Upper School

At ISB, we recognize the importance of providing our students with opportunities to connect with their peers, engage with the community, and develop skills outside the classroom.

The strongest bonds between students from different cultures and backgrounds are often made outside of the classroom, in clubs, service projects, sports, or trips. In addition to the initiatives unique to our Upper School below, students are fully immersed in our Global Learning Program and Athletics offerings. Although our Upper School students have differentiated academic journeys by choosing to enroll in either the French Baccalaureate or International Baccalaureate program, the School prioritizes opportunities for students to come together for co-curricular and social programming, ensuring they take advantage of the many benefits of being a part of a multicultural community.

Building Community

Weekly Assembly

The foundation of community building in the Upper School begins each Monday morning when all students in Grades 9 through 12 and Upper School faculty come together for Weekly Assembly. These gatherings are intentionally high energy – students enter to music, the Student Council President leads the Assembly, and student-led announcements highlight club offerings and upcoming events. The Assembly is fast-paced, informative, and fun. It is a place to launch new student-led initiatives, celebrate accomplishments, and welcome new community members. A student is recognized each week for demonstrating the best of ISB’s Core Values (Character, Excellence, and Community), before Assembly concludes with a “Game of the Week” where grade-level teams participate in friendly competition.

Student Council

The Upper School Student Council welcomes any interested student in Grades 9 through 12 to join. The group works to enhance the Upper School student experience, focusing on community building through both small- and large-scale events, such as Spirit Week, the Homecoming Dance, Casino Night, movie nights, and activities with other area international schools. Student-elected officers lead the Student Council.

Community Service

ISB's Upper School has an active Community Service Club, which regularly offers students opportunity to engage with the local community. Projects differ on a yearly basis dependent on student interests and community needs. Students also host frequent on-campus, student-led fundraisers to support local organizations or in response to world events.

Students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program also engage with service-learning and community action projects as part of the IB program requirements. Recent partners include Groundwork Somerville (an urban farm), Alewife Biodiversity and Pollinator Showcase Garden, Mystic River Watershed Association, Food for Free, Food Link, and History Cambridge.

Student-led Clubs

Upper School students take ownership of starting clubs that align with the student body's interests. Each fall, a Club Fair is held where students can meet the club representatives and learn more about the offerings. All clubs are supported by a faculty or staff member. Interested in forming a club? No problem. We love to create new offerings every year!

Ambassadors
Advanced German
Astronomy
BioBuilder
Botany
Chess
Club Philo
Coding
Community Service
Creative Project

Creative Writing
Eco
Entrepreneurship
Film
Finance
ISB Radio
Latin Dance
Life Art
Marine Biology
Math
Model UN

Meteorology
Peer Mentorship
Pen Pal
Recycling Project
Rock Band
Social Action
STEM
Student Council
Theater Company
Yearbook

Blue Terrier Athletics

Our athletics program promotes sportsmanship, competition, physical fitness, and lifelong wellness habits. Upper School students can participate in a variety of interscholastic and club sport offerings.

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Global Learning Program

ISB's expansive Global Learning Program offers student travel opportunities through Academic Exchange Programs and Culture & Curriculum Trips.

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