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International College

Lebanon, Beirut

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French, Arabic
Fees LBP 9,836 - 140,000,000
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1891
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), French Curriculum, American Curriculum
Taught languages French, English, Arabic, Spanish
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

International College (IC) is a not-for-profit, independent, secular international day school chartered by the State of Massachusetts. It operates two campuses, Ain Aar and Ras Beirut. It serves about 3,600 students from early childhood to high school. IC offers four curricula: the Lebanese Program, the French Program, the International Baccalaureate (PYP/DP), and the American College Preparatory Program. The Primary Years Programme is implemented across early years and primary; after PYP, students choose a program of study. All programs require three languages: Arabic, a language of instruction (English or French), and an additional language. IC supports in-person and virtual learning with smart classrooms and video conferencing. Facilities include science labs, libraries, art studios, design and technology labs, counseling and learning-support spaces, and dedicated well-being resources. Athletics, performing and arts spaces, and more than 130 clubs complement academics. A distinctive feature is the Ali Ghandour Center for Leadership, Diversity, and Civic Engagement.

Bliss Street, Ras Beirut / Hamra, Beirut 113-5373, Lebanon

The Essentials

International College has instruction in English, French, Arabic.

Location
Beirut, Lebanon. Hamra Bliss Street campus, Beirut; Ain Aar campus, Ain Aar, Lebanon. The school serves pre-K to grade 12 across two campuses.

Stages
Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Type
American-chartered, independent, non-profit, secular, co-educational international day school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Lebanese is the most common nationality. 40% hold dual or non-Lebanese citizenship, representing 51 countries. Most students are trilingual (English, French, Arabic).

Additional learning support
Learning support services and college counseling are available

Country affiliation
American-chartered

Religious affiliation
Secular
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not accommodate boarding students.

Uniform Requirement
The school does not have a uniform.

Food Options
The school has cafeterias at both Ras Beirut and Ain Aar campuses; dining is catered by Silverspoon and Gourmet Royal. A Ras Beirut coffee shop is available for light snacks and beverages.

Governance and Ownership
The school is American-chartered, independent, nonprofit (501(c)(3)) and secular. It is governed by a Board of Trustees.
Fees

Annual tuition at International College ranges from LBP 9,836 to LBP 140,000,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- A non-refundable application fee of USD 199 is charged per applicant and must be paid when invited to proceed after the initial application review.

One-time enrollment / development fee (new students)

- A one-time development (capital) fee of USD 4,000 is payable upon enrollment (cash).

Tuition fees by school year (per trimester and annual totals)

- Early Childhood (Pre‑school / Nursery & KG):
- First Trimester: USD 2,700
- Second Trimester: USD 3,568
- Third Trimester: USD 3,568
- Annual total: USD 9,836.

- Elementary School:
- First Trimester: USD 2,700
- Second Trimester: USD 3,743
- Third Trimester: USD 3,743
- Annual total: USD 10,186.

- Middle School:
- First Trimester: USD 2,700
- Second Trimester: USD 4,043
- Third Trimester: USD 4,043
- Annual total: USD 10,786.

- High School:
- First Trimester: USD 2,700
- Second Trimester: USD 4,398
- Third Trimester: USD 4,398
- Annual total: USD 11,496.

- School-wide (Lebanese pound billing example):
- First Trimester: LBP 40,000,000; Second Trimester: LBP 50,000,000; Third Trimester: LBP 50,000,000; Annual total: LBP 140,000,000.

Instructional materials and IB-related fees

- Early Childhood instructional materials: USD 150 (second trimester) + USD 150 (third trimester) = USD 300 per year.
- Elementary instructional materials: USD 200 (second) + USD 200 (third) = USD 400 per year.
- IB programme (High School): IB I fees USD 580 (second) + USD 580 (third) = USD 1,160 per year; IB II fees USD 580 (second) + USD 580 (third) = USD 1,160 per year.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Trimester availability and payment deadlines for the 2026–2027 academic year:
- First Trimester: fee note available April 27, 2026; payment deadline June 5, 2026.
- Second Trimester: fee note available October 1, 2026; payment deadline October 30, 2026.
- Third Trimester: fee note available January 15, 2027; payment deadline February 15, 2027.
- Fees for the full academic year are payable in three installments (the three trimesters) unless a deferred payment plan schedule has been agreed with the Business Office.

