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Back to School at ISL
There was a buzz of excitement in the late summer air as the International School of Luxembourg opened its doors to a record 910 students and 178 staff members on Wednesday, 27 August. These figures represent an increase of 10% over the start of school in 2007. Students entering ISL for the first time this year account for 20% of total enrolment. In addition to its new students, the school also welcomed 36 new staff members.
Growth in student numbers has been accompanied by growth in the school’s cultural diversity, creating a remarkably rich multi-cultural learning environment. At the time of its founding in 1963 as the DuPont de Nemours Private School, the school’s student population was 100% American and the faculty was entirely Luxembourgish.
Today Americans make up only 13% of a student body that counts 45 different nationalities. Students come not only from most of the countries of Europe, but also from North and South America, Australia, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In addition, ISL staff members represent 23 nations from five continents. While English is the lingua franca of the school, the majority of ISL students come from non-English speaking backgrounds; 75% of ISL families speak a language other than English at home. For this reason, the school provides a comprehensive English as an Additional Language programme, enabling English language learners to integrate both academically and socially.
Due to the high demand for an ISL education, the school has embarked upon an ambitious expansion project. The first phase, an extension of the present main building, should be completed in about 18 months. The final phase will culminate in the construction of a brand new Lower School building which is expected to open its doors in four to five years time.
