What is St. John's International School in Brussels?

St. John's International School is a private international school in Waterloo, Belgium, serving expatriate and local families in the Brussels area since 1964. It offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and describes itself as one of the only schools in Brussels to do so. If you are looking for an English-language international school with a globally minded, personalised approach and a strong IB track record, this is the profile to consider.

Where is it and who does it serve?

• Location: Waterloo, just south of Brussels — convenient for families living in the southern Brussels suburbs and surrounding communities.
• Community: A mix of expatriate and local families, which the school presents as combining an international perspective with connections to the local community.
• History: Operating since 1964, with more than 60 years of academic experience.

What curriculum does it offer?

St. John's offers the full IB curriculum path, which the school positions as its main academic differentiator in Belgium. The stated aim is to build critical thinking and global citizenship, and to prepare students for admission to universities worldwide.

The school's published 2025 IB Diploma Programme results:

These figures matter if university admission in competitive systems is a priority for your family — a 36 average and multiple scores of 38+ are the kind of numbers associated with selective university entry.

What is the educational approach?

The school describes its model as holistic, rigorous and personalised, with teachers expected to know each student individually. Beyond academics, it highlights:

• A performing arts centre
• Competitive sports programmes
• A range of extracurricular activities

The stated goal is to let students explore their own interests and talents rather than follow a single rigid path.

How do you find out more or visit?

The school's site lists three direct ways to engage:

• Get in Touch — contact the admissions team with questions
• Book a Tour — arrange a visit to see the campus and facilities
• Discovery Days — attend a scheduled event to experience the school

For a decision this consequential, a tour or discovery day is the practical next step: it lets you verify class sizes, facilities and the day-to-day atmosphere that no results table can show.

Who is this school a good fit for?

St. John's is worth shortlisting if you:

• Want a full IB pathway in the Brussels area
• Prefer an international school with a long track record and published academic results
• Value a smaller, personalised environment where staff know students individually
• Are relocating to Belgium and need continuity with an internationally recognised curriculum

It may be less suitable if you are specifically seeking a non-IB national curriculum, or if Waterloo is impractical for your daily commute.