doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
B

British International School of Boston

United States, Boston

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $25,468 - 51,291
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational
Opened 2000
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

British International School of Boston is a private day school serving students from 18 months to 18 years on a spacious campus in Jamaica Plain, Boston. The school delivers a throughline of international curricula, integrating the IEYC and English National Curriculum from early years through primary, with Cambridge IGCSE in the middle years and the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years. Preschool emphasizes play-based learning aligned with the IEYC and EYFS, including Forest School, with specialist French and music. Lower School uses a cross‑curricular approach with English National Curriculum and IPC, and Middle School prepares for IGCSEs and the IB DP. The campus centers on a STEAM hub, theatres, and dance and music studios, plus four age-appropriate outdoor spaces. Students participate in Global Campus collaborations with MIT, Juilliard, and UNICEF via Nord Anglia Education, enriching studies with real-world projects, service learning, and international opportunities across local and global.

416 Pond St, Boston, MA 02130, United States

The Essentials

British International School of Boston has 500 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
The BISB campus is in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, on the border with Brookline. The address is 416 Pond Street, Boston, MA 02130. The campus spans 40 acres of green woodland with a purpose-built school building and dedicated year-group floors.

Stages
Ages 18 months–18 years. Early Years: 18 months–4 years; Lower School: 5–10; Middle School: 11–13; High School: 14–18.

Type
The school is a private day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
More than 80 nationalities represented. Approximately 75% of students are local to Boston; 25% are expatriates from England, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Brazil, and China. More than 20 languages spoken by families.

Additional learning support
English-language support is available for students.

School day structure
The school day runs 8:20 am–3:30 pm. Early drop-off starts at 7:30 am, and after-school care runs from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

Bus service
Bus transportation is offered from multiple spots in greater Boston, including downtown Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Needham, Waltham, Dedham, and Wellesley.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are mandatory for Toddlers through Year 11 (Grade 10). Lands' End is the exclusive uniform provider for Toddlers through Year 11 (Grade 10), excluding PE. Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12) wear professional business attire instead of BISB uniform; the PE uniform is supplied by BSN Sports.

Food Options
Lunch is provided by Lunchbox for Toddlers through Year 2 and by Sodexo for Year 3 through Year 13. Parents sign up via School Buddy; monthly menus are issued. All BISB students eat lunch in the SHOWA Cafeteria between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm. BISB is nut-free; no food deliveries are permitted; students may bring their own lunch or purchase on campus.

House System
Students are divided into four houses—Perlman, Hokusai, Johnson, Hawking—about 60 students per house. Each house has a color: Yellow, Blue, Green, Red. House meetings/assemblies occur regularly.

Governance and Ownership
The British International School of Boston is part of Nord Anglia Education.
Fees

Annual tuition at British International School of Boston ranges from USD 25,468 to USD 51,291 for 2026/27.

Summary — 2026–2027 school fees (British International School of Boston)

Annual tuition by year group (2026–2027)
- Toddler (5 full days): USD 37,933.
- Toddler (5 half days, 8:20–11:45 am): USD 25,468.
- Nursery (5 full days): USD 38,833.
- Nursery (5 half days, 8:20–11:45 am): USD 25,584.
- Reception (Pre‑Kindergarten): USD 41,531.
- Year 1 (Kindergarten) & Year 2 (1st grade): USD 46,040.
- Year 3 & Year 4 (2nd & 3rd grade): USD 47,341.
- Year 5 & Year 6 (4th & 5th grade): USD 48,228.
- Year 7 to Year 9 (6th–8th grade): USD 49,650.
- Year 10 & Year 11 (9th & 10th grade): USD 51,291.
- Year 12 & Year 13 (11th & 12th grade): USD 51,291.

Per‑term tuition (three terms: Fall, Winter, Spring) — amounts rounded to nearest USD
- The school operates on a three‑term academic calendar (Fall, Winter, Spring); the per‑term figures below are the annual tuition divided by three and rounded to the nearest dollar.
- Toddler (5 full days): USD 12,644 per term.
- Toddler (5 half days): USD 8,489 per term.
- Nursery (5 full days): USD 12,944 per term.
- Nursery (5 half days): USD 8,528 per term.
- Reception: USD 13,844 per term.
- Year 1 & Year 2: USD 15,347 per term.
- Year 3 & Year 4: USD 15,780 per term.
- Year 5 & Year 6: USD 16,076 per term.
- Year 7–9: USD 16,550 per term.
- Year 10 & Year 11: USD 17,097 per term.
- Year 12 & Year 13: USD 17,097 per term.

Application and one‑time fees
- Application fee: USD 100 (one‑time, non‑refundable).
- Contract deposit: USD 2,000 (non‑refundable but applied directly to the year's first tuition payment).
- New student fee (one‑time): USD 3,000 (non‑refundable).
- Exam fees: USD 1,850 (charged for Year 11) and USD 1,850 (charged for Year 13).

