All Students in ISR's Current IB Cohort Successfully Pass Their Final Examinations, Reinforcing ISR's Position as One of Germany's Leading International Private Schools
ISR International School on the Rhine Neuss / Düsseldorf / Meerbusch
All Students in ISR’s Current IB Cohort Successfully Pass Their Final Examinations, Reinforcing ISR’s Position as One of Germany’s Leading International Private Schools
Monday, 27 July 2026
With an average of 36 points in the International Baccalaureate, ISR students match the outstanding results of previous years / Approximately one quarter of ISR graduates achieve a score comparable to a German Abitur grade of 1.3 or better, while more than 80% exceed the global average / This year’s graduating class has already received an average of three university offers from prestigious institutions around the world
The 67 students of ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch achieved outstanding1 results in this year’s International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) examinations. They earned an average score of 36 points, six points above the global IB average. This year, 83% of ISR graduates exceeded the worldwide average. Nearly one in four students (24%) achieved 40 or more out of a maximum of 45 points. This level of achievement is comparable to a German Abitur grade of 1.3 or better and is attained by only a small percentage of IB graduates worldwide.
These excellent results once again confirm ISR’s position as one of Germany’s leading international private schools. In addition, 59% of this year’s graduates, representing 21 different nationalities, earned the IB Bilingual Diploma. This special distinction recognizes students who have successfully completed the demanding IB Diploma Programme at a high academic level in two languages of instruction. The IB Bilingual Diploma provides an outstanding foundation for studying at prestigious universities around the world and pursuing careers in internationally oriented organizations.
“These outstanding results are the product of the exceptional dedication of our students combined with highly individualized support,” says Peter Soliman, Managing Partner of ISR.
This individualized approach begins as early as ISR’s kindergarten program.
“The fact that we address the unique learning needs of every child from the very beginning pays off years later in the outstanding International Baccalaureate results,” explains Albena Jordanova, Head of Secondary School and the IB Program at ISR. “These achievements are also a reflection of the tremendous commitment and professional expertise of our entire faculty and staff. In particular, our graduates benefit greatly from the outstanding work of our University and Career Counselling Team.”
ISR’s guiding principle, “It’s cool to be good,” forms the foundation of the school’s educational approach. It represents a culture in which academic excellence, strong character, and ambitious goals go hand in hand. Within this environment, students develop the skills and mindset needed for a successful and fulfilling future.
“Through the comprehensive IB curriculum and its distinctive core components, our students develop strong critical thinking skills, advanced research competencies, and a deep intercultural understanding,” adds Albena Jordanova.
Peter Soliman is proud not only of the graduates’ outstanding academic achievements but also of the positive contributions they will make to society in the years ahead. He also highlights that 18% of this year’s graduates have been part of the ISR Community since kindergarten.
“For an international school, this exceptionally long period of enrollment demonstrates both ISR’s deep roots in the Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch region and the high level of satisfaction among our families.”
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is specifically designed to prepare students for success at leading universities around the world. More than half of this year’s graduating class will pursue degrees in STEM disciplines, including the natural sciences, computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, and related fields. ISR places a strong emphasis on preparing students for these future-oriented areas, which contributes significantly to the outstanding international reputation of its graduates.
Alongside academic excellence, ISR places a strong focus on character development. This combination of academic achievement and personal growth has resulted in this year’s graduates already receiving more than three university offers on average. Additional admissions decisions from universities in Germany, Ireland, and other countries are still pending.
This year’s graduates have received offers from prestigious institutions across the globe. In the United Kingdom, these include University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, King’s College London, and the University of St Andrews. In continental Europe, students have received offers from ETH Zurich, Eindhoven University of Technology, the University of Amsterdam, and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany. In Spain, graduates have been accepted to IE University Madrid. North American offers include the University of California, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia. Students have also received offers from leading institutions in Asia and Australia, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney. All of these universities are internationally recognized for their excellence in research and teaching, particularly in business, the natural sciences, and engineering.
A distinctive feature of ISR is the comprehensive guidance provided by its University and Career Counselling Team, which is available to students and their families beginning at the end of Grade 8. This personalized support includes identifying universities that best match each student’s interests, strengths, and career aspirations.
“Our goal is to help every student find the university that is the right fit for them,” says Ulrike Wacker, who has been advising and supporting ISR students on their university journeys for more than 20 years. “Throughout their time at ISR, we maintain close communication not only with our students but also with their parents. We organize visits to universities around the world and host university fairs on campus. Our aim is to help students understand the wide range of opportunities available to them while preparing them as effectively as possible for admission to their preferred universities.”
