 5; morning bus service is available to 6th graders. Bus service and eligibility are subject to route availability. Refund information - The USD 5,000 deposit is applied to the tuition balance at enrollment. Deposit adjustment for families receiving tuition assistance is applied at the time of contract. Specific refund terms for deposits or prepaid tuition beyond this deposit application are governed by the enrollment contract and school billing policies. Fee payment options and administrative handling - Tuition and fees are administered through ISB's enrollment and billing systems and by the school's Business/Finance Office; families select a payment plan on the enrollment contract and pay according to the contract schedule. The admissions and enrollment flow uses the Veracross/ISB parent portals for application and account access. For exact available payment methods (for example, check, ACH/wire transfer, or card options) and any card convenience fees or bank transfer instructions, payment details are provided in the enrollment contract and billing communications. Notes on coverage - Tuition figures and the deposit amount above are the published 2026–2027 school‑year rates and the stated deposit requirement. Tuition excludes the items specifically listed above (lunch, after‑school, athletics, Middle School laptop fee, Parents' Association fee). Administrative fees apply to the two‑payment and ten‑month payment plans as noted.	Fee details Academic year covered - The fees and payment terms below correspond to the school's published tuition and fees schedule for the 2025/26 academic year. Application and admissions fees - Application Fee: USD 125, payable at the time of application. - New Student Enrollment Fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 2,500, payable upon enrollment for all new students. Annual tuition by year group (full-year amounts) - Nursery (3s program, full year, 5 days/week): USD 44,250. - Reception (Pre-K / 4-year-olds, full year, 5 days/week): USD 49,500. - Primary & Middle School (Year 1 – Year 9): USD 64,750. - Upper School (Year 10 – Year 13): USD 65,800. Mandatory trip / excursion fees - Excursion Week (Years 7–9 only, mandatory): Year 7 fee USD 1,900; Years 8 & 9 fee USD 2,150. These amounts are subject to change based on actual trip costs; installment schedule below applies. Payment schedule, deposits and instalment options - Amounts due on enrollment (new students): - New Student Enrollment Fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 2,500. - Tuition Deposit (non-refundable): Nursery & Reception: USD 3,500; Years 1–9: USD 3,500; Years 10–13: USD 6,000. The tuition deposit is applied against the full-year tuition and is non-refundable. - Remaining tuition balance (examples shown as amounts due under the single-instalment option): - Nursery: Balance due USD 40,750. - Reception: Balance due USD 46,000. - Years 1–9: Balance due USD 58,750. - Years 10–13: Balance due USD 59,800. - Two-installment option (balance divided 70% / 30%): - 70% of the balance due May 1, 2025; 30% of the balance due December 15, 2025. Example amounts (balance portion only): - Nursery: 70% = USD 28,525; 30% = USD 12,225. - Reception: 70% = USD 32,200; 30% = USD 13,800. - Years 1–9: 70% = USD 41,125; 30% = USD 17,625. - Years 10–13: 70% = USD 41,860; 30% = USD 17,940. - Ten-installment option (monthly): ten equal installments covering the balance; the published example monthly amounts are: - Nursery: USD 4,075 per month. - Reception: USD 4,600 per month. - Years 1–9: USD 5,875 per month. - Years 10–13: USD 5,980 per month. - Ten-installment timing and requirement: the ten-installment plan runs across the published dates and requires automatic ACH payment setup through the school's payment processor (TADS) as noted on the schedule. - Excursion Week payment timing (Years 7–9): 50% due October 15, 2025 and 50% due March 15, 2026 (subject to change by itinerary). What tuition covers and what it does not cover - Tuition includes: educational materials, lunch, snacks, athletics, extracurricular programs (including school play, set design, athletics, debate) and educational day trips. - Tuition does not cover: school uniforms, private music lessons, after-school activities and late club, residential (overnight) trips for Years 7–13, transportation to/from school, and computing devices for Upper School (BYOD requirement). After-school care is charged separately at USD 23 per hour. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school and no boarding fee schedule is published. Refund and cancellation terms (key points) - New Student Enrollment Fee: one-time and non-refundable. - Tuition Deposit: non-refundable and applied against the year's tuition balance. - Financial aid application processing: the third-party FAST portal charges a USD 60 administrative fee per financial aid application. If the school is unable to meet a family's demonstrated need, the school will refund the application fee. - Pro‑rata for partial-year attendance: published proration is One term = 50% of full-year tuition; Two terms = 75% of full-year tuition. Fees are prorated by term for mid‑year entry or departure only when agreed in advance; this proration does not apply to unplanned withdrawals or non-attendance once a student is enrolled. Late payment, penalties and consequences - A late fee of 1.5% per month is assessed on all past-due invoices by the school's billing agent (TADS). Significantly past-due accounts may result in student withdrawal. Fee payment methods and administrative processing - The school uses TADS for tuition billing and payment management. TADS accepts multiple payment methods including automatic bank withdrawal (ACH), major credit and debit cards, e-checks, and paper checks/money orders depending on the contract and options selected in the TADS tuition agreement. The ten-installment plan specifically requires ACH authorization. Other regular or occasional charges - After-school care: USD 23 per hour (charged separately). - Residential / overnight trip fees (Years 7–13) and private lessons or certain extracurricular items may be charged separately when applicable. Excursion Week charges for Years 7–9 are mandatory and billed as noted above. Contact / billing administration - Billing and financial-aid administration are handled through the school's stated contacts and the TADS/FAST portals as part of the admissions and tuition process. Families may arrange payment plans and employer/third‑party invoicing in coordination with the school's admissions and finance teams.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Lower School and Middle School wear a formal uniform; Upper School follows a smart dress code. The official supplier is Lands' End, BIS-NY provides house-color ties and swim caps, and house colors are Shakespeare (Blue), Glennie (White), and King (Red).
Food options	Food options ISB partners with Little Green Gourmets for lunch. Hot meals are served daily on campus in the Cafeteria (1st–8th Grade) or in Preschool classrooms. Regular, vegetarian, and beef-free menus are offered, with monthly menus reflecting seasonal availability. Little Green Gourmets prepares meals in a peanut-, tree-nut-, sesame-, and shellfish-free environment. Other dietary accommodations include gluten-free, vegan, and dairy/egg-free options, available for an additional fee. For lunch-plan questions, contact hello@littlegreengourmets.com.	Food options Healthy, fresh meals are prepared onsite daily by the Elior team; lunch is provided for all BIS-NY students and includes hot entrées, vegetarian options, soups, sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, and a Friday dessert. All meals are nut-free and hormone- and antibiotic-free and include a healthy morning snack.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a house system with Shakespeare (Blue), Glennie (White), and King (Red). Nursery and Reception wear red polos.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ISB is an independent, non-profit school. It is governed by a Board of Trustees comprising current parents, alumni parents, and community members. The Board oversees the financial management, long-range planning, and policies. Members serve three-year terms and may serve no more than two consecutive terms.	Governance and ownership BIS-NY is part of Affinitas, a global family of bilingual and international schools. Affinitas supports growth and provides access to a wider community of educators and best practices while preserving BIS-NY's identity.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ISB is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for 6th through 8th grade, with immersive language programs in French and Spanish. The Preschool–Lower School are accredited by the French Ministry of Education, while the full program is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education, and the curriculum incorporates New York State standards within an IB framework. The IB emphasises inquiry-based learning and multilingualism, helping students develop global understanding. Language learning occurs in authentic cultural contexts with instruction by native speakers.	Curriculum details Early Years combines the UK Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Lower School uses the English National Curriculum taught within the IB framework. Middle School provides IB-based inquiry alongside preparation for IGCSE. Upper School follows the Cambridge IGCSE and A Level programmes. The overall curriculum blends the English National Curriculum with IB approaches in the Lower and Middle Schools and Cambridge qualifications in the Upper School.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes and small student-teacher ratios. Form teachers, division leaders and specialist staff provide personalised attention.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates have gained places at leading institutions around the world since the first graduating class in 2021. Cambridge qualifications are accepted by more than 880 universities in the United States (including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus institutions) and by every UK university, with strong A Level results often earning up to one year of university credit. Merit scholarships total over $2 million each year.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Enrichment class offerings are available for PK3–5th grade.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school provides social-emotional and behavioral support. The Counseling Team collaborates with teachers and parents to design strategies, which may include behavior plans, brief counseling sessions, or connections to outside resources such as formal evaluations or therapeutic support. Affinity and alliance groups are offered across the school to support identity development, strengthen self-esteem, and foster affirmation, confidence, and resilience.	Social & emotional learning The school places wellbeing at the center of its approach with a Welcoming, Connected Community. From day one, families are supported to feel at home through activities and a warm community. The school fosters Respect, Inclusion and Every Child Feeling Seen, drawing on a diverse community of over 40 nationalities. The small student–teacher ratios, dedicated form teachers, division leaders and specialist staff provide trusted adults who know each child well. Regular communication between families and leadership ensures a transparent, supportive environment where students feel safe to speak up and seek help. Daily safeguarding practices are underpinned by the Affinitas Culture of Care to support student wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) A Collaborative Student Support Team partners with classroom teachers to identify strengths and needs and to design strategies that promote growth across academic, social, and emotional areas. The school works with a School Consulting Psychologist and a network of outside providers, including SETSS, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and clinical psychologists, to provide comprehensive support for each student.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) team that supports students with diverse needs and helps them access learning. The SEN team collaborates with other staff to provide appropriate support and inclusion across divisions. The EAL specialists and other specialist staff coordinate with the SEN team as part of the overall inclusion approach. The SEN provision sits within BIS-NY's holistic wellbeing framework and safeguarding approach.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Targeted language support offers extra help for students acquiring a new language, whether English, French, or Spanish. This support typically takes place throughout the Lower School and focuses on developing the language skills needed to engage fully in ISB's bilingual learning environment. French- or Spanish-speaking students who are new to English can be accommodated in Pre-K 3 to 5th Grade.	English as an additional language The EAL program offers focused small-group and in-class support from Nursery through Year 9. This support helps students build English skills to access the curriculum with confidence. EAL specialists are part of the staff to provide targeted language assistance within lessons. Learners are supported socially and academically to feel included within BIS-NY's multilingual community.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through social-emotional and behavioral supports; the Counseling Team collaborates with teachers and families to develop strategies, and may include brief counseling, behavior plans, or connections to outside resources as needed.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing comes first at BIS-NY with a welcoming and connected community. A full-time Nurse and a School Counselor support student welfare and access to care. The school maintains structures for student wellbeing and regular communication with families. The Affinitas Culture of Care informs daily practices to keep students safe, heard and thriving. Respect and inclusion are central to mental wellbeing in the BIS-NY community.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Gender policy and hate speech policy codify safety, affirmation, and support for all members of the ISB community, with an accountability model for incidents.	Safeguarding The school maintains a strong safeguarding framework with a full-time Nurse, a School Counselor, a Special Educational Needs team and EAL specialists. These roles collaborate to prioritise student safety and welfare. Daily practices reflect international safeguarding standards. The Affinitas Culture of Care informs staff responses to safeguarding concerns. Staff receive regular welfare training to keep students safe, heard, and supported to thrive.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ISB's campus features a private, sunny courtyard for recess and community events. Light-filled classrooms with high ceilings foster daily learning. A learning garden sits in the side yard for hands-on science and nature exploration. A full-size gymnasium is used for athletics and other community events. Dedicated art and music studios support creative classes across the program.	Facilities overview Located at 20 Waterside Plaza via 23rd Street and the East River, BIS-NY sits in the Kips Bay neighborhood on Manhattan's East Side, with a riverfront setting that is calm, light-filled and close to family-friendly areas. The campus hosts purpose-built spaces for all age groups on a single site where Early Years through Upper School learn. Students have outdoor playgrounds, an onsite swimming pool, fully equipped science labs, art studios, libraries and dedicated spaces for music, languages, STEM and design. Younger children benefit from smooth transitions, while older students gain independence in spaces designed for their stage of learning. The campus environment is secure, inspiring and supports a broad range of academics, arts, sports and co-curricular activities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities ISB features a full-size gymnasium on campus. The gym is used for athletics and other community events. ISB's athletics program includes soccer, basketball, and track, with competition within the Middle School Athletic League (MSAL). Athletics are organized in three seasons: Fall soccer, volleyball, and cheer; Winter basketball; Spring track.	Sports facilities Competitive sports include soccer, basketball, swimming, and track and field, with BIS-NY Bulldogs representing the school. The campus supports PE and sport through an onsite swimming pool used for physical education and aquatic activities. Students participate in a varied after-school sports program and school teams. The sporting program complements academic and co-curricular offerings, helping students develop teamwork and resilience.