Sibling discounts
- Second oldest enrolled child: 2.5% tuition discount.
- Third oldest enrolled child: 5% tuition discount.
- Fourth oldest (and subsequent) enrolled child: 10% tuition discount.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment frequency choices: one payment (annual), two instalments, or monthly instalments. The first payment is due by June 1 (or upon enrollment if after June 1). For two instalments, the second instalment is due by November 1. For monthly instalments, payments are due on the first of each month beginning June 1 (or upon enrollment if after June 1) with final payments completed by March 1.
- Contract deposit (USD 2,000) is applied to the year's first tuition payment and is non‑refundable.

Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods: credit card, check, or wire transfer. An online payment portal is available for credit card and ACH/eCheck payments; ACH/direct bank transfers and domestic/international wire transfer instructions are provided.

Other costs that parents should expect
- Early care: USD 10 per day (early care is available; charges applied via the school's payment system). Aftercare (3:30–6:00 pm) and many after‑school clubs and activities carry additional charges; parents are billed for actual sign‑ups and usage. School Buddy (the school's payment system) is used for sign‑ups and payments for lunch, clubs, early/after care, and trips.
- School lunch: school lunch is available for purchase; families may alternatively provide packed lunches. Lunch is signed up and paid for through the school's payment portal.
- Uniform: uniforms are mandatory for Toddlers through Year 11; Lands' End is the uniform provider for general uniform items and BSN Sports supplies PE kit. Families purchase uniforms directly from those suppliers. Costs for uniforms vary by item and are paid by families.
- School bus / transportation: the school operates multiple bus routes; a separate bus fee applies when families use the school bus (specific route fees and registration details are administered through the school).
- Field trips, certain extra‑curricular external providers, individual instrument tuition or optional external exam fees (beyond the stated exam charges) may incur additional charges; these are billed separately when applicable.

Boarding
- The British International School of Boston is a private day school; boarding is not offered.

Refund information (items specifically stated as non‑refundable)
- Application fee: non‑refundable. Contract deposit: non‑refundable (but credited toward the first tuition payment). New student fee: non‑refundable. These non‑refundable items are applied as described above at enrollment.

Notes on billing mechanics and chargeable items
- Many optional services (early care, aftercare, clubs, lunch, trips) are charged through the school's payment system on an as‑used or sign‑up basis. Parents receive invoices and statements from the school's billing office; payment routing and wire/ACH instructions are supplied by the school's business office.

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

British International School of Boston teaches IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Preschool follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the English National Curriculum and is aligned with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). Learning is play-based and includes Forest School experiences; specialist French and music are delivered within the program. Lower School (ages 5–10) teaches a combination of the National Curriculum of England and the International Primary Curriculum, with a cross-curricular, thematic approach and specialist language lessons (French or Spanish). Middle School (ages 11–13) follows the National Curriculum of England, offering a broad range of subjects and an enrichment program that links to international experiences; it prepares students for IGCSEs and the IB Diploma Programme in High School. High School (ages 14–18) offers IGCSEs in Years 10–11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12–13; the IGCSE is a two-year, ten-subject program, and the IB Diploma core includes service, an extended essay, and critical thinking. BISB integrates global opportunities through Nord Anglia Education, with collaborations via Global Campus and partners such as MIT and Juilliard.

Student Teacher Ratio
1:5

Exam Results
IB Diploma results for Class of 2025: 96% pass rate; average 34.4 points; 16% of students achieved 40+ points. These results significantly exceed global averages.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to attend leading universities around the world, including Harvard University, the University of Oxford, McGill University, and University College London, among others.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Mentor groups are small (max 15 students). Mentors support academic progress and daily wellbeing. The programme develops social and emotional skills and empathy. PSHE supports safe, healthy choices and positive self-image. PSHE is delivered via assemblies, the mentor programme, and the IB activities programme.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support and Counseling available for diverse needs. Whole-school, 'high quality teaching first' approach. EAL support included in Learning Support. Services reevaluated annually with student/parent input. Contact Director of Learning Support or EAL Teacher for more information.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support is part of Learning Support. EAL is led by an EAL Teacher. EAL contact is Elizabeth Sockwell. EAL provision is included in the Learning Support policy. Parents and students can contact the EAL Teacher or Director of Learning Support for information.

Mental Wellbeing
School Counseling and mental health services are accessible for students in need of support. Staff training includes safeguarding and suicide prevention. The Mentor Programme strengthens social-emotional skills such as resilience and empathy. Student Wellbeing Survey is conducted each term in Middle and High School. Mental health issues can indicate risks and require appropriate referrals.

Safeguarding
BISB has a safeguarding policy to provide a safe environment. DSLs and Deputy DSLs are identified and staff receive safeguarding training. Induction and ongoing safeguarding training are required for staff and contractors. Safeguarding records are maintained in approved software (ISAMs CPOMs or MyConcern). The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Parent Experience

History
British International School of Boston opened its doors in 2000 in Dedham, Massachusetts with a handful of founding families and a half-dozen teachers. The school moved to a purpose-built building on the Showa campus in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston. In 2013 BISB joined the Nord Anglia Education family of international schools. Nord Anglia has enhanced BISB's curricula and offerings with Global Campus and collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF. BISB's growth and academic successes have continued; today BISB serves over 520 students from ages 18 months to 18 years.

Community
The BISB campus in Jamaica Plain spans 40 acres of green woodland, and the school hosts students from 80+ nationalities. The school serves students aged 18 months to 18 years and teaches French and Spanish. The English National Curricula and the International Baccalaureate Diploma are part of BISB's offerings. As part of Nord Anglia, BISB participates in Beyond The Classroom programs including Model United Nations, the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, and the Tanzania Service Learning Trip.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The British International School of Boston sits on a large, vibrantly green campus in Jamaica Plain, designed to balance New England's natural surroundings with Boston's culture and creativity. The purpose-built school building includes a dedicated home base floor for every year group, promoting a sense of belonging and easy collaboration. A specialist STEAM Center and multiple creative spaces, such as black box theatres and dance and music studios, support cross-disciplinary projects. Four age-appropriate playgrounds and both outdoor and indoor athletics facilities provide spaces for physical activity and exploration. The overall environment is structured to foster connection, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor and indoor athletics facilities exist on the BISB campus, equipped for a variety of physical activities. The campus includes four age-appropriate playgrounds.

Academic Facilities
The school houses a specialist STEAM Center and several creative spaces, including black box theatres and dance and music studios. The building is purpose-built with dedicated home base floors for every year group, promoting belonging and easy collaboration. There are flexible spaces that allow students across years to interact and learn from each other. Spaces balance academic learning with opportunities for hands-on projects and cross-disciplinary work.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Our students participate in hands-on STEAM activities and enrichment offerings, along with numerous clubs and activities across a wide range of interests. Service and social impact initiatives are embedded in student life, including Allies for Action, a Middle and High School initiative focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion. IB Diploma Programme students initiate, lead, or participate in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) projects. Global Campus connects BISB students with Nord Anglia peers worldwide, offering opportunities in art, music, and creative writing competitions. Trips and excursions—local and international—broaden experiences beyond the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Every term features extracurricular activities that enhance academic interests beyond class time. Students explore STEAM, participate in History Bowl or Math Competitions, and practice languages such as Mandarin, Spanish, or French. Participation stimulates growth beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
The arts program provides a broad spectrum of activities, including visual arts and photography, as well as performing arts such as drama, dance, and music; other creative pursuits support future designers, architects, and engineers. The Juilliard School collaboration enriches students' performing arts experiences.

Cultural & Language
A range of language-related clubs and activities are offered, with opportunities to study and practice languages such as Mandarin, Spanish, and French.

Social & Hobbies
Students participate in Model United Nations and Model G20 clubs to develop public speaking and research skills. A wide array of clubs includes Lego, chess, board games, computer science, financial investing, community service, environmental activities, Yearbook, and Newspaper Club.

Community & Service
UNICEF SDG resources are embedded in teaching and learning to empower global citizenship. Students engage in service-learning and volunteering locally and globally; BISB runs trips such as the Tanzania Service Learning Trip.

Leadership & Professional
High School students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Program, focused on leadership development across physical challenges, volunteering, and camping; completing the highest level may be recognized by the Royal Family.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
A sports and athletics program offers soccer, track and cross-country, basketball, curling, with rotations that may include yoga, mindfulness, or martial arts. Forest School adventures for younger students promote outdoor activity, confidence, creativity, and communication.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Contact BISB. Submit the inquiry form online, email the Admissions team, or call the Admissions office to begin the process. The Admissions team is available to answer questions and guide families through BISB's admissions process. They will help you understand the documents required and what happens next.

2. Discover our school. Visit BISB in person or join a Virtual Discovery Meeting with the Director of Admissions, who will share BISB's personalized approach to learning and answer your questions. You'll tell BISB more about your child, your family, and what you're looking for. The Director will provide details about BISB's programs and admissions steps.

3. Apply for a place. Submit the online application form and the required supporting documents for your child. These documents include your child's report cards and evaluations, and, for Middle and High Schoolers, standardized test results. There are key admissions dates for 2026-27: Application Deadline January 15, 2026; Admissions Decisions Released March 10, 2026; Enrollment Deadline April 10, 2026. We also continue accepting applications throughout the school year to fill spaces that remain open.

Scholarships
BISB's 2025 graduating class received offers from more than 100 top universities and was awarded $2.53 million in scholarships.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare British International School of Boston with
vs The Newman School vs International School of Boston
Search for more schools
Search schools in United States View all schools in Boston View all schools in United states IB curriculum schools in United States Open days & tours in Boston What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools