Lebanon, Beirut
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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 grades, and after PYP students choose their program of study. Three languages are required: Arabic as the host language; a language of instruction (French or English); and an additional language (French in the English stream and English in the French stream). The school reports a 100% university acceptance rate for graduates.
Art at IC is a vital expression of creativity, individuality, and understanding of the world. The visual arts program covers a broad range of media and techniques, from foundational work in Early Childhood to advanced studies in Middle and High School. The IB Visual Arts course culminates in an IB Visual Arts Exhibition where students curate and present their final portfolios. Art at IC empowers students to observe deeply, think critically, and convey ideas visually.
The school fosters intercultural understanding through communicating in a variety of ways, including language. 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 (French in the English stream and English in the French stream). Other languages are offered at the Secondary School, based on the program chosen.
IC offers over 130 clubs and societies. Activities span Performing Arts (drama, circus arts, debate, music, drawing and painting, crochet, macrame and shamballa), Athletics, Academic & Cultural Clubs (Arabic club, chess, general knowledge, cinema, robotics, game development, and more), Media & Expression (school press, photography, folk dancing, hip hop, fashion design), and Special Interest Groups (environmental action, Model United Nations, and more). Each club is guided by a dedicated faculty member. IC students represent the school in national and international arenas and regularly go on field trips to museums, theaters, and exhibitions.
The Ali Ghandour Center for Leadership, Diversity, and Civic Engagement (AGC) offers an intensive leadership and dynamic citizenship program through a Community Engaged Learning (CEL) model. Spread over three years starting in 10th grade, the program mentors students through volunteering with grassroots organizations and culminates with students leading Community Service Projects (CSPs). The AGC exposes students to local and international opportunities that encourage prosocial behaviors and empower them to become change agents, while disseminating the CEL model to other schools.
IC's Ali Ghandour Center for Leadership, Diversity, and Civic Engagement equips academically outstanding yet financially disadvantaged students to participate in a rigorous leadership and civic engagement program. The program spans Grade 10 to Grade 12 with progression through Level 1 to Level 3, developing soft skills, project design, and community-focused leadership. It prepares students for university admissions in Lebanon and internationally and fosters ongoing leadership, civic engagement, and responsibility.
Wellbeing is at the heart of IC; wellbeing is defined as the state of being healthy in body, mind, and spirit and is a collective responsibility. The approach nurtures belonging, purpose, resilience, and connection across the community. Physical wellbeing is supported by nutrition education, physical education, and movement breaks. Mental and emotional wellbeing includes mindfulness, art, music, and drama, and school-wide wellbeing campaigns. The Positivity Project is implemented across all grade levels, and IC partners with Power of Zero to promote kindness, digital citizenship, and anti-bullying.
International College Beirut (IC) is an independent, non-profit school with two campuses, Ain Aar and Ras Beirut. Founded in 1891, IC is chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and serves about 3,500 students. IC offers four programs: the Lebanese Program, the French Program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with PYP and DP, and the American College Preparatory Program. The Primary Years Programme runs through early years and primary grades; after PYP, students select a program. All programs require three languages: Arabic (host), a language of instruction (French or English), and an additional language (French in the English stream, English in the French stream). Other languages are offered in the Secondary School. The school promotes intercultural understanding through multilingual communication and reports a 100% university acceptance rate worldwide. Facilities span two campuses with modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, art and music studios, STEAM spaces, auditoriums, and athletic facilities. The Ali Ghandour Center for Leadership, Diversity, and Civic Engagement offers a three-year Community Engaged Learning program. IC runs over 130 clubs across Arts, Culture, and Service.