Disclaimer
ISR International School on the Rhine, headquartered in Neuss, is a privately operated international full-day school. More than 1,200 students from the local region and around the world study together in preparation for internationally recognized school qualifications. In addition to academic excellence, ISR places a strong emphasis on character development and social responsibility. This holistic approach prepares students for admission to leading universities in Germany and around the world.
For younger children, ISR operates international kindergartens on its Neuss campus, in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel, and a German-language branch in Meerbusch-Büderich. In addition, the ISR Elementary School in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel, serving students in Grades 1–6 and accommodating up to 500 children, is scheduled to open in August 2027.
ISR Graduation Ceremony 2026: A Meaningful Milestone for 67 Graduates from 21 Nations
ISR Graduation Ceremony 2026: A Meaningful Milestone for 67 Graduates from 21 Nations
On Friday, hundreds of guests, valued ISR families, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 67 graduates from 21 different nations at this year’s ISR Graduation Ceremony 2026. It was a special day filled with pride, joy, and moving moments, honoring the accomplishments of our students and marking their successful graduation from ISR.
We are particularly proud that many families from this year’s graduating class have been part of the ISR family for many years. Several have been with us since 2011, while others joined in 2012, 2013, and 2014. This long-standing connection fills us with great gratitude and makes this graduation milestone even more meaningful for our entire school community.
Following the festive welcoming remarks by Mr. Soliman, Proprietor of ISR, and Ms. Jordanova, Head of Upper School at ISR, we were especially pleased to welcome Dr. Geerlings, Deputy Mayor of the City of Neuss and Member of the State Parliament, to the stage as our keynote speaker. With his appreciative words, he addressed our graduates and highlighted the significance of this important milestone.
Afterwards, our student Ruby enriched the ceremony with an impressive musical performance, adding a particularly memorable and festive atmosphere to the occasion.
Another emotional highlight of the ceremony was the speech delivered by ISR alumna Dr. Camilla Mendl-Heinisch. In a deeply personal address, she shared valuable key learnings with the graduates. Exactly twelve years ago, Camilla herself stood on the very same stage as Valedictorian at her own graduation, speaking to her fellow classmates – a truly special moment that brought her ISR journey full circle in a meaningful way.
Following this, our Parent Speaker, Mr. Habel, addressed the graduates with heartfelt remarks. As a special gesture, he presented each graduate with a small bookmark intended to accompany them on their future paths.
Subsequently, Piotr and Ayssan, this year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, delivered their closing speech. With moving words, they expressed their sincere appreciation for all teachers, staff members, and supporters of ISR, while also reflecting with gratitude on their shared school journey.
The ceremonial highlight of the event was the presentation of the ISR High School Diplomas. Amid great applause, our graduates received their diplomas, marking the conclusion of an important chapter and the beginning of an exciting new stage in their lives.
Our graduates have already received an average of 3.5 offers from universities around the world – an impressive achievement that reflects their academic excellence, dedication, and international outlook. Further offers from universities in the German-speaking region are still pending.
Our sincere gratitude goes to all distinguished guests who celebrated this special day with us: Dr. Geerlings, Mr. Nickel, member of the ISR Advisory Board, Mr. Kawakami from the JISD Leadership Team, and, of course, all families who have supported and accompanied our graduates throughout their journey.
We look forward to seeing where the future will lead our graduates and are confident that they will continue to represent and carry forward the values of ISR wherever they go. We warmly congratulate the Class of 2026 and wish all graduates every success and happiness for the future!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Naohiro
Spotlight On Our Student Naohiro
This week, we are proud to spotlight our fourth-grader, Naohiro, who joined ISR in 2023! He was nominated for the Spotlight by Mr. Rowan, the Head of Elementary School and Academic Head of Grade 4. He explains:
“Naohiro is an outstanding student who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, a great sense of humour, and a positive attitude towards learning. He truly embodies the “It’s Cool to Be Good” motto through his kindness, effort, and excellent example to others.”
Naohiro’s Grade 4 homeroom teacher, Ms. Sayers, shares:
“It is a pleasure to recognize Naohiro’s achievements. He is a genuinely kind and thoughtful young man who always shows consideration for those around him, willingly lending a helping hand in the classroom. Naohiro approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Whether participating in extracurricular activities, helping to organize his peer group, or tackling his academic studies, he gives his very best in everything he does. One achievement that particularly stands out is the effort he put into learning Italian for his Social Studies presentation on Marco Polo. This was a wonderful example of his curiosity, dedication, and willingness to go the extra mile to make his work truly special.
Naohiro should be incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished. It has been a privilege to watch him grow and succeed, and I have no doubt that his hard work, kindness, and determination will continue to bring him success in the future. We wish him every success and look forward to seeing all that he achieves!”
