Hardwick United States of America
International School of BostonDescription
The International School of Boston (ISB) is a private, preschool-to-grade-12 multilingual school located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in one of the most vibrant metropolitan areas in the United States. As a world-class, accredited academic institution, ISB places the development of the bilingual brain at the heart of its mission. ISB students graduate with an American high school diploma and choose between two internationally renowned diplomas, the French or the International Baccalaureate, giving them the opportunity to thrive at leading universities in the United States, France, and around the world. Offering a rich experience with rigorous programs, ISB prepares its students for a lifetime of learning and service.
- Day school tuition No Information
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Grades for day school
Pre-K/Reception -
12th Grade/Year 13 - Scholarships Available Yes
- Number of Students 500
- Year founded 1962
- Boarding school tuition No Information
- Curricula IB Diploma, IB Middle Years, French National, Bilingual Program
- Type Co-ed
Accreditations
CIS, NEASC, IBO, French Ministry of Education
Admissions Information
Admissions Process
See website. Varies by division.
Entry Requirements
- Students applying to Toute Petite Section (TPS) must be two years old by December 31st of their entry year. They do not need to be toilet-trained before entering school.
- Students applying to Pre-K, Mid-K, and Kindergarten must be three, four, and five years old, respectively, by December 31st of their entry year. They must also be toilet-trained before entering school.
Applicant Evaluations
See website. Varies by division.
- First application deadline January 15th
- Students can join after the academic year begins Yes
- Application fee (domestic) $0 USD
- Application fee (international) $0 USD
Academics
- Assigns homework Yes
- Use of technology in the classroom Yes
- ELL support Yes
- Teacher/Student ratio 6:1
- Gifted and talented student support Yes
- Learning support Yes
- Examinations available International Baccalaureate Diploma - IB Dip, Option Internationale du Baccalauréat - OIB
Teacher Qualifications
82% of ISB teachers hold an advanced degree.
Courses
ISB offers the French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate curriculum for Grades 9-12. In Elementary and Middle Schools, students engage in a holistic curriculum that includes science, math, humanities, languages, arts, and physical education.
Languages Taught
ISB's Elementary School program takes a unique approach to bilingual instruction, with students learning in two languages: French and English. Beginning in third grade, students add a third language (Spanish or Mandarin). In the Middle School, academic classes are taught in French and English. Students can select a schedule that more heavily emphasizes either French or English, depending on their academic interests and early interest in pursuing either the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the French Baccalaureate track. Students also have the opportunity to add Spanish, German, or Mandarin to their schedule. ISB’s Upper School students choose between two internationally recognized diplomas: the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) taught in English. Building on opportunities offered in the Middle School, Upper School students can learn Spanish, German, or Mandarin in addition to French.
Examinations Available
Upper School is a common entry point for students new to ISB as they begin a journey toward academic excellence in one of our two international diploma tracks: the International Baccalaureate (taught in English) or the French Baccalaureate. All students complete exams as the end of Grade 12.
School Life
- Bus service Yes
- Sports teams available Yes
- Pastoral Care No
- Do students practice religion at the school No
- School provides lunch Yes
- Supervised care before or after school Yes
- Uniform required No
- Access to an educational psychologist Yes
Bus Service
ISB offers two bus routes to families, provided through its school transportation partner:
- Route 1: Serving families in Mattapan, Boston (South End/Back Bay), Charlestown, and Somerville
- Route 2: Serving families in Newton, Waltham, Lexington, and Belmont
Morning and afternoon routes are available to children as young as age 4/entering MidK through Grade 12. All buses are equipped with seat belts. This is a fee-based program, which is significantly subsidized by the school. For more information on the bus program, contact the Admissions Office.
Students residing in Cambridge between the ages of 4 and Grade 8 can take advantage of Cambridge Public School's free school bus transportation program. For more information on ISB's access to the Cambridge Public School bus system, contact the Admissions Office.
School Lunch
ISB offers a daily lunch program through our trusted provider, Simple Fare, available to all students from Maternelle through Grade 12. The program features healthy, balanced hot lunches, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available each day.
Supervised Care
Extended Care in the Elementary School offers coverage from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In the Middle School, it is 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sports Teams
Our athletics program promotes sportsmanship, competition, physical fitness, and lifelong wellness habits. Our competitive, interscholastic athletic teams form the foundation of our athletic program. ISB offers varsity and Middle School teams for soccer and volleyball (MS only) in the fall, fencing and basketball in the winter, and volleyball and ultimate frisbee in the spring.
Club Sports allow students to gain exposure to new sports, all while developing confidence and providing opportunity for participation. ISB’s club sports are offered in a non-competitive environment and vary each season. Recent options include: archery, badminton, basketball, fencing, flag football, indoor soccer/futsal, running, table tennis, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball.
University Relations
- University counseling Yes
- Percent that pursue university 100%
University Destinations
University Counseling
From the lecture halls of Europe to the research labs of North America and everywhere beyond and in between, ISB students are recognized as sharp, adaptable, and confident scholars ready to succeed on a global stage.
ISB's College Counseling program is a deeply personalized approach that recognizes each student as an individual with unique talents, aspirations, and paths to success. We partner with students in a thoughtful process of self-discovery, helping them identify their strengths, passions, and goals to find the universities where they will thrive both academically and personally.
Our experienced counselors work closely with students and families, providing guidance that is both strategic and supportive from the first stages of exploration to the final decision. We emphasize the importance of “best fit”—helping students consider a wide range of factors, including academic programs, campus culture, learning environment, and long-term opportunities—to ensure that each choice aligns with the student’s values and vision for the future.
While our goal is always to find the right fit for every student, we are also proud of our strong record of placements at top colleges and universities around the world. Our students have been admitted to an array of highly selective institutions, a testament to their hard work and the strength of our holistic, student-focused approach.