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ISB has a multilingual library that supports Pre-K 3 through 8th grade with resources in French, Spanish, and English. The library provides access to a Destiny print catalog and Sora for eBooks. The collection contains approximately 14,000 volumes and emphasizes multilingual reading and research. Librarians host author visits and library programming to support literacy. The library is open to families before school and after school, and follows the American Association of School Librarians' standards to guide its program.	Academic facilities Facilities include fully equipped science labs, art studios, and libraries. There are dedicated spaces for music, languages, STEM and design. BIS-NY's campus features purpose-built spaces designed to support learning from Early Years through Upper School. The riverfront location and light-filled environment support independent and collaborative learning across subjects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities ISB offers After School Care from dismissal to 6:00pm on full school days, with activities in arts, crafts, movement, teamwork, problem solving, imagination, and storytelling. Enrichment Classes provide after-school experiences in the creative and performing arts, STEM, athletics, and more; enrollment is trimester-based with no drop-ins for specialty classes. A sample of enrichment offerings includes Quick Start Tennis, Coding with Empathy, Culinary Explorers, Girls on the Run, Dance Mix, Capoeira, Debate, Fencing, Graffiti & Street Art, Timbalooloo Music, and Math Games. Classes run five days a week, with registration on a first-come, first-served basis.	Extra curricular facilities After-school clubs and competitive sports are a hallmark of BIS-NY. Competitive sports include soccer, basketball, swimming, and track and field, with BIS-NY Bulldogs as the team name. Robotics, Debate and the student-led Green Team offer engaging pathways for students who love building, experimenting and leadership. Performing arts are a standout, with middle and upper school students participating in mainstage musicals or plays, and younger students performing in smaller showcases. BIS-NY partners with the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art for additional in-school and extracurricular performance opportunities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school is an independent, non-profit school located in Carroll Gardens. International School of Brooklyn (ISB) was founded in 2005 to create an intimate and multicultural setting with a balanced and challenging academic program. The story began in 2003 when a group of committed parents led by Rebecca Skinner, the founder and founding head of school, met to create an independent language immersion school. In September 2004, ISB received its operational charter from the New York State Department of Education and piloted language immersion playgroups in Park Slope, Cobble Hill, and Brooklyn Heights during the 2004–2005 school year. In September 2005, ISB launched its preschool program in Park Slope with 16 students; by 2010, ISB moved to its current location in Carroll Gardens, and there are 386 students currently enrolled in the Pre-K 3–8th Grade program.	History The British International School of New York opened in 2006. September 2016 marked BIS-NY's tenth anniversary. In September 2018 the school launched an Upper School programme offering Cambridge International IGCSE and A Level courses.
Community	Community The school has a vibrant and engaged community that is the cornerstone of the student experience. The school's students and their families, along with the faculty and staff, come from New York City's five boroughs and all over the world. The learning environment is culturally and socioeconomically diverse and promotes inclusion and awareness in the community.	Community From the very first days BIS-NY supports families to feel at home with playdates before term begins, introductions to local classmates and a warm Parents' Association. The community represents more than 40 nationalities and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion and being seen. A team of trusted adults and safeguarding practices ensures students are safe, heard and supported, with regular, open communication between families and school leadership.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The ISB Parents Association is an important component in the life of the school. Led by elected co-chairs, the PA is committed to supporting the school and its students and to increasing parent awareness about the school programs and activities. All ISB parents are members of the PA and are encouraged to attend PA meetings and events throughout the school year. The PA hosts a variety of events, including signature events such as the International Feast and End of Year Picnic, as well as informative workshops, discussion groups, film screenings, and more. The PA has five working committees to support ISB's mission: Library, Staff Appreciation, Community Service, Diversity, and Green Dragons. Signature Community Events Hosted by the Parents Association include the International Feast, Ice Skating Party, and End of Year Picnic.	Parent teacher association The Parents' Association (PA) creates a close, vibrant, and supportive BIS-NY community. Class Representatives attend PA meetings and communicate PA information to their class; volunteering for PA events is coordinated by parents. PA meetings are held quarterly; PA dues of $225 per student are billed at the start of the school year and fund student-focused initiatives and events, including holiday and year-end class parties and gifts for teachers and staff. Dues are overseen by the PA Treasurer and questions about PA finances may be sent to bisnypa@gmail.com.