International College

"International College (IC) is an independent, non-profit international school based in Beirut, Lebanon, with a history stretching back to 1891 — making it one of the oldest international schools in the region."

Chartered in the state of Massachusetts, United States, the school has spent well over a century building a reputation for rigorous academics and a genuinely international outlook in the heart of the Middle East. The school operates two campuses: one situated in Beirut itself and a second nestled in the urban hillsides of Ain A'ar, offering families options that suit different locations and lifestyles across the greater Beirut area. Together, these campuses serve a community of more than 3,500 students each year, drawn not only from across Lebanon but from throughout the Middle East and around the world. This diversity gives IC a richly multicultural character that families relocating from abroad often find both welcoming and familiar. Academically, International College follows the International Baccalaureate framework, offering both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP provides younger students with an inquiry-based, concept-driven foundation that encourages curiosity and a love of learning from the earliest years. At the upper end of schooling, the IB Diploma Programme prepares students for entry into universities globally, and its internationally recognized credential is particularly valuable for expat families who may continue moving between countries. The IB's emphasis on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and holistic development aligns well with the diverse, globally minded student body IC serves. Instruction at IC is delivered in English and Arabic, reflecting both the school's international identity and its deep roots in the Lebanese and broader Arab cultural context. Additional languages are also part of the school's offering, supporting the multilingual realities of many families in the community. For expat parents, the strong English-language program provides continuity with international schooling elsewhere, while the Arabic component gives children meaningful engagement with the language and culture of the region they are living in — an advantage that extends well beyond their time in Lebanon. What makes International College particularly distinctive is the rare combination of genuine historical depth and a forward-looking international curriculum. Few schools anywhere in the world can claim more than 130 years of continuous operation while simultaneously delivering a globally portable qualification like the IB Diploma. That longevity has allowed IC to develop strong institutional traditions, an extensive alumni network, and a settled, confident school culture that newer institutions are still working to build. At the same time, its non-profit status signals a mission-driven ethos focused on education rather than commercial return. For relocating professionals and expat families arriving in Beirut, International College offers the reassurance of an established institution with deep community ties, combined with internationally recognized programs that will serve children well wherever their futures take them. Families interested in learning more can visit the school's website at www. ic. edu. lb or reach the admissions team directly by phone.