Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Mitsuki
Spotlight On Our Student Mitsuki
This week, we celebrate Grade 7 student Mitsuki, whose curiosity, kindness and determination shine across his subjects. He joined ISR in 2025.
His positive energy stands out in Japanese. Ms. Hirano shares: “Mitsuki is a polite, thoughtful, and hardworking student. He brings positive energy and enthusiasm to every lesson. His steady progress reflects his commitment to learning. His cheerful attitude and willingness to do his best make him a valued member of the classroom.”
His confidence is growing, too. Our English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds: “Mitsuki brings genuine enthusiasm and endless curiosity to every English lesson. He is an impressively reflective learner who is growing in confidence when taking on academic challenges. He never leaves a lesson without saying ‘thank you’, showing what a thoughtful and respectful student he is.”
That thoughtfulness also shines in Mathematics. Ms. Chroni notes: “Although I have known Mitsuki for less than two months, he has already made a very positive impression. He is polite, respectful, and genuinely engaged. He always takes the time to thank us after each lesson, giving teachers an extra boost to keep doing their best.”
His former EAL teacher, Ms. Freise, recalls his willingness to learn: “Mitsuki is polite, funny, inquisitive, and a joy to teach. In my EAL class last year, he took feedback seriously, applied it to his learning, and showed steady growth. His enthusiasm, kindness, and positive outlook made him a wonderful member of the class.”
His creativity is equally evident. His Art teacher, Ms. Schultz, shares: “One of Mitsuki’s impressive artworks was a piece inspired by Osaka Castle. Its detail and careful observation reflected strong thinking skills and wonderful artistic talent. His hard work is always evident.”
Mr. Edwards, Mitsuki’s Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher last year, praises his team spirit: “Mitsuki is a wonderful learner who is always curious and eager to expand his knowledge. He approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. He is an absolute team player, showing kindness, respect, and support to his classmates.”
We are proud to spotlight Mitsuki as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
ISR to Open Additional Campus in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel: Landmark Altes Comenius Building to Become a School Again as Early as August 2027
ISR International School on the Rhine Neuss / Düsseldorf / Meerbusch
ISR to Open Additional Campus in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel: Landmark Altes Comenius Building to Become a School Again as Early as August 2027
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Swift restoration work enables an early opening for all grades offered in Düsseldorf, Grades 1–6 / As an extension of the existing school, the new campus shares the same curriculum, enrollment contract, and tuition structure as the Neuss campus / All-day care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and a 1:6 staff-to-student ratio / After Grade 6, students are guaranteed a place at the Neuss campus on their path to the IB Diploma / Enrollment opens in October 2026 / ISR Open House on October 10, 2026
ISR International School on the Rhine will open an additional campus in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel for the 2027–28 school year. Restoration of the landmark-protected Altes Comenius at Comeniusstraße 1 began earlier this year and is progressing so swiftly that classes for Grades 1–6 can begin there in August 2027. One of the state capital’s most storied school buildings will thus return to its original purpose. Enrollment opens in October 2026.
The new campus is an extension of the existing school rather than a newly founded one. Its curriculum, educational approach, enrollment contract, tuition structure, and quality standards are therefore identical to those of the Neuss campus and the ISR Kindergartens in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel and Meerbusch-Büderich. The ISR Kindergarten Düsseldorf-Niederkassel is just a few hundred meters away, making the transition to Grade 1 especially smooth for the children who are already learning there, as well as for their families.
After Grade 6, students move on to the Neuss campus with a guaranteed place and without having to reapply, continuing their educational journey through the Cambridge IGCSE to the IB Diploma Programme. ISR deliberately keeps its secondary school and IB Diploma years together on a single campus, ensuring a range of high school courses that is both broad and specialized. On average, students spend eight years at ISR.
Above all, the new campus offers Düsseldorf families dependable support. All-day care is guaranteed from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.—at no additional cost—and an established substitute teacher system ensures that classes continue even when teachers are absent. A school nurse and a Wellbeing Counselor dedicated to supporting the whole child will be on site. As in Neuss, ISR offers a school bus service, and the campus is easily accessible from many parts of Düsseldorf via the nearby Belsenplatz and Barbarossaplatz public transit stops. Safety standards are the same as on the Neuss campus: a security officer will be on site to accompany students during arrival and dismissal, monitor access to the grounds, and ensure a safe environment for families.
Instruction follows the Cambridge International Primary and Lower Secondary Curriculum, which, as part of the Cambridge Pathway, structures students’ learning from Grade 1 through the IGCSE and on to the IB Diploma. Mathematics, English, German, science, social studies, and computer science form the core of the academic program, while art, music, physical education, and social-emotional learning are part of every school week. German is required for all students—either as a first language or as a foreign language, based on the North Rhine-Westphalia state curriculum. Beginning in Grade 6, students add a third language: French, Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese.