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ISB is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). It combines language immersion in French and Spanish with inquiry-based learning from Preschool through 8th Grade, aligning with New York State standards within the IB framework. The Preschool and Lower School are accredited by the French Ministry of Education, and the full program is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education. The IB framework promotes open-mindedness, global perspectives, and rigorous academic inquiry.	Academic & intellectual Debate Club and Robotics are offered as after-school clubs, supporting critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative work. Clubs and teams vary from term to term and are age-appropriate. These activities expose students to new skills beyond the classroom and help develop communication and teamwork. The BIS-NY program emphasizes intellectual growth through a range of after-school opportunities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts are integrated across ISB programs. The Lower School includes visual arts and a music program rooted in the IB framework, and the Preschool offers arts experiences as part of early learning. After School Enrichment Classes provide opportunities in creative and performing arts five days a week, complementing classroom experiences. The arts are woven into inquiry-based projects and aligned with IB standards.	Arts & creative Drama and school productions are a core part of BIS-NY's arts program. Each year, two full-scale annual musical productions are staged for Years 4–9, with after-school rehearsals. There are set-design and backstage roles that engage students as makers and builders, and young musicians support performances. The School Choir meets weekly at lunch, and the Empire State of Sound touring choir rehearses after school and performs at local events, including concert tours.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language immersion in French and Spanish runs Pre-K 3 through 8th Grade. Native-speaking teachers support language development in both target languages alongside English, helping students reach bilingual fluency. The program connects language learning to cultural and historical contexts within the IB framework and global perspectives. ISB's international community includes families from many nationalities and languages.	Cultural & language Arabic and Mandarin language clubs are offered to support language development and cultural learning. The diverse after-school program also includes other clubs connected to culture and creativity, such as Ballet, Chess, and Global Chefs.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ISB offers after-school care and enrichment for Preschool and Lower School with themes in arts, crafts, movement, and games; After School runs until 6:00pm on full school days. Enrichment classes cover arts, STEM, athletics, and more, offered five days a week. Middle School Athletics provides soccer, basketball, and track, with competition in the Middle School Athletic League (MSAL); teams compete in Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. ISB's after-school and enrichment activities foster teamwork, creativity, and athletic development.	Social & hobbies The after-school clubs include School Choir, Debate Club, the School Play, Set Design, and Brownies / Girl Scouts, providing social and creative outlets. Most clubs run from 3:30–4:30 pm and operate in two semesters (Sept–Jan and Feb–Jun). There is a Late Club option until 5:30 pm, and a Breakfast Club begins at 7:45 am to support families.
Community & service	Community & service Our Community page describes getting involved through classroom participation and school-wide events, including guest lectures and community exchanges such as Pecha Kucha evenings. The Parents Association coordinates events and activities that support the school's mission and foster parent involvement.	Community & service The BIS-NY Green Team is a student-led group committed to improving sustainability within the school and the wider community. Brownies / Girl Scouts participate in service-oriented activities as part of the after-school program.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional ISB emphasizes student leadership through language-rich inquiry and student agency in the Lower School, with leadership and project-based initiatives embedded in the curriculum. The Parents Association also provides parent leadership within the school community.	Leadership & professional The Green Team is student-led, providing leadership opportunities and the chance to develop project-management and collaborative skills. Participation in various clubs and activities also supports peer leadership and teamwork.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Athletics program serves Middle School students with three seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring) and competitive play in events organized by the MSAL, promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. Preschool and Early Years programming includes social-emotional learning and mindfulness components, supported by programs like Second Step, alongside physical education and well-being activities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing BIS-NY offers a varied and robust competitive sports program, including soccer, basketball, swimming, track & field, and tennis. Teams compete against local independent schools in the American International Private School League, promoting teamwork and school spirit. Competitive sports are available to students in Year Six and above, with access to Asphalt Green and other facilities for practice.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French and Spanish are taught as the target languages, with English instruction increasing across grades. A Language Coordinators team supports Spanish, French, and English, and there is a multilingual library with over 14,000 books. Preschool and Lower School are accredited by the French Ministry of Education, while the full program is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education.	Language provision The school teaches in English and delivers the English National Curriculum through the International Baccalaureate framework. World Languages are central to learning, with Modern Languages offered in French and Spanish. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students for whom English is not their first language, with small-group pull-out lessons and in-class support. During EAL, pull-out lessons are provided in place of French or Spanish to help students access the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching ISB uses a graduated language immersion model with Spanish or French as the target languages and English as the second language. Preschool has 100% instruction in the target language; Kindergarten is 90% target language with 10% English; 1st–3rd Grade is 75% target language and 25% English; 4th–5th Grade is 50% target language and 50% English. In 6th–8th Grade, students follow either a Multilingual Program (43% course content in the target languages and 57% in English) or a Bilingual Program (15% course content in the target language and 85% in English). All teachers are native speakers of the target language; Preschool–Lower School curricula are accredited by the French Ministry of Education, and the full program is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs French and Spanish are the official languages of ISB's immersion program, implemented from Pre-K 3 through 8th grade and aligned with the International Baccalaureate curriculum. ISB employs a graduated immersion model with native-speaking teachers and a Language Coordinators team; a multilingual library supports literacy in the target languages with over 14,000 books. In Preschool, instruction is fully in the target language, and English instruction increases in later grades to support literacy and academic content.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations null	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Welcome to International School of Brooklyn. 1. Schedule a tour of the school. Parents and guardians meet ISB's administration, learn about the bilingual program, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Tours are for parents/guardians only; children do not attend. 2. Submit the online application for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications open September 2, 2025, and the deadline to submit is December 8, 2025. Supplemental materials, such as teacher reports and transcripts, are due by January 8, 2026. 3. Language considerations. For Pre-K 3 to Kindergarten, applicants from all language backgrounds are welcome; for 1st to 5th Grade, applicants should speak, read, and write in French or Spanish at grade level, with a language assessment part of the application. Middle School offers options for students starting or continuing French or Spanish, and all students must be fluent in English to enter Middle School. 4. Admissions visits. Parent interviews are typically conducted for Pre-K4 to 5th Grade; student visits occur for 1st to 8th Grade, during which language assessments and/or writing exercises may be completed; a weekend playgroup is offered for Pre-K 3 to 5. 5. Recommendations. The current teacher should submit the teacher recommendation form, ideally after November 1, for the 2026-27 cycle; the form is due by January 8, 2026. 6. Fees, entry points, and waivers. Fee waivers are available for families facing financial hardship, for those who applied last year, or for families affiliated with Early Steps and Prep for Prep programs. Entry points include Preschool (Pre-K3, Pre-K4, Kindergarten) and 6th Grade, with occasional admission to other grades; siblings are given special consideration but not guaranteed. 7. Notification and next steps. ISB follows ISAAGNY notification dates; Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 notifications occur February 26, 2026; Kindergarten on February 5, 2026; 1st–8th Grade on February 11, 2026. After notification, families proceed with enrollment, transportation, and other arrangements.	Admissions STEP ONE Inquire by completing our short inquiry form to share a little about your family. A member of our admissions team will contact you to answer questions and schedule a video call or private campus tour. This is the best way to get to know BIS-NY and determine if it is the right fit for your child. STEP TWO Apply Online After your initial conversation or tour, families who wish to continue the process will be invited to complete the full application form. The form includes family contact information and additional details that help us better understand your child and their educational needs. Please note there is a $125 application fee, payable when the application is submitted. STEP THREE Submit Supporting Documents Once your application has been reviewed, our admissions team will guide you through the final step: submitting the required supporting documents based on your child's age. A checklist of required documents can be found in the dropdowns below. The documents required vary by age.
Scholarships	Scholarships ISB offers a tuition assistance program to support enrollment across income levels. In 2023-2024 ISB granted more than $2.9 million in tuition assistance. In 2024-2025, over $3 million in tuition assistance was awarded, reaching about 30% of ISB's student body. Families applying to all grades may submit a separate application for tuition assistance through Clarity.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →