German International School Boston vs International School of Boston
German International School Boston and International School of Boston are both in Boston, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke programmes. German International School Boston also offers German, and International School of Boston also offers IB and French. Published annual fees are $28,365 - 41,970 at German International School Boston and $29,500 - 51,260 at International School of Boston, which puts International School of Boston roughly 15% higher. German International School Boston takes pupils from 3 to 18, and International School of Boston from 2 to 18. International School of Boston is the larger school, with around 575 pupils to German International School Boston's 304.
IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
304
Pupils
575
Typical class size
Typical class size
14
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
German, English
Instruction language
French, English
Opened
Opened
2001
Opened
1962
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
GISB operates two campuses: the Upper Campus in Boston and the Lower Campus in Watertown. The Upper Campus is located at 57 Holton Street, Boston, MA 02134. The Lower Campus is located at 46 Belmont Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
Location
ISB is located at 45 Matignon Road, Cambridge, MA 02140. The historic Cambridge campus sits at the Cambridge–Somerville–Arlington border, minutes from downtown Boston. MBTA bus stops are within walking distance and two nearby Red Line stations (Alewife and Davis Square) are accessible on foot. ISB provides two bus options: its Private Bus Service and Cambridge Public Schools bus service for Cambridge residents.
Stages
Stages
GISB serves preschool through grade 12. The Lower Campus serves Preschool–Grade 3, and the Upper Campus serves Grades 4–12.
Stages
Preschool through Grade 12
School type
School type
The school is a bilingual independent school serving students from preschool to grade 12.
School type
Independent, non-profit private day school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
The community represents more than 40 cultures.
Pupil nationality mix
Total nationalities represented: 32. Nationality breakdown: United States 68%, France 23%, other nationalities 9%.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Health and wellness services, social-emotional counseling, and special education support are available.
Additional learning support
ISB provides Inclusive Learning and related student support services, including guidance, advisory programs, and access to health and wellness resources.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Germany (German government-recognized German School Abroad).
Country affiliation
France (French Baccalaureate program homologué by the French Ministry of Education; ISB is connected to AEFE and related French education networks)
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Doors open at 8:00 am. Classes begin at 8:30 am and run until 3:00 pm or 3:50 pm. An after-school Student Life Program runs from 3:00 pm or 3:50 pm to 6:00 pm.
School day structure
Upper School schedules start at 8:00 AM and end between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on course selection.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
ISB offers two private bus routes via a transportation partner; Cambridge Public Schools bus service is available for Cambridge residents; campus is served by MBTA bus lines 87, 88, and 89 and is near Alewife and Davis Square stations.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Enrollment Fees
- Application fee: USD 50 (non‑refundable). - Enrollment deposit: USD 800 (non‑refundable) due with the signed Enrollment Agreement to secure a place. Enrollment Agreements and deposits submitted after published deadlines are subject to a USD 500 late enrollment administrative fee per student.
Per‑payment / per‑installment amounts (computed from the stated annual tuition and the school's payment plans)
Note: the school offers clearly defined payment plans; the amounts below are arithmetic breakdowns of the published annual tuition according to those plans (shown as USD and rounded to the cent where needed). These are computed values based on the published tuition and the published installment structure.
- Five‑installment plan (five equal payments of 20% each; due May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Oct 1, Nov 1): - Preschool/Pre‑K/Kindergarten: each payment = USD 5,673.00. - Grades 1–4: each payment = USD 5,729.00. - Grades 5–10: each payment = USD 6,063.00. - Grades 11–12: each payment = USD 6,441.00. - Installment plan fee for the 5‑payment plan: USD 100 per student.