Ms. Bucher, Naohiro’s music teacher, remarks:
“Naohiro is a very conscientious student who takes responsibility for his own learning. He has a very strong drive to be the best he can be every day. He also happily shares his strategies for studying with others. I remember that he once gave the class a tip in Music on how to use a mnemonic device to help recall particular facts about instruments and instrument families that they needed to know. Naohiro was also one of our presenters at the Grade 4 Spring Concert. He memorized his text and presented beautifully – with lots of expression and care! Naohiro is also very polite, outgoing, and funny. It’s great to have Naohiro at ISR!”
Finally, Ms. Ghica, the Academic Head for Grades 2 & 3, adds:
“Naohiro, thank you for being part of our ISR community! At the beginning of the school year, your confidence in English was still developing, but it was wonderful to see how much progress you made over time. In SEL, you contributed thoughtful ideas and showed a solid ability to build arguments on different topics. Your reflections demonstrated a good understanding of teamwork and of how a growth mindset can support personal development and wellbeing. I wish you all the best for the future!”
We are proud to spotlight Naohiro 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
Outstanding Success in the International Chemistry Competition 2026
Outstanding Success in the International Chemistry Competition 2026
We are proud to celebrate another outstanding academic achievement within our ISR Community.
Our Grade 10 student, Pranita, has been awarded first place in Germany in the International Chemistry Competition 2026. This remarkable accomplishment follows an exceptionally challenging final round, in which participants were required to solve 30 complex, supervised questions, demonstrating advanced scientific knowledge and analytical thinking. Pranita achieved the highest score nationwide, placing both herself and ISR among the very top performers in this prestigious international competition.
Her success is a powerful reflection of dedication and academic excellence. At the same time, it highlights the strength of the learning environment at ISR, where students are encouraged to pursue their passions and strive for the highest standards. Pranita truly embodies our ISR motto: “It’s cool to be good!”
We warmly congratulate Pranita – and her teachers – on this exceptional accomplishment!
Grade 11 UCC Trip to London
Grade 11 UCC Trip to London
During May, fourteen Grade 11 students participated in ISR’s annual university exploration trip to London, accompanied by University & Career Counselor Dr. Jill Corbin and mathematics teacher Mr. Felipe Eboli Sotorilli.
During the five-day program, students visited six leading institutions: London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Oxford (including Balliol College), University College London, King’s College London, Hult International Business School, and Imperial College London.
Each year, careful consideration is given to selecting the universities visited. The institutions are chosen based on student interests, historical application trends among ISR students, and the desire to provide exposure to a variety of campus environments, including private and public institutions, as well as large and small campuses in both urban and suburban settings.
Students participated in guided campus tours and attended in-depth admissions presentations at LSE, Oxford, and King’s College London, gaining valuable insight into university life, application expectations, and academic opportunities in the United Kingdom. At Hult International Business School, students also participated in an engaging entrepreneurship masterclass led by Professor Nikhil Soi.
The group also had the opportunity to meet with a former ISR student at UCL to learn more about the transition from the ISR to university life and how the IB Diploma Program prepared them for the academic demands of university study.
In addition to the university visits, students explored several of London’s most renowned cultural institutions, including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum. Free time activities included viewing Big Ben and landmarks along the Thames, attending Hamilton, visiting Hyde Park, and enjoying traditional British fare such as fish and chips.
The trip provided students with an invaluable opportunity to experience the environment of renowned Universities in England firsthand, engage directly with admissions professionals and faculty members, and further develop their academic and career aspirations within one of the world’s leading educational cities.
We would like to thank our dedicated UCC Team for making this trip possible and organizing it for our students, enabling them to gain a well-founded overview of study opportunities worldwide
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Owen
Spotlight On Our Student Owen
This week, we are proud to spotlight our seventh-grader, Owen, who joined ISR in 2024. He was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Chroni, his mathematics teacher. She explains:
“Owen is an exceptionally polite, humble, and respectful student whose character shines just as brightly as his outstanding mathematical ability. This year, he placed in the top 1% internationally in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) for Grades 7 and 8 and earned 1st Prize in the Kangaroo Mathematics Competition. He also challenged himself by participating in the Canadian Fryer Mathematics Competition for Grade 9 students, and we would not be surprised to see him earn another award. He is one of those students who leave you wondering which is more outstanding, his mathematics or his character.”
Owen’s Grade 6 mathematics teacher, Mr. Sotorilli, shares: “I was Owen’s mathematics teacher for one term in sixth grade and also had the opportunity to cover a few substitute classes this year. Owen consistently impressed me with his sharp logