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our identity

With a history of excellence dating back more than 40 years, at ISB we honor traditions while embracing modernity and change, preparing our students for an exciting future and fostering a community where challenging and joyful learning is the norm. 

Our principles and beliefs are captured in our aspirational Mission and Vision statements, and these are put into action day to day through our Strategic Focus Areas by a team of highly qualified teachers and staff, and a community of students, families, and alumni who share our values. With a mutual core set of values, we are all ISB Dragons. 

Dragon Spirit embodies joy, challenge, togetherness, and success, the core pillars of our educational philosophy. We have a commitment to diversity, intentional design, and providing robust support so students and staff are socially and emotionally thriving. Our students enjoy a vibrant school experience in which they can pursue their passions and achieve impressive outcomes. Our Dragon Spirit is shared by students, staff, parents, and alumni and unites us as global citizens in Beijing and around the world. Enrolling at ISB provides an excellent education for your children and lifelong membership of the school’s community for the whole family. 

As you delve deeper into what makes ISB one of the world’s best international schools, you’ll discover that our pursuit of excellence is rooted in nurturing this spirit across our dynamic community, delivering world-class educational outcomes and ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for all. 

our mission and vision

poster displaying the mission and vision of ISB

from our head of school

I was honored to join this community in 2021 as a custodian of ISB’s tradition of excellence. We are all committed to the school's ongoing success and continuous improvement. Establishing, nurturing, and growing such an exceptional learning community has been and remains intentional; we work hard to build strong relationships so that our learning is at its best.

While my colleagues play a lead role in the excellent learning in our classrooms, ISB is more than a school. Our parents fulfill a vital role by promoting our Dragon Spirit and welcoming new families. 

daniel rubenstein talks to parents

Of utmost importance is the school’s strong sense of community and vibrant, culturally diverse campus, where learning is engaging for all our students. Research-based programs, high-quality teaching, and outstanding and ever-improving facilities mean students at ISB are being prepared for success in a world that keeps changing at a breathtaking pace. 

ISB enjoys a proven track record of excellent learning outcomes, with students attending colleges around the world which are most appropriate for them. Our commitment to realizing students’ potential is built around nurturing the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of each child. ISB programs equip students to be productive, healthy, and fulfilled young adults, whatever future they choose. 

You have my open invitation to visit ISB, to see first-hand the challenging and joyful learning experiences taking place here every day. You will discover that our reputation as one of China’s top international schools is well deserved. 

In partnership, 

Daniel Rubenstein 
Head of School 

Our tradition of excellence

ISB was the first international school in Beijing and today is recognized as a leading learning community. In its earliest stages, our school was made up of eight students and two certified teachers in the hallway of a diplomatic apartment compound. In 1980, amid the growth of other diplomatic communities, the U.S. Embassy joined with the British, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand embassies and formally founded ISB.

We are proud of the community we have become over the past 40 years, built on the firm foundations put in place by those administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents who have been part of our school over the last four decades. Our commitment is to continue this legacy to ensure we provide excellent learning and opportunities for our students in the years to come. 

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ISB History Timeline

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our commitments

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI)

All in the ISB community share values that we feel are important for global citizens and the advancement of international community. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and welcome enrollment and applications from anyone able to join us in living these principles and our Mission and Vision.

DEI Commitment Statement

ISB is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school whereby all individuals belong and are seen, valued, and heard. In line with our Strategic Focus Areas, we build strong peer relationships by fostering a safe and inclusive school community. Diversity is our strength, and we are enriched through our differences. We stand for equitable treatment regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, color, cultural background, identity, orientation, expression, age, level of ability, or status. We build a community empowered to address racism and inequities. You can learn more about our DEI work here.

SUSTAINABILITY

Protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility. ISB has firmly established its commitment to sustainability and is a pioneer among international schools in this area. In the 2017-2018 academic year, our long-term plan of what sustainability should look and feel like at ISB was established through a collaborative process involving leadership, students, staff, parents, alumni, and our major partners. We assembled stakeholders along with representatives from the U.S. Green Building Council and a leading green energy company and drew up the ISB Sustainability Roadmap. To read more about our ongoing commitment and extensive work to build a more sustainable community in Beijing, please click here.

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