International School of Islamabad

"The International School of Islamabad (ISOI) is a private, English-medium international school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the capital city of Pakistan."

Operating under the administration of the United States Embassy in Islamabad, the school holds US State Department assisted status, reflecting its close ties to the American diplomatic community while welcoming families from across the international community and beyond. ISOI has a notably long history for a school of its kind in Pakistan. Founded in 1965, it originally operated in Rawalpindi before relocating to its current site in Islamabad in 1975, giving it decades of experience educating the children of diplomats, expatriates, and internationally mobile families. That institutional depth is a meaningful asset for families who want a school with a proven track record rather than one still finding its footing. Academically, ISOI offers a dual framework that blends an American curriculum with the globally recognized International Baccalaureate program. In the primary years, students engage with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), a curriculum designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young learners through a transdisciplinary approach. At the upper secondary level, students have access to the IB Diploma Programme (DP), one of the most respected college-preparatory qualifications in the world, recognized by universities across North America, Europe, and beyond. The combination of an American curricular foundation with IB frameworks offers families a coherent academic pathway from the earliest years of schooling through to university entrance. All instruction is delivered in English, making ISOI a natural choice for Anglophone expatriate families and for internationally mobile professionals whose children need continuity with English-language schooling. For families arriving in Islamabad mid-career or on diplomatic postings, this consistency can be invaluable. Located in Islamabad, the school sits in one of South Asia's more planned and purpose-built capital cities, known for its wide tree-lined avenues, relatively organized urban layout, and distinct residential sectors. The city's design and green spaces give it a different character from other major Pakistani urban centers, and ISOI's presence within this environment provides families with a sense of an established international community in what can otherwise feel like an unfamiliar posting. What distinguishes ISOI within the landscape of international schooling in Pakistan is the combination of its longevity, its Embassy affiliation, and its rigorous dual-curriculum model. Being considered one of the elite schools in the country, and carrying more than half a century of history, ISOI brings a level of stability and credibility that newer institutions in the region cannot yet match. For expatriate families navigating a move to Islamabad — whether arriving with a diplomatic mission, an international organization, or a multinational employer — ISOI represents a well-established, internationally oriented environment where children can thrive academically and connect with peers from around the world.