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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Academic Excellence | BIS Chicago, South Loop | Nord Anglia - 01 - Level 2 Page Header With Key FactsAcademic Excellence | BIS Chicago, South Loop | Nord Anglia - 01 - Level 2 Page Header With Key Facts
Key Facts
Class of 2023
Top Score 43 out of 45 IBDP score
World's top 100  universities
Harvard, Oxford, and Cal-Berkeley are just some of the top universities our students attend each year.
Top marks
14% of our students achieved 40+ in the IBDP

YOUR CHILD'S PERSONALIzED LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Our teachers will ensure your child achieves impressive academic results. We do this by understanding how your child learns best so that we can personalize their entire learning experience.
Academic Excellence | BIS Chicago, South Loop | Nord Anglia - 02 - Secondary Introduction
Early Years
  • Early Years
  • Primary
  • MIDDLE SCHOOL
  • high school

Early Years

With our internationally recognized curriculum for every age group, our tailored approach to learning means we will help you unlock your child’s learning potential every step of the way.

curricula logo england curriculum
3 to 5 years old
National Curriculum for England
A combination of two renowned curricula gives our youngest learners the best possible start. Our British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum sets the standard for the learning, development, and care of Nursery and Reception children. This program is complemented by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which personalizes learning through a variety of thematic topics.
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Primary

With our internationally recognized curriculum for every age group, our tailored approach to learning means we'll help you unlock your child’s learning potential every step of the way.

curricula logo ipc
5 to 11 years old
International Primary Curriculum
Our Primary School program integrates the best components of the National Curriculum for England and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Working towards clear Subject, Personal, and International learning goals, our Year 1-6 students expand their breadth and depth of knowledge, and immerse themselves in inspiring creative and thematic projects.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL

With our internationally recognized curriculum for every age group, our tailored approach to learning means we'll help you unlock your child’s learning potential every step of the way.

curricula logo england curriculum
11 to 14 years old
National Curriculum for England
Our broad and balanced Middle School curriculum nurtures our learners’ cognitive, physical, and emotional development. A wide range of subjects and learning experiences enable our students to identify their strengths and pursue passions, while also building their independence, confidence, and sense of social responsibility. This prepares them for the challenge of High School.
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HIGH SCHOOL

With our internationally recognized curriculum for every age group, our tailored approach to learning means we'll help you unlock your child’s learning potential every step of the way.

curricula logo england curriculum
14 to 16 years old
IGCSE
Our globally respected two-year IGCSE program is consistent, challenging, and engaging. As well as deepening our students’ academic knowledge in their core and elective subjects, our curriculum nurtures the development of vital communication, research, and social skills. Guided by our specialist teachers, each student is supported to be ambitious, push themselves, and fulfil their potential.
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curricula logo IB
16 to 18 years old
IBDP
Highly regarded around the world, the IBDP is the perfect springboard to the very best colleges and universities. Our students specialize in six subject areas and immerse themselves in the IB core program, which features an Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) activities, and the Theory of Knowledge. Challenging and rewarding, the IBDP develops well-rounded and successful global learners.
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Want to learn more about our curriculum?

Read our curriculum guides to learn more about how our personalized curriculum can benefit your child.
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BISC_Chicago_South Loop_2019_230 Academic Excellence | BIS Chicago, South Loop | Nord Anglia - Key Fact Tiles
  • Early years
  • Primary
  • Middle School
  • High School

Early Years

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development, and care of children up to 5-years old. It ensures your child's readiness for Primary School and provides a broad range of knowledge and skills that form a strong foundation for future progress through school and life.
Ages
3-5
Nationality
40+
Average class size
12
Languages taught
Spanish and French

PRIMARY

Our Primary School curriculum integrates the very best components of the English National Curriculum and International Primary Curriculum. This enables children in Year 1 to Year 6 (Kindergarten to Grade 5) to become ambitious, confident and inspired learners, and to approach learning with a clear focus on the progression of skills.
Age range
5-11
Years
1 to 6
Average class size
16
Languages taught
Spanish and French

Middle School

The Middle School years are a time when students experience physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. At British International School of Chicago, South Loop, Middle School students further develop their interests and learn new skills while also encountering new challenges.
Age Range
11-14
Average class size
20
Languages taught
Spanish, French, German and Mandarin
Years
7 to 9

High School

With college on the horizon, the entrance to High School is an exciting time. High School opens doors to further opportunities for students to demonstrate their growing independence and study subjects that appeal to their interests.
Age range
14-18
Average class size
18
Languages taught
Spanish, French, German and Mandarin
Years
10 to 13
primary
  • Early Years
  • Primary
  • Middle School
  • HIGH SCHOOL

A TYPICAL DAY AT SOUTH LOOP

Each class will be taught by a lead teacher and a learning assistant. Your child will also have subject specialists for French, Spanish, Art, Dance, Music, and PE.
Student during morning hours at Chicago South Loop
8:25am
Circle time to discuss the day ahead.
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early Morning
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Morning
Academic and specialist lessons, plus outdoor break and snack time.
Morning
BISC South Loop Canteen
12pm
Students sit down lunch for family style meals which are pre-pared in-house and delivered to the classroom. Part-time Nursery students have the option to leave prior to or after lunch.
12pm
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Afternoon
Students will continue in specialists classes including French, Spanish, Dance, Drama, PE, and Music.
Afternoon
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3:30pm
Dismissal or After-School Clubs.
Late afternoon

A TYPICAL DAY AT SOUTH LOOP

In addition to their classroom teacher, students have subject specialists for French, Spanish, Art, Dance, Music, Science, and PE. Students are introduced to exciting and unfamiliar subjects, study citizenship and learn new skills in Masterclass. As they progress through school, learning support eases off, promoting independence and preparing students for Middle School.
Primary School Morning Activities
8:25am
Lessons begin.
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early morning
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Morning
Throughout the day, students will learn core skills in English and Phonics followed by break and snack.
Morning
BISC South Loop Canteen
Lunchtime
The morning learning, which can include Math, concludes at midday when the students enjoy a nutritious meal in our cafeteria. Afterwards, they have time to play outside on the turf field with their friends.
Lunchtime
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Afternoon
Every week, students will have specialist classes including French, Spanish, Dance, PE and Music.
Afternoon
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3:45pm
Children are picked up, or may stay on to participate in a variety of after-school clubs.
Later afternoon

A TYPICAL DAY AT SOUTH LOOP

As students mature, BISC - South Loop begins a more intricate approach to education, ensuring children are intellectually energized and socially sophisticated. The curriculum plunges greater depths of complexity, opening students’ eyes to the wider theoretical applications of their skills and knowledge.
BISC_Chicago_South Loop_2019_036
8:25am
Students begin their day in their Advisory groups and then lessons begin.
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Early Morning
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Morning
Students move independently around the Middle School to different classes, including English, Math, and Science. They spend their 25-minute morning recess outside enjoying the use of our turf field, after which they participate in lessons including Design Engineering and Modern Foreign Language.
Morning
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Lunchtime
Students eat a freshly cooked meal with their friends in the cafeteria.
Lunchtime
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Afternoon
Students will have specialist classes including Dance, Drama PE and Music.
 
Afternoon
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Late afternoon
Lessons end, but students may participate in fun after-school extracurricular activities and sports, or receive academic or homework support from their teachers.
Late afternoon

A TYPICAL DAY AT SOUTH LOOP

Students commence their higher studies with both eyes on their desired university. With enthusiastic support from their teachers and encouragement to pursue independent study, our high school students invariably leave South Loop with the path ahead well and truly forged.
Student Morning Activities
8:25am
Students begin their day in their Advisory groups and then lessons begin.
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8:25am
BISC_Chicago_South Loop_2019_025
Morning
Students focus on core learning skills English and Math. After break, High School students will focus on elective courses 
Morning
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Lunchtime
Students enjoy a hearty meal in our cafeteria, or may leave campus with their friends if they wish.
Lunchtime
BISC_Chicago_South Loop_2019_094
Afternoon
Students will continue learning from specialists in each of their lessons.
Afternoon
High School Soccer
3:45pm
Lessons end, but students may stay on to elicit help from their teachers or unwind with some sports or extracurricular activities.
3:45pm

OUR STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

South Loop produces consistently amazing results.
43/45
Score of top students in 2023
Average score
31.5
(vs 30.2 world average)
100%
IB Diploma pass rate (vs 79% world average)
How to Teach by Chicago South Loop
inspiring your child's learning

HOW WE TEACH

Our talented international teachers will help your children develop a lifelong love of learning.
Find out more
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What is the IBDP?

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TEACHING EXCELLENCE

LEARNING FROM THE BEST

Outstanding teachers make outstanding schools and that is why our teachers never stop learning. This means that your child will be taught by passionate educators, who are always at the forefront of the latest teaching and learning techniques. 

Being part of Nord Anglia Education also ensures that your child's teachers have access to Nord Anglia University, a world-renowned professional development program.
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2022 Alumni
icon quote
Over the course of the past 10 years, BISC-SL has had a profound impact on me as a person. I feel as though had it not been for this school, I would have never developed the critical-analytic mindset that is instilled in students here at such a young age.
Alex
2022 Alumni

OUTSTANDING LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Nurturing your child's talents to unlock their potential.

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