- Nine‑installment plan (20% due May 1; then eight payments of 10% on the first of each month from July through February): - Preschool/Pre‑K/Kindergarten: initial 20% = USD 5,673.00; each 10% payment = USD 2,836.50. - Grades 1–4: initial 20% = USD 5,729.00; each 10% payment = USD 2,864.50. - Grades 5–10: initial 20% = USD 6,063.00; each 10% payment = USD 3,031.50. - Grades 11–12: initial 20% = USD 6,441.00; each 10% payment = USD 3,220.50. - Installment plan fee for the 9‑payment plan: USD 300 per student.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Published payment plan deadlines and schedules are: 2‑installment (20% May 1; 80% July 1); 5‑installment (five payments of 20% on May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Oct 1, Nov 1); 9‑installment (20% May 1, then eight 10% payments on the first of the month from July through February). The 5‑ and 9‑installment plans are not available for International Student Program applicants. An installment plan fee applies to the 5‑ and 9‑payment options. - Spots are held only after receipt of the signed Enrollment Agreement and the USD 800 deposit; late enrollment administrative fees apply for agreements submitted after the published deadlines.
After‑school, student‑life and extracurricular fees (2026–2027)
- After‑School Program (Preschool – Grade 3) — annual charge, by number of days per week: - Preschool / Pre‑K / Kindergarten: 1 day = USD 2,725; 2 days = USD 4,960; 3 days = USD 6,755; 4 days = USD 8,190; 5 days = USD 9,300. - Grades 1–3: 1 day = USD 2,410; 2 days = USD 4,365; 3 days = USD 5,955; 4 days = USD 7,225; 5 days = USD 8,210. - Student Life (Grades 4–7): annual costs by days per week: 1 day = USD 1,380; 2 days = USD 2,495; 3 days = USD 3,430; 4 days = USD 4,160; 5 days = USD 4,935. Senior Student Life (Grades 8–12) is published as USD 0 for 1–5 days unless a specific team or class carries a separate fee. Specific classes or optional activities may have additional fees; registration occurs before each semester. - Music & school‑day music lessons: small‑group string/instrument lessons carry semester fees (examples): USD 550 per student per semester for certain twice‑weekly small‑group string lessons; USD 375 per student per semester for some once‑weekly group lessons. Some music offerings are no fee (chorus, certain ensembles). The school notes year‑long commitments for many music offerings, with payment divided into two semester installments where indicated.
International Student Program (ISP)
- ISP full‑year tuition (2026–2027): USD 29,625. The ISP requires an application timeline and includes host‑family placement (host family match is arranged rather than a boarding program). ISP applicants are not eligible for the 5‑ and 9‑installment plans and are not eligible for financial aid.
Boarding / Residential provisions
- The school's ISP organizes host‑family placement for exchange students; the school does not list a boarding/onsite residential program or boarding fees. Host‑family matching is part of the ISP process rather than a paid boarding program.
Other costs and fees
- Installment plan fees: USD 100 per student for the 5‑payment plan; USD 300 per student for the 9‑payment plan. - Late enrollment administrative fee: USD 500 per student when Enrollment Agreements and deposits are submitted after published deadlines. - Financial aid application processing cost: USD 65 to complete the Clarity Financial Aid application. Financial aid awards may cover tuition and certain program fees; limits vary by grade band (financial aid currently limited to a maximum of 50% for preschool through grade 5; families with children in grade 6+ may be eligible up to 100% of demonstrated need). - School clothing and branded gear are made available through the school's clothing & gear vendor (school‑branded apparel sold separately). Instrument rental, private lesson fees and some optional activity fees are additional and billed separately when applicable.
Refunds and withdrawal
- Application fee (USD 50) and enrollment deposit (USD 800) are described as non‑refundable. Enrollment deposit secures a spot; late enrollment may trigger administrative fees. - Employer‑sponsored tuition arrangements include a flexible withdrawal provision in case of relocation; in those cases tuition is prorated based on attendance. For standard family accounts, published materials reference the deposit as non‑refundable and administrative penalties where applicable; specific tuition refund or withdrawal terms are handled through the school's enrollment agreement and the family's billing contract.