A Historic Building with Modern Facilities
“With this step, we are restoring the Altes Comenius to its original purpose: a school building will once again be a school. What excites us about this building is how it will bring together more than a century of educational tradition and state-of-the-art facilities,” says Peter Soliman, Managing Partner of ISR. “It will be an ideal combination.” In addition to thoughtfully equipped classrooms, the new campus will feature a spacious auditorium, a gymnasium, a modern library, and newly designed playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces.
The new campus will be led by three experienced members of the ISR leadership team: Eileen Lyons (Academic Leadership), Colm Rowan (Head of Elementary School Düsseldorf), and Annika Poestges (Head of Administration & Marketing). ISR is also committed to continuity in the classroom: teachers who have taught at the Neuss campus for years will move to Oberkassel, joined by new colleagues who have been onboarding in Neuss since the start of this school year. As a result, families in Oberkassel will be welcomed by a well-established team from day one. As at every ISR location, the Oberkassel campus will maintain a ratio of one staff member for every six students.
The strength of ISR’s academic program is reflected in the results of its most recent graduating class. In 2026, ISR graduates in the IB Diploma Programme—which leads to the full IB Diploma, recognized in Germany as equivalent to the Abitur—achieved an average score of 36 points, around 20 percent above the global average of 30 points, with a pass rate of 100 percent. Nearly a quarter of graduates (24 percent) scored 40 or more out of a maximum of 45 points. All graduates leave ISR with two diplomas: the IB Diploma—earned as a bilingual diploma by 59 percent of the Class of 2026—and the High School Diploma. In the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, taken at the end of Grade 10, the pass
rate was likewise 100 percent, with 66 percent of all exams awarded the top grades of A* or A. In the DELF French-language examinations, every candidate passed, and the highest score was 96.5 out of 100 points.
A Wide Range of Opportunities for Neighborhood Families
“For us, opening this new school comes with a genuine responsibility toward Oberkassel and the entire district,” Peter Soliman emphasizes. “A school is an essential part of its neighborhood, so we want to open ISR to the local community—for example, with a Christmas celebration in the courtyard or themed evenings, to which we warmly invite our neighbors. In the future, families who are not part of the ISR community will also be able to benefit from our wide range of offerings, such as the expertise of our University and Career Counseling team or our Wellbeing Team.”
With the Oberkassel campus, ISR is responding to years of growing demand from international and Düsseldorf-based families on the left bank of the Rhine. Enrollment opens in October 2026, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the school year. Current ISR families from the three ISR Kindergartens and the Neuss campus will receive priority admission for the inaugural 2027–28 school year.
Interested families are invited to learn more about the new campus and meet the team at the ISR Open House on October 10, 2026, at the Neuss campus. Tours of the new ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf will be offered beginning in February 2027. Admissions inquiries may be directed to Isabel Reimann (Admissions) at +49 (0) 2131 40388-11 or admissions@isr-school.de.
About ISR
ISR International School on the Rhine, based in Neuss, is a private international school offering a full-day program. More than 1,200 students from the region and around the world learn together as they work toward internationally recognized diplomas. Alongside academic excellence, character education and social responsibility are at the heart of the school’s mission, and students are prepared for university study at leading institutions in Germany and abroad. For younger children, ISR operates international kindergartens on the Neuss campus and in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel, as well as a German-language kindergarten in Meerbusch-Büderich. In August 2027, ISR will open an additional campus for Grades 1–6 in the landmark-protected Altes Comenius building in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Benjamin
Spotlight On Our Student Benjamin
This week, we spotlight our fifth-grader, Benjamin, who joined ISR in 2025.
Mr. Rowan, Head of Elementary School, shares: “Benjamin is a creative student with a wonderful sense of humor, who brings so much positive energy to our school. He makes incredible academic progress every day and his kindness towards others really shines through. Benjamin always seems to have an encouraging word or a smile to share.”
Benjamin loves exploring new ideas. His Grade 5 class teacher, Mr. Freise, writes: “Benjamin is a wonderful presence in the classroom and consistently contributes to our class discussions and activities. He brings genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to his learning, with a particular love for science. His eagerness to explore new ideas and ask thoughtful questions makes him a joy to teach. Beyond his academic interests, Benjamin has a wonderful sense of humor and brings plenty of warmth and personality to our classroom community. His positive spirit and ability to make others smile help create an enjoyable and welcoming environment for everyone. We are very proud to have Benjamin as part of our class!”
His enthusiasm also shines in English. His English teacher, Ms. Freise, adds: “Benjamin is an amazing student and a truly positive presence in the classroom. Over the past school year, he has made significant progress and come a long way both academically and personally. I genuinely enjoy having him in my class, and his kindness, effort, and positive spirit make him a valued member of our learning community.”
Benjamin is growing in confidence in Drama. His Drama teacher, Ms. Abooul Hosn, shares: “Now, Benjamin is such a joy to have in class! He has so many creative ideas and is becoming more confident and social every week.”
He also works hard in German. His German teacher, Ms. Orhan, remarks: “Benjamin is a kind and sweet student who always tries his best. It has been a pleasure getting to know him this year and seeing him grow in his own way. I am very proud of the effort he puts into his learning and the progress he makes each day.”
We are proud to spotlight Benjamin as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
