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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN

477 COURT STREET

At a Glance

A Tiny International School Where Every Child Gets Real Attention

Best suited for

Families who want an intimate, progressive school with genuine diversity and an international worldview — and who are looking for the kind of small-scale community where teachers know every child's name. Ideal for parents who prioritize cultural fluency and individualized attention over traditional academic rigor or test scores.

What stands out
  • A 4.5:1 student-teacher ratio — extremely small by NYC private school standards
  • High diversity index (0.71) with a notably large multiracial student population
  • International curriculum with language exposure from an early age
  • Progressive, nonsectarian philosophy without any religious overlay
  • Elementary-only format means focused, age-appropriate programming
Things to consider
  • Private school tuition applies — budget accordingly
  • At 330 total students across all elementary grades, this is a very small school — some families prefer larger peer groups
  • No religious affiliation if that's important to your family
  • Being in Cobble Hill means higher cost of living in the surrounding neighborhood
IdentityThis Is A Progressive, Academically Adventurous School That Treats Diversity As A Feature, Not A Checkbox. There'S No Religious Affiliation, But There'S A Clear Set Of Values Around Inclusion And Cultural Fluency.

A nonsectarian progressive school with a 4.5:1 student-teacher ratio — this is small and deeply personal. The 'international' in the name signals a curriculum that values world languages and global citizenship over test preparation.

CommunityHigh — The Diversity Index Of 0.71 Puts This Well Above Most Private Elementary Schools, With A Multiracial Population That Stands Out.

Here's what makes ISB stand out: a diversity index of 0.71 — genuinely high for a private school, and the demographics tell an interesting story. Yes, 55.8% of students are white, but nearly 28% are multiracial, and the remaining 16% are Black, Hispanic, or Asian. That multiracial number is notably high and suggests a community where mixed-identity families feel at home.

NeighborhoodCarroll Gardens-Cobble Hill-Gowanus-Red Hook

Cobble Hill is one of Brooklyn's most family-friendly neighborhoods — tree-lined streets, independent cafes, and a village-like feel that makes it easy to imagine walking to school every day. The area attracts educated, professionally diverse families who value urban convenience without sacrificing neighborhood charm.

This is a highly walkable neighborhood where many families ditch the car entirely. School pickup often involves a stroller-laden stroll past local bakeries.

Notable Programs

French language immersionSpanish language immersionInternational Baccalaureate (PYP and MYP)Language acquisition tracksAfter School & Enrichment programs

What Parents Are Saying

Generally positive reviews praise the small class sizes, supportive community, effective language immersion program, and engaged teachers. Some concerns noted about administration responsiveness and academic rigor. Niche rating 4.5/10, GreatSchools 3.7/30 reviews

Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026

Frequently Asked Questions
Is INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill-Gowanus-Red Hook.
What grades does INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN serve?
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN?
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
Is INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN public, charter, or private?
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN is a private school.
What neighborhood is INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN in?
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN is in Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill-Gowanus-Red Hook, Brooklyn.
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