Discounts and reductions
- Sibling discount: 5% for the second child and 10% for the third child enrolled (not applicable to employer‑sponsored tuition plans). - GISB Employee Tuition Discount: children of GISB employees are eligible for a 50% tuition reduction (not applicable to employer‑sponsored tuition plans). - Employer‑sponsored tuition customers receive a set of administrative benefits (for example, no upfront USD 800 deposit, no late enrollment or administrative fees, prorated tuition on relocation).
Fee payment options and billing portals
- Tuition billing and enrollment are managed through the school's tuition/enrollment portal (TADS); families set up a TADS account and select a payment plan and payment method in their TADS tuition contract. The school uses separate portals for other program registrations (for example, Jumbula for after‑school and activity registration). Accepted payment methods for tuition are established in each family's TADS agreement (TADS supports online payments and multiple payment methods via the school's billing setup). - For extracurricular program registration and on‑campus music enrollments, the school uses Jumbula and other family portals; instrument rental and some private lesson payments are arranged with external vendors and billed separately.
Key administrative notes (fees and timing)
- The amounts above are the published 2026–2027 tuition rates and related fees, with installment schedules and plan fees as stated. The USD 50 application fee and USD 800 enrollment deposit are required steps in the admissions/enrollment process. Installment plan fees apply where noted. Financial aid and discounts are available under described conditions.
If you require these figures presented in a specific field-by-field format for an external database (for example: separate lines for tuition, deposit, installment fees, ASP fees, etc.), the amounts above can be parsed directly from each bolded section.
Fee details
Annual tuition by grade (2026–2027 academic year) - Half-Day Preschool (Toute Petite Section and Pre-K only, mornings only): USD 29,500. - Preschool (TPS, Pre-K, Mid-K) and Kindergarten: USD 36,880. - Lower School (Grades 1–5): USD 40,770. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 43,000. - Upper School (Grades 9–12): USD 51,260.
Application / admission charges - Matriculation fee (one-time, non-refundable, not applied toward tuition): USD 2,000 for the first new student; USD 1,500 for the second child; USD 1,000 for any additional children. - Annual re-enrollment deposit (non-refundable, applied toward tuition): USD 2,000 per student.
Tuition payment schedule and payment terms (dates shown are the stated due dates for the 2026–2027 cycle) - Option 1: Payment of tuition in full by June 5, 2026. - Option 2: Two installments — 60% of the annual tuition due by June 5, 2026, and the remaining 40% due by November 5, 2026. Example amounts by grade under Option 2: - Half-Day Preschool: 60% = USD 17,700; 40% = USD 11,800. - Preschool & K: 60% = USD 22,128; 40% = USD 14,752. - Lower School: 60% = USD 24,462; 40% = USD 16,308. - Middle School: 60% = USD 25,800; 40% = USD 17,200. - Upper School: 60% = USD 30,756; 40% = USD 20,504. - Option 3: Ten monthly installments (June 2026 through March 2027). Monthly payment examples (annual tuition divided by 10) plus a yearly flat administrative fee of USD 40 billed by Veracross: - Half-Day Preschool: USD 2,950 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Preschool & K: USD 3,688 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Lower School: USD 4,077 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Middle School: USD 4,300 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Upper School: USD 5,126 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - All matriculation fees, re-enrollment deposits, and tuition payments are completed through the school's Veracross billing system. Methods of payment accepted include checking/savings accounts drawn on a U.S. bank, wire transfer, and credit cards.
Additional and recurring charges (typical items billed separately or based on participation) - Textbooks / media (Grades 6–12) and examination fees (Grades 11–12) are billed separately. Typical estimates: Grades 6–10 average ~USD 350 per year; Grades 11–12 (French Baccalaureate) ~USD 500 per year; International Baccalaureate fees up to ~USD 1,000 covering two years. - Examination fee estimates: Grade 11 (French program) registration ~USD 280; Grade 12 (French program) registration ~USD 340 plus ~USD 270 for the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI); Grade 12 (IB DP) ~USD 750 total. - Global Learning Program (overnight and curriculum trips) anticipated fees (cover transportation and accommodations when applicable): Grades 1–2: USD 300; Grades 3–4: USD 500; Grade 5: USD 1,200; Grades 6–8: USD 1,000. Grade 9 and Grade 12 GLP costs are covered by the school; Grades 10–11 GLP fee: USD 400. - Extended day / after-school: Garderie (TPS through Grade 5) USD 14.00 per hour; Middle School study hall USD 15.00 per hour or an annual flat fee of USD 900. - Extracurricular activities and overnight trips are billed based on participation; Upper School varsity teams carry no participation cost. - Private ISB bus service and the hot lunch program are optional and billed upon participation. The hot lunch program is provided by an external catering company and is billed separately.
