We welcome families of all nationalities who wish their children to be educated in an internationally-minded and learning-focused environment. We stay true to our core values, have high standards for children, and offer them a wealth of academic and extracurricular activities.
Our curriculum is broadly based and tailored to meet children's individual needs. Your child will experience stimulating and purposeful learning from which they will be able to grow in self-confidence and fulfill their potential. Our high-caliber and well-qualified staff are dedicated and enthusiastic in their goal of providing children the best possible start to life in a happy, secure learning environment.
At BISC - South Loop, we highly regard our students' achievements and pride ourselves on providing a supportive and structured atmosphere. We are very well resourced and enjoy excellent teacher-to-student ratios. Because successful education relies on a partnership between the school, children, and parents, we value and encourage your involvement in order to develop strong home-school links. We also strongly encourage enrichment outside of the classroom to develop the whole learner and, as a result, offer a wide variety of art, music, and sporting activities.
We would be delighted if you came to visit our South Loop Campus to see us at work and play.
| Number of students |
700 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
40+ |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish, French, German and Mandarin |
| Max. number of students per class |
22 |
| Average number of students per class |
15 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
- interactive technology in all classrooms
|
| 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 |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma, IGCSE |
| Results in these examinations |
Average IB score was 34.3 with 90% IBDP pass-rate. 14% of our students achieved 40+ in the IBDP |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Students are given a minimum of 3 days |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Shadow Day
|
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Rolling Admissions |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:25 |
| School finish time |
3:45 |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Athletics, Performing Arts, Dance and Drama. We also offer activities from our collaborations with world-leading institutions: The Juilliard School, MIT, UNICEF. |
| Sports activities included |
Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, the Chicago Area Middle Schools League and a member of the Illinois High School Association. |
| Facilities at the school |
98,000 square feet of purpose-built space
|
| Sports facilities at the school |
9,000-square-foot gymnasium
|
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
With convenient access to family-friendly neighborhoods and renowned cultural landmarks, British International School Chicago South Loop school is the only private school in Chicago offering personalized education to students ages 3 to 18 under one roof. Our Highest Quality Learning approach combined with the finest teachers in the world raise the ambitions of every child through personalized instruction and international curriculum. At our school, students become inspired within a culture of international diversity and respect. The school day is an engaging combination of exciting and fun, and serious and focused, enabling students to Be Ambitious in and out of the classroom. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
At British International School of Chicago, South Loop, we are committed to the academic achievement and personal development of every child. Our comprehensive, international curriculum ensures your child thrives in an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation of diverse opinions and cultures. Our personalized approach to learning engages and challenges students, empowering them to reach their highest potential. |
Our Early Years curriculum for children in Nursery (Pre-school) and Reception (Junior Kindergarten) unites the best components of the International Primary Curriculum, and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
Our Primary School curriculum integrates the best components of the National Curriculum for England and International Primary Curriculum. This empowers children in Years 1–6 (Kindergarten–Grade 5) to become ambitious, confident, and inspired, and approach learning with a clear focus on progressing their skills.
Ages 11 to 11: Middle School is a time when students experience physical, emotional, and cognitive growth—and at BISC, it's when they’re introduced to a vast array of new and fascinating ideas designed to challenge their assumptions and teach them integral life skills.
Ages 14 to 16: With college on the horizon, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their independence and tailor their own learning according to their interests and aspirations. BISC offers curriculum pathways designed to connect disciplines and foster creative thinking and personal growth.
Ages 16 to 18: The IB Programme at the British International School of Chicago, South Loop affords students the opportunity to gain a qualification highly valued by top universities around the world.
Our modern campus offers students all that they need to thrive. Designed to spark innovation and inspire creativity, our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology give students the best education possible – one that is fit for their future success.
Being a student at South Loop is about far more than receiving a world-leading education. With a vast array of first-class facilities on campus, every day is packed with exciting activities and stimulating experiences.
See our campus and facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
We are delighted that you are interested in learning more about the British International School of Chicago, South Loop and what it has to offer your family.
Our friendly team is here to ensure you go through a simple admissions process, whether you’re a local or live abroad.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
