Founded in 1968, the International School of Düsseldorf (ISD) is a not-for-profit, independent, coeducational day school located in the heart of the international community of Kaiserswerth, a short walk from the Rhine. The school serves the needs of nearly 950 students from age three to grade 12 representing over 54 countries. Among the first International Baccalaureate World Schools, ISD has a proud history of supporting young people to pursue their dreams and ambitions, in all walks of life and in all corners of the globe. The school delivers an outstanding education that prepares students to be successful and inspires them to make a difference and an education that will equip them with the skills and aptitudes to tackle the global challenges they will face. ISD is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, by the Council of International Schools, and by the State of North Rhine Westphalia. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it is authorized for the IB Primary Years Program, the IB Middle Years Program and the IB Diploma Program. At ISD, every student is provided with the individual support they need to flourish, to discover pleasure in learning, to become autonomous and intrinsically motivated, and, ultimately, to become architects of their own futures.
Organization: The school is governed by a seven-member board of trustees and three ex-officio members. The first seven are elected by the parents of children enrolled in the school and by the faculty and staff of the school who also have voting rights. One of the ex-officio members is the Consul General of Japan, one is the Consul General of the USA, and the third one is the Director.
Curriculum: The curriculum is international and is centered around the International Baccalaureate programs and its Learner’s Profile. ISD sees itself as an international community of learners. It puts a strong emphasis on inquiry; students are guided to take responsibility for their own learning; great care is given to their preparation for university studies. The language of instruction is English. World languages taught are German, French, Spanish, and Japanese. English-as-Another-Language is offered from preparatory to grade 10. There is a strong sports and extracurricular program, including drama, music, visual arts, Girl Guides, and much more. A first language (mother tongue) program is offered in an increasing number of languages.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, ISD has 191 total staff including 128 teachers, 29 of whom are U.S. citizens, 20 host-country nationals, and 79 third-country nationals from 22 different countries. ISD has a creative, enthusiastic, and committed faculty and staff who work together to challenge and support their students to be successful and responsible in an evolving world.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year enrollment was 918 which includes 145 host-country nationals, 247 U.S. citizens, and 526 third-country nationals.
Facilities: The school’s 10-acre campus includes eclectic and attractive senior school and elementary school buildings. Several purpose-built playgrounds serve the recreational needs of the younger and older students. A strong outdoor learning program has transformed the green areas into exciting learning gardens. The senior sports and community center houses several modern practice courts for basketball or volleyball, two competition-size basketball courts, and inviting seating possibilities for spectators. ISD also has three libraries (two of them with Makerspaces), seven science laboratories, five computer rooms, a well-equipped design technology room, centers of excellence for the visual and performing arts, a 400-seat theater, and three cafeterias to serve the needs of the students. Down the road, ISD has top-of-the-range sports fields which can host many national and international teams.
Finances: The school’s non-profit status allows all income to be invested back into the school for the benefit of its students. In the 2022-2023 school year, the school’s income derives from regulated day contributions.
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs Profile- Germany, Dusseldorf) for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further about A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2022 and are provided by the school.