- Payment procedure and requirements:
- Families must view/print the official Fee Note for their student(s) and settle the full balance due; partial payments less than the balance are not accepted.
- Payments may be made at the selected banks listed on the Fee Note or at the school Business Office; wire transfers are accepted to the school's designated bank accounts (detailed bank wire information is provided for USD transfers).

- Late payment and enrollment consequences:
- A late payment penalty of USD 100 per student is applied for each month after the deadline.
- Students may be permitted to join classes only if the previous academic year's fees are settled in full and payment arrangements for the current year have been made within the announced deadlines.

Deferred payment plan and discounts

- A deferred payment plan option is available by arrangement with the Business Office; families must request and agree terms with the Business Office.

- Sibling discount: families with three or more children enrolled receive a 5% reduction on total tuition beginning with the third child; the sibling discount form must be completed and submitted as required.

Boarding fees

- International College does not accommodate boarding students; boarding fees are not applicable.

Other costs and routine charges

- Development fee (one-time) for new students: USD 4,000 (cash) — listed above under one-time enrollment fees.

- Instructional materials and IB fees are listed above under Instructional materials & IB fees.

- Uniforms: the school's student handbooks indicate that the College does not operate a compulsory school uniform policy; uniform-specific fees are not charged as a standard school fee.

- Cafeteria / meals: both campuses operate cafeterias managed by external providers; meal purchases are handled separately by families (cafeteria menus and services are provided but specific meal pricing is managed by the cafeteria providers).

Refund information and withdrawal rules

- Development (capital) fee refund: refundable only if a written refund request is submitted to the Business Office prior to September 1, 2026; after that date no refund of the development fee will be made.

- First trimester tuition refund: the first trimester fee is refundable only if a written refund request is submitted to the Business Office before June 13, 2026; no refunds for the first trimester are granted after that date under any circumstances.

- Second and third trimester fees: non-refundable under any circumstances.

- Withdrawal before the start of the academic year: if a student is required to withdraw prior to the start of the academic year, the school will refund the first trimester fees for the upcoming academic year as stated in the circulation.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Accepted settlement channels (examples provided by the school):
- Payment in person at designated banks listed on the student Fee Note.
- Payment in person at the Business Office (cash accepted for certain payments as specified).
- Wire transfers to the school's USD accounts (sample bank accounts and SWIFT/BIC codes provided by the school include Bank Audi, BLOM, Byblos, and JP Morgan Chase for USD payments).
- The Fee Note and bank instructions must be followed exactly (include student full name and ID on wire transfers).

Penalties and administrative consequences

- Failure to notify the Business Office of intent to withdraw by the announced deadline may result in liability for the full school fees for the year.
- Enrollment certificates and report cards are released only after School Fees for the year have been fully settled.
Academics

International College teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), French Curriculum, American Curriculum.

Curriculum
IC offers four programs: the Lebanese Program, the French Program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program (PYP/DP), and the American College Preparatory Program. The Primary Years Programme is implemented across all early years and primary grades. After completing PYP, students choose their program of study. All programs pursue excellence and embrace the education of the whole person. All programs require three languages: Arabic as the host language, a language of instruction (English or French), and an additional language (the other language depending on stream). IC is fully equipped for both virtual and face-to-face learning.

Exam Results
The school has a 100% acceptance rate to top universities in Lebanon, Europe, North America, and worldwide.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates proceed to higher education at top universities in Lebanon, Europe, North America, and worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Positivity Project is implemented across all grade levels to strengthen social-emotional skills, helping students recognize their strengths, show empathy, and build resilience. The wellbeing framework emphasizes Belonging, Purpose, Resilience, and Connection, and involves families through regular information sessions, an open-door policy with the counseling and wellbeing team, guidance on digital wellbeing, and wellness campaigns. A student-focused approach includes trained peer mentors, student-led initiatives promoting kindness and inclusion, and staff wellbeing support.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support is integrated into IC's education. Learning Support Teachers work with classroom teachers to ensure lessons are accessible and engaging for all students, with tailored accommodations for the Lebanese Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate exams in high school. The Learning Support team identifies and refers students through observations and screenings and collaborates with families to develop appropriate support plans. The program also assists with SAT and university admissions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
All IC programs require three languages: Arabic as the host country language, a language of instruction (French or English), and an additional language (French in the English-language stream and English in the French-language stream). Multilingual learning begins early, with instruction in English, French, and Arabic.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental and emotional wellbeing is supported through mindfulness sessions, art, music, and drama, and through school-wide wellbeing awareness campaigns. The school provides a Wellbeing Coordinator and counseling services, with regular information sessions for families on adolescent development and mental health. Student wellbeing is reinforced through peer mentoring, friendly and safe spaces, and staff wellbeing initiatives.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a priority. If you feel harassed, stay safe by emailing staysafe@ic.edu.lb. Child Protection Officers include Dana Taher, Maya Hachem, Cynthia Samneh, Sanay Daher Hamieh, Esperance Joukayem, Yara Chaaban, Manale Harfouche, and Nahed Farran.
Parent Experience

