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Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
International School of Boston is an independent, non-profit day school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, educating ages 2 to 18. The historic Cambridge campus at 45 Matignon Road anchors the school's facilities, including dedicated libraries for each division, a large gym, a Media Center, two playgrounds, shared outdoor fields, and spaces for visual and performing arts. The curriculum spans IB (MYP and DP) and French and American programs, with two internationally recognized diplomas offered: the French Baccalaureate and the IB, taught in English in Upper School. From Maternelle through Upper School, instruction is bilingual in French and English. Maternelle blends the French Ministry of Education framework with Massachusetts preschool standards; Lower School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. Middle School is bilingual with options to emphasize either language and to pursue IB or Baccalaureate tracks. Upper School students choose between the French Baccalaureate or IB, with language options in Spanish, German, and Mandarin.
45 Matignon Rd, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States
Gallery
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Vibes and Culture
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The Essentials
International School of Boston has 575 pupils, instruction in French, English.
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
Preschool through Grade 12
Type
Independent, non-profit private day school
Pupil Nationality Mix
Total nationalities represented: 32. Nationality breakdown: United States 68%, France 23%, other nationalities 9%.
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
France (French Baccalaureate program homologué by the French Ministry of Education; ISB is connected to AEFE and related French education networks)
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
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.
Diving Deeper
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Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Boston ranges from USD 29,500 to USD 51,260 for 2026/27.
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.
Academics
International School of Boston teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
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.
Wellbeing
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Parent Experience
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Facilities
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Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions
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
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is the International School of Boston located and how easy is it to get to from Boston?
ISB is located at 45 Matignon Road, Cambridge, MA 02140, on a historic campus at the Cambridge–Somerville–Arlington border just minutes from downtown Boston. MBTA bus lines 87, 88 and 89 stop within walking distance and Alewife and Davis Square Red Line stations are accessible on foot; the school also offers two private bus routes and Cambridge Public Schools bus service for Cambridge residents.
What ages and grade levels does ISB serve?
ISB educates students ages 2 to 18 across Preschool (Maternelle) through Grade 12, offering programs from Half-Day Preschool up to Upper School diplomas.
Is ISB a day school or a boarding school?
ISB is an independent, non‑profit day school; for Upper School international and domestic students the school operates an ISB Housing Program (host-family room and board) rather than on-campus boarding.
How do I apply to ISB and what are the key admissions deadlines I should know?
The admissions process has four steps: Inquire, Visit, Apply, Enroll, with applications submitted online through Ravenna and no application fee. Priority review materials should be submitted by January 15 (siblings receive priority if their application is submitted by December 15), decisions are released by March 10, and enrollment confirmations are due by April 10; ISB accepts applications year-round as space allows.
What are the matriculation and re-enrollment fees and how are they paid?
The one-time, non-refundable matriculation fee is USD 2,000 for the first new student, USD 1,500 for a second child, and USD 1,000 for any additional children; the annual re-enrollment deposit is USD 2,000 per student and is non-refundable but applied toward tuition. All matriculation fees, re-enrollment deposits, and tuition payments are processed through the school's Veracross billing system.
Does ISB offer financial aid and how do I apply?
ISB offers need-based financial aid awarded as grants and administered through Clarity; returning families' financial aid deadlines are December 15, 2025, and new families' deadline is January 15, 2026. Awards are renewable with annual reapplication, may cover items like tuition and exam fees, and financial aid is not available for students requiring an I‑20 or participating in the homestay program.
What curriculum options and diplomas does ISB offer?
ISB delivers a bilingual French‑English program from Maternelle through Upper School and offers two internationally recognized diplomas in Upper School: the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Lower School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education, Maternelle blends the French Ministry framework with Massachusetts preschool standards, and Middle School provides bilingual tracks with options to emphasize either language and pursue IB or Baccalaureate pathways.
What language and elective options are available in Upper School?
Upper School students choose between the French Baccalaureate or the IB Diploma and have continued access to study Spanish, German, or Mandarin alongside French and English. Upper School instruction for the IB pathway is taught in English while maintaining bilingual opportunities and language study.
How does ISB support college and university planning?
ISB's College Counseling Office provides guidance for 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. Students receive counseling and resources to apply internationally, and ISB students matriculate to a geographically diverse range of colleges and universities, with many placements in New England.
What academic and learning facilities does the campus have?
The Cambridge campus includes dedicated libraries for each division (Maternelle Library in Building 4, Lower School Library on Building 3's 1st floor, and a Middle & Upper School Media Center on Building 3's 4th floor), Middle School science labs, a large gymnasium, two playgrounds, shared outdoor athletic fields, and dedicated visual and performing arts spaces. The libraries offer Follett Destiny, ebooks through Sora, and Gale databases including The Boston Globe and The New York Times.
What sports and athletic facilities and teams are available?
ISB has a large on‑campus gymnasium and shared outdoor athletic fields used for team practices and games, and fields interscholastic teams in soccer, volleyball, fencing, basketball, and ultimate frisbee across the seasons. Club sport options include archery, badminton, fencing, flag football, indoor soccer, running, and table tennis, and Upper School varsity teams carry no participation fee.
Where can students pursue arts and media activities on campus?
ISB has dedicated visual and performing arts spaces across the campus, with seasonal and year‑long arts clubs, private music lessons, theater and band opportunities, and a Media Center that supports Middle and Upper School projects. Students also produce content through ISB Radio, participate in events like Arts & Design Night, MaMA, and the Grade 12 IB Visual Arts exhibition.
What extracurricular clubs, after‑school activities, and travel programs does ISB offer?
ISB offers a broad range of student-led clubs across divisions—examples include Model UN, Chess, BioBuilder, Film, Rock Band, Drama, Advanced German, and many arts and sports clubs—plus seasonal clubs for younger students. The Global Learning Program provides curriculum and culture trips, academic exchanges, and AEFE partnership opportunities for local, national, and international travel.
How can students take on leadership roles at ISB?
Leadership opportunities include an elected Student Council with student officers, student-created clubs supported by faculty, Grade 10's Work Observation Program, and an Upper School Career Fair that connects students with parents and alumni. Student leadership is also promoted through community service initiatives and school assemblies.
How does ISB support bilingual learners and students new to French or English?
ISB uses a bilingual immersion model from Maternelle through Upper School, with courses taught in both French and English and Middle School schedules that allow emphasis on one language to build proficiency. The school's Inclusive Learning and guidance services, plus advisory programs, support language development and students' transition into the bilingual program.
What wellbeing and counseling services are available for students?
ISB provides Inclusive Learning and related student support services, guidance and advisory programs, and access to health and wellness resources, embedding social‑emotional learning and resilience across the curriculum. Mental wellbeing is emphasized through the school's culture of empathy, respect, and open‑mindedness, and through schoolwide community and service activities.
Do students wear uniforms and what are the lunch arrangements?
Students do not have to wear uniforms, but each division follows its own dress code. Lunch is provided by an external catering company and all students have a full hour for lunch and recess each day; families may also send their child's own lunch.
What homestay or housing options exist for international students, and what do they include?
ISB operates an ISB Housing Program (host‑family room and board) for Upper School students; the homestay fee is USD 25,000 for room and board from August 25, 2026 to June 30, 2027. That 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.
What accreditations and French affiliations does ISB hold?
ISB is accredited by multiple organizations including CIS, NAIS, NEASC, IB, AISNE, AFSA, HDMFS, MLF, and is connected to the French education network through AEFE and homologation with the French Ministry of Education. These affiliations reflect the school's bilingual French‑English program and its French Baccalaureate authorization.
How can parents get involved in the ISB community after relocating?
Parents can join the OneISB Parent Network, which organizes community events, parent‑to‑parent connections, and volunteer opportunities such as weekly Bread Sales, Gala planning, Admissions Ambassador roles, and room parent support. ISB also offers events, traditions, and connections to Boston's Francophone networks to help families integrate into the bilingual community.
What are the tuition fees at International School of Boston?
Annual tuition at International School of Boston ranges from USD 29,500 to USD 51,260 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.
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