International School of Beijing

ISB traces its origins to a small diplomatic school in Beijing in the 1970s and was formally established in 1980; the early institution grew out of schools run by several embassies (including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and New Zealand). ISB operates as a non-profit and is overseen by a 12-member Board of Trustees responsible for governance, finances, and appointing the Head of School. Over time the school moved from temporary diplomatic sites to a purpose-built campus in Shunyi and expanded its facilities and programmes through the 1990s and 2000s.

The ISB community includes students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni from many nationalities and is active year-round with school-wide cultural and social events. Regular community highlights include an annual International Day (a cultural parade and family-run country booths) and a large Spring Fair that draws thousands of visitors. Families and staff also connect through speaker series, performances, athletics and volunteer-organized activities that aim to build relationships across the school.

ISB's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a volunteer-led organisation whose membership is open to all parents and faculty and which supports new-family orientation and community-building. The PTA organises major community fundraisers such as the Spring Fair and helps coordinate International Day booths and the cultural parade. Beyond those flagship events, the PTA runs movie nights, dance programs, visiting-author talks and a parent speaker series, and it posts volunteer opportunities through the school portal. The Booster Club—run by parent volunteers—focuses on school spirit and hands-on support for athletics, performing arts and academic co-curriculars (team parents, concessions, spirit items, receptions, etc.). Contact details and sign-up information for PTA and Booster Club activities are available on the ISB website.