Boarding / homestay (where offered by the school) - ISB Housing Program (host-family room and board, supervised by ISB) for Upper School international and domestic students: USD 25,000 for room and board from August 25, 2026 to June 30, 2027. This fee includes day field trips, the ISB lunch program, a monthly public transportation pass, the yearbook, and, if applicable, the new student orientation program in August.
Uniforms and other school supplies - Preschool (Pre-K, Mid-K) and Kindergarten: supplies included in the listed tuition. - Lower School: all supplies included in the listed tuition. - Textbooks and media for Grades 6–12 are billed separately (see textbook estimates above). Uniform costs (where applicable) and personal supplies vary and are generally family-paid; extracurricular equipment, travel clothing, and optional program materials are billed separately when required.
Refunds and non-refundable items - The matriculation fee is one-time and non-refundable. - The annual re-enrollment deposit is non-refundable but is applied toward tuition. - Other refund specifics for tuition installments or program fees are not listed in the school's tuition summary document; the only explicitly stated non-refundable items are the matriculation fee and the re-enrollment deposit.
Fee payment channels and administrative notes - All matriculation fees, re-enrollment deposits, and tuition payments are processed through Veracross. - Accepted payment methods: checking/savings account drawn on a U.S. bank, wire transfer, or credit card. - The ten-month payment plan carries a yearly flat administrative fee of USD 40 billed via Veracross.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
GISB offers a bilingual education with a German KMK-approved curriculum. The program prepares students for the German International Abitur (DIA) and confers both the DIA and the Massachusetts high school diploma. High school emphasizes science and mathematics with 13–16 hours of instruction per week across all four years, and college-level mathematics, science, and history are required. All students take German and English Language & Literature, and study at least one additional world language from grade 6 through grade 10. The Abitur program in grades 11–12 spans 11 subjects and ends with final Abitur exams (three written and two oral) proctored by German officials, while the AP German Language & Culture exam is available from 10th grade. All GISB graduates are fluent in English and German and speak at least one additional world language; 100% of graduates pursue higher education.
Curriculum details
ISB is a bilingual French-English school. From Maternelle through Upper School, the curriculum offers two internationally recognized diplomas: the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) taught in English. The Elementary/Maternelle program teaches in French and English; in Maternelle the French Ministry of Education curriculum is combined with Massachusetts Common Core Preschool and Kindergarten standards; Lower School has accreditation from the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with options to emphasize either language and to pursue IB or French Baccalaureate tracks. In Upper School, students choose between the French Baccalaureate or IB, with additional language options including Spanish, German, and Mandarin.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
High school classes typically have no more than 18 students. Elementary class sizes are small with individualized attention.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
GISB follows a KMK-approved curriculum that prepares students for the DIA. The final Abitur exams consist of three written and two oral subject exams proctored by German officials. The AP German Language and Culture exam is available as an option in the German curriculum from 10th grade. 100% of GISB graduates pursue higher education.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
100% of GISB graduates pursue higher education.
Higher education progression
ISB's College Counseling Office supports students with higher education planning across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and parts of the Middle East and Asia. ISB students matriculate to many of the nation's and the world's top colleges and universities, with geographically diverse matriculation the most in New England.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
GISB Merit Award is an annual award honoring academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Submit an inquiry form. We'll contact you to schedule a (video) call or a personal tour. This begins the admissions process.
