History
Celebrating ISB’s Legacy of Excellence
International School Bangkok (ISB) first opened its doors in 1951 as the International Children’s Center on the grounds of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. As Thailand’s first international school, ISB was established to serve the children of U.S. Embassy staff and expatriates living in Bangkok. Rooted in tradition and honor, ISB quickly became a cornerstone of the expatriate community, offering a world-class education that set the standard for excellence in the region.
As the demand for premier international education grew, so did ISB. In 1960, the school moved from the U.S. Embassy grounds to a larger campus on Sukhumvit Soi 15 to accommodate both primary and secondary students. By 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War, enrollment surged to over 3,500 students, prompting the opening of a second campus in Bangsue to manage the expanding student body.
The 1980s marked a pivotal moment in ISB’s history as the Board of Trustees envisioned a school unparalleled in the region. This vision came to life in January 1992 when ISB relocated to its current home in Nichada Thani, a state-of-the-art US$25-million campus designed to offer an exceptional educational environment. In 2018, ISB expanded further with the opening of the Environmental Wilderness Campus in Phetchaburi Province, cementing its reputation as a leader in innovative education.
Throughout its journey, ISB has upheld its commitment to heritage, history, and legacy. The school remains a nonprofit, independent, and nonsectarian institution, governed by its parent-elected Board of Trustees. ISB’s traditions of excellence and continuous improvement have made it Thailand’s premier international school, renowned for fostering academic achievement, creativity, and global citizenship.
Recent years have seen the school enhance its already impressive facilities, including the addition of new playgrounds, a cutting-edge Elementary School cafeteria, a dedicated ES gym, solar panels, rooftop gardens, and lush green spaces that reflect a commitment to sustainability. In 2022, ISB proudly achieved AmCham ACE status, further underscoring its dedication to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
As we celebrate 70+ years of honor, tradition, and achievement, ISB looks to the future with the same pioneering spirit that has defined its history. Click below to hear Alumni Coordinator and retired math teacher Harold Albert share some of the most memorable moments from ISB’s illustrious past.
Here’s to seven decades of excellence—and to many more to come!
Take a moment to glance through our past
ISB Milestones: Moments That Define Our Journey
- 1951: ISB opens as the International Children’s Center on the U.S. Embassy grounds in Bangkok, becoming Thailand’s first international school.
- 1960: Relocates to a larger campus on Sukhumvit Soi 15 to accommodate the growing expatriate community and offer primary and secondary education.
- 1967: Enrollment peaks at over 3,500 students during the Vietnam War, leading to the opening of a second campus in Bangsue.
- 1980s: ISB’s Board of Trustees envisions creating a school unrivaled in the region.
- 1992: ISB moves to its current US$25-million campus in Nichada Thani, featuring state-of-the-art facilities.
- 2018: Opens the Environmental Wilderness Campus in Phetchaburi Province, expanding its commitment to innovative education and environmental learning.
Hanuman Legacy
Founded in 1951, International School Bangkok (ISB) adopted Hanuman as its seal, symbolizing strength, wisdom, loyalty, and selflessness—values deeply rooted in Thailand's heritage. This emblem reflects ISB’s rich history and enduring legacy.
