2 best private schools in Brussels 2026
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In 2019 students achieved an impressive average diploma score of 32.2
BelgiumBrusselsCurrently watching: 9from 14750.00 β¬ / year -
Private schools in Brussels are educational institutions that are not managed by the state and operate on the basis of tuition fees. This is the main source of funding for private schools, which justifies the often high cost of education. At the same time, financial independence gives private schools greater autonomy in terms of their curriculum, educational philosophy, and internal policies: they can choose specific pedagogical approaches, implement certain academic programs, or focus on specific areas of education.
The best private schools in Brussels can be affiliated with a specific religion, be secular, or offer alternative educational programs, such as Montessori-method education or differentiated instruction. Unlike Belgian public schools, private schools charge fees, as they are not subsidized by the government. The cost of tuition at private schools in Brussels ranges from β¬24,000 to β¬47,000 per year.
Alternative destinations
Advantages of school education in Brussels
- Brussels offers foreign students excellent academic opportunities: the country demonstrates high results in research and has strong international standing.
- Brussels schools have a well-developed scientific sphere, so students can engage in science from an early age and prepare for future in-depth studies at European universities.
- Private schools in Brussels offer a wide range of different teaching styles, while international schools provide the opportunity to obtain qualifications recognized worldwide.
- The opportunity to practice languages. The French, Moroccan, Italian, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Bulgarian, and Turkish communities create a fantastic multilingual and multicultural environment.
Types of Private Schools in Brussels for Foreigners
Among private schools in Brussels, there are those that offer qualification courses related to a profession, and those that offer diploma courses by education level. Usually, private schools offering qualification courses do not provide internationally recognized certificates β this point should be clarified individually.
In Brussels, private schools most often teach students in French and offer diploma courses β such schools prepare students for official exams and, upon successful completion, lead to the award of a secondary education certificate or CESS.
Some types of private schools offer curricula and diplomas that are recognized by the international community. Such schools are primarily intended for children of immigrants who want to remain within a familiar education system in their new country and use the language they know. International private schools typically provide education from kindergarten through secondary school, and they often follow British, American, French, Dutch, Japanese, and many other educational programs.
Top Private Schools in Brussels
- Montgomery International School. There are both primary and secondary divisions, with the option to follow an English or bilingual English-French program. The school offers students a choice of several extracurricular activities: piano lessons, individual or group tennis lessons, yoga classes, and dance training. The school's mission is to help students unlock their own potential in a supportive, inclusive, and open-minded environment. Foreign and local children are taught here how to become independent critical thinkers, and their social and communication skills are developed. The school campus is located in the very heart of Brussels, near the European institutions and NATO: there is convenient access to all public transport, allowing students to visit international institutions, museums, galleries, theatres, etc.
- British Junior Academy of Brussels. The school follows the National Curriculum of England, adapted for an international school. The curriculum is taught in English by qualified and experienced teachers from the UK; there is an option for specialist instruction for children whose first language is not English. The teaching staff encourages students for their achievements and eagerness to learn, and teaches them to love life and learning.
- Agnes School. The school offers bilingual (pre-school and primary) and trilingual (secondary) education through immersion in either French and English, or French and Dutch. Children are admitted from early pre-school age, from two years old: even at this age the school offers a wide range of activities (psychomotor skills, music awakening, group work, graphomotor skills, logic games) aimed at stimulating learning in four areas: personal, social and emotional development, communication and language, logical thinking, and physical development. In primary school the curriculum goes beyond the requirements of the official programme, so children receive a comprehensive intellectual, artistic, sporting, musical and moral education. In secondary school, the curricula are focused on the academic and human excellence of students.
- Lycee FranΓ§ais Jean Monnet. The school is renowned for its century-long history and enjoys an outstanding reputation, as evidenced by students' academic results and prize-winning places in science competitions, national and international sports events. In primary classes, pupils improve their knowledge of French and mathematics and study disciplines new to them: literary culture, history, geography, natural sciences and technology. The secondary school prepares students to obtain the French Baccalaureate β the key qualification for access to higher education in France and abroad. Additionally, the school offers language examinations and certificates.
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
| High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
| Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
| Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
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