2. Join an admissions event. Meet our community and learn about GISB. This helps you understand the program and culture.
3. Submit your online application and non-refundable $50 application fee. This starts the formal application process. You will be guided through the admissions timeline.
4. Schedule a student visit. Language and math assessments are required for Fast Track applicants. Other applicants may have additional evaluation steps.
5. Await admissions decision. View the admissions timeline to understand when decisions are released. You will be notified within the stated timeframe.
6. Submit your enrollment agreement and $800 non-refundable deposit to secure your child's spot. Deposits and enrollment agreements are due by the specified dates. Spots cannot be held until both documents are received.
7. International Student Program (ISP) Applications. International students follow the same admissions timeline. A mandatory online interview is scheduled. If accepted, enrollment is initiated along with visa processing and host-family matching.
8. Fast Track Applications. GISB accepts Fast Track applications for grades K to 5 according to the regular admissions timeline. Grades 2–5 undergo Math and English assessments. The program is subject to minimum enrollment; contact Marion Goodwin for more information.
Admissions
ISB has four steps in its admissions process: Inquire, Visit, Apply, Enroll. Step 1 Inquire: complete a brief inquiry form to join the mailing list and hear about upcoming ISB events. Step 2 Visit: ISB offers campus tours, on-campus and virtual Open House events, Secondary School Shadow Days, and virtual campus visits; local families are encouraged to participate in on-campus programming. Step 3 Apply: applications are submitted online through Ravenna with no application fee; priority review is given to applications received by January 15; siblings of current students receive priority if their application is submitted by December 15; January 15 is the application deadline for priority review and the financial aid deadline. Step 4 Enroll: decisions are released by March 10; enrollment confirmations are due by April 10; ISB accepts applications year-round depending on space and student qualifications; applicants admitted after April 10 will have one week to respond to an offer of admission. Application materials vary by grade (Preschool & Kindergarten, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) with language considerations and testing requirements as described.
Scholarships
Scholarships
GISB is committed to enrolling a diverse student body and making bilingual education affordable to all families. We offer various tuition reductions and a need-based financial aid program.
Payment Plans and Financial Aid: GISB offers three payment plans (2, 5, or 9 installments). Financial aid is awarded based on financial need and is typically for tuition as well as after-school program costs and overnight trips.
Financial Aid: Aid is typically granted based on need and is awarded through Clarity Financial Aid; an annual renewal is required. International Student Program applicants are not eligible for financial aid.
Important Dates: Financial aid applications become available online in mid-October 2025; returning families due January 1, 2026; new families due February 1, 2026.
Other Tuition Reductions and Benefits: Sibling Discount 5% for the 2nd child and 10% for the 3rd child; GISB Employee Tuition Discount 50%; Employer-Sponsored Tuition Benefits include benefits such as guaranteed enrollment, waitlist priority, no upfront deposit, and customized payment plans.
For further information about financial aid or tuition reductions and benefits, please contact the Director of Finance.
Merit Award: Established in 2016, the GISB Merit Award honors academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service. Applications are open for students in grades 9 and up; the award includes a one-year tuition reduction and is awarded annually by a committee.
Scholarships
ISB offers financial aid based on demonstrated need. The financial aid application is separate from the admission application and uses Clarity; deadlines are returning families December 15, 2025 and new families January 15, 2026. Awards are grants (not loans) and are based on demonstrated need and available funding; awards may cover tuition and other costs such as books, transportation, clubs, and exam fees. Returning families' aid is typically released with reenrollment in February 2026; new families' aid is released with the admissions decision and enrollment contract on March 10, 2026. Financial aid awards are renewable with annual reapplication. Financial aid is not available for students requiring an I-20 or who participate in ISB's homestay program. ISB may offer French government scholarships (Bourses Scolaires Françaises) for eligible French citizens, and the ISB Financial Aid Program may supplement government funding. The school also offers a ten-month payment plan for families in the financial aid program.