History
International College (IC) is a not-for-profit, independent, non-sectarian school that combines American rigor with international curricula in a multicultural environment. It serves about 3,600 students, making it one of the largest international schools in the world. IC's history traces back to 1891 in Turkey and has evolved into one of the leading international schools in the region. IC offers four curricula: Lebanese Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate (including the International French Baccalaureate), and the American High School Program. It is chartered by the State of Massachusetts and operates on the Ain Aar and Ras Beirut campuses, abiding by Lebanese law as a not-for-profit organization.

Community
IC serves a diverse student body of expatriate and local families in a multicultural environment. Families are partners in every child's learning journey. The College offers four curricula and a broad range of co-curricular programs, including athletics, the arts, civic engagement and service learning, and leadership development. IC's Ras Beirut and Ain Aar campuses host activities and events that connect students, families and staff, strengthening the school community. News and announcements highlight community life and achievements within IC.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
IC has two Parent Committees, one at Ain Aar Campus and one at Ras Beirut Campus. The Ain Aar Parents Committee had 17 members elected in 2021. Elections are supervised by a three‑member committee led by the school president, with a Ministry delegate observing, and candidates must have a child enrolled for two consecutive academic years. The Ras Beirut Parents Committee also conducts elections to represent parents in school life. Parent Committees organize fundraising and community activities to support the College, including initiatives such as funding an ambulance for IC's infirmary.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
IC operates two campuses: Ain Aar Campus serves students from early childhood through middle school, and the Beirut Campus in Ras Beirut preserves a historic educational legacy. The Beirut campus is located in the heart of Ras Beirut, within walking distance of cultural institutions and the American University of Beirut. Facilities include modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and arts and athletics spaces, plus specialized rooms for science, design, and technology. The campuses feature dedicated spaces for student well-being such as counseling and learning-support rooms, and technology-rich environments with smart classrooms, high-speed internet, and video conferencing capabilities.

Sports Facilities
Athletics facilities include spacious multi-purpose gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other team sports, with bleachers, professional flooring, and high-quality lighting. Outdoor on-campus sports fields support soccer, track and field, and other outdoor activities. There are athletics offices and equipment rooms to support coaching and equipment management. A fitness center is planned (coming soon), expanding opportunities for student wellness and physical education.

Academic Facilities
Science laboratories are fully equipped for physics, chemistry, and biology. Libraries and media centers are age-specific across campuses with extensive physical and digital collections. Art studios are designed for visual arts, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, while music rooms provide soundproofed practice spaces and performance areas. Design and Technology laboratories support robotics, coding, engineering, and maker-space activities, with spaces for collaboration and project-based learning. Specialized learning spaces include counseling and learning-support rooms, and Early Childhood Classrooms are purpose-designed for younger learners.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Auditoriums on both campuses are fully equipped to host school and community events, including theatrical productions, musical concerts, assemblies, and guest lectures. IC provides multiple indoor and outdoor venues that can be transformed for cultural events, exhibitions, and school-wide celebrations. Student life spaces include cafeterias, courtyards, and common areas that foster social interaction and cross-grade engagement. The facilities support hybrid and in-person activities through smart classrooms and connected spaces for events and performances.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
IC offers over 130 clubs and societies, creating a dynamic co-curricular life that fosters creativity, leadership, collaboration, and respect for diversity. Academic & Cultural Clubs include Arabic club, chess, general knowledge, cinema, robotics, and game development. Special Interest Groups include environmental action and Model United Nations. IC students participate in science fairs, environmental conferences, MUN events, theatre productions, and music competitions across Lebanon and beyond.

