Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
280 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
38 |
| Most common nationality |
Italian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
45% local to 55% international |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
English Language Acquisition Support classes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Italian, Spanish, French |
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Average number of students per class |
21 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
ISB is a Google Reference School and approaches technology in a sophisticated manner to enhance learning experiences. Each learner has access to a school provided Chromebook (in use when appropriate) and classrooms are equipped with Promethean Boards. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
ISB does not follow a religious practice. The school is inclusive to learners and community members of non or any religious belief. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
ISB has a balanced practice of homework. Home learning in Elementary school is focusing on reinforcing learning and on engaging in learning conversations with parents/guardians. In Secondary school there is time allocated in school for individual student work - Study Hall - and an expectation that students complete academic work in a timely manner outside of school hours. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
ISB has a Student Services department with specialists providing both individualized learning support and language acquisition support. |
| Learning support offered |
Modified curriculum. Individual Learning Plans. Accommodations. Behavior support strategies. English Language Acquisition support and Learning Labs. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Individualized enhancement and academic extension. Personalized learning plans. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
ISB has a Student Counselor, covering comprehensive counseling services - both social-emotional, well-being, as well as College and career counseling. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Secondary students with no or little academic English knowledge will be given a language assessment to identify language acquisition needs. The school may administer the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) screening test for Secondary school admission. Such tests are not considered entry exams, but serve as a tool for the school to ensure better understanding of the student's entry level knowledge and skills. |
| Waiting list |
ISB is a one form entry and places may fill up before the start of the academic year. This will lead to waiting lists in certain grade levels. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
As an international school ISB practices rolling admissions and students are accepted throughout the academic year,, provided there is space in the respective grade level. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
08:50 |
| School finish time |
15:30 (15:20 for Early Years) |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Morning supervision: 08:30 - 08:50
|
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
The school lunch provision tailors to all variations of special diets. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
ISB offers many clubs and activities. |
| Sports activities included |
PSPE, PHE |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
ISB is not part of a sports leagues. However, many of the ISB students play sports actively with local clubs and thus take part in various local, national and/or international competitions. |
| Facilities at the school |
Laboratories, theatre, library |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Medium sized sports hall, outdoor basketball court. Due to the school's limited sports facilities on campus, ISB collaborates with an external multi-sports complex where students access a richer sports and activities program through PSPE and PHE classes. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
International School of Bologna offers a complete educational path certified by IB starting from Early Years (3 years old) to High School Diploma (18 years old), following the IB PYP, MYP and DP. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
ISB's mission is to provide stimulating learning experiences through the medium of the English language, in which children of internationally minded parents can develop the essential skills and knowledge required to make an active contribution as they take their place in our ever-evolving global society. |