Arts & Creative
Performing Arts include drama, circus arts, debate, music, and visual arts such as drawing and painting. Craft activities include crochet, macrame, and shamballa. Media & Expression covers school press, photography, folk dancing, hip hop, and fashion design. The school also puts on theatre productions and exhibitions as part of arts and culture.

Cultural & Language
Arabic club is one of the Academic & Cultural Clubs. IC's Beirut location gives easy access to Lebanon's rich cultural landscape. Students regularly go on field trips to museums, theatres, historical sites, and exhibitions. Co-curricular life emphasizes diversity and cultural engagement.

Social & Hobbies
Over 130 clubs offer social and hobby opportunities across performing arts, cinema, photography, dance, and fashion design. Special Interest Groups include environmental action and Model United Nations. Clubs are guided by dedicated faculty to ensure meaningful, enriching experiences.

Community & Service
Civic Engagement and Service Learning are woven into the curriculum. The Ali Ghandour Center for Leadership, Diversity, and Civic Engagement offers programs that nurture leadership skills, celebrate diversity, and inspire proactive citizenship. These initiatives connect student learning to real-world contexts and community impact.

Leadership & Professional
Ali Ghandour Center for Leadership, Diversity, and Civic Engagement offers programs that nurture leadership skills. The center celebrates diversity and inspires proactive citizenship. Civic Engagement and Service Learning are woven into the curriculum.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
IC offers a rich athletics program open to all. Physical education is supported by the WHISH Fitness Center. Wellbeing is supported by a Wellbeing Coordinator, counselors, and advisors.
Languages

Language Provision
Arabic is the host country language; a language of instruction (French or English); and an additional language (the other of French or English) are studied in all programs. Other additional languages are offered at the Secondary School, based on the program chosen.

Bilingual Teaching
IC offers four programs: the Lebanese Program, the French Program, the International Baccalaureate, and the American College Preparatory Program. The Primary Years Programme is implemented across all early years and primary grade levels, and after the PYP students may choose their program of study. All programs require students to study three languages: Arabic as the host country language, a language of instruction (French or English), and an additional language (the other language). Other languages are offered at the Secondary School, based on the program chosen.
Reputation

Accreditations
IC is described as American and internationally accredited.
Admissions

Admissions
1) The 2026-2027 admissions cycles are open for grade levels/programs with available vacancies. Review the Admissions Application Submission Guidelines to understand the required steps and to help complete the application smoothly. To initiate the process, use the online application form and ensure that all required documents are uploaded. 2) If the grade level, program, or stream you wish to apply for does not appear in the application form, admissions for that class are either full or not open at this time. Guardians may join the Admissions Notification List to express interest; this list is a mailing list and does not represent an application or reserve a seat. If a vacancy arises, you will be notified by email. 3) Should a vacancy arise, you will be notified by email. For details on 2026–2027 Early Childhood admissions, including application procedures and entrance requirements at each campus, click the linked resources. 4) The linked resources include Requirements for All Students and Requirements for Students Coming from Abroad, which outline the documentation and procedures used in the admissions process. 5) Required documents for all new students are provided in the linked documents, with specifics varying by grade level; further guidance for students coming from abroad is covered under the Equivalency & Grade Placement requirements. 6) The school provides an Admissions Calendar for 2026–2027 with details and deadlines relevant to the admissions cycle.

Scholarships
The Ali Ghandour Center for Leadership, Diversity and Civic Engagement Scholarship Program (AGC scholarship) is a three-year program beginning in the 10th grade. It mentors students through a sequenced extracurricular journey that starts with capacity-building and volunteering with grassroots organizations and culminates in student-led Community Service Projects. The program also exposes participants to national, regional, and international events and competitions in fields such as social entrepreneurship, project design, and public speaking, with the aim of developing leadership and civic engagement skills. The AGC scholarship covers all tuition fees, books, uniforms, and transportation within Beirut for the three years of high school enrollment. Applicants are expected to meet criteria including enrollment in Lebanese public or subsidized schools for the previous two years, strong academic records (with specific grade thresholds), demonstration of financial need, leadership potential, and commitment to extracurricular milestones; documentation includes items such as identity documents, report cards, principal statements, photos, employment certificates, income documents, and other supporting materials. The application process for the AGC scholarship includes an entrance examination and interviews, with deadlines and steps outlined in the program materials. The scholarship program was established to provide a pathway for students to develop as active change agents through participation in a structured CEL (Community Engaged Learning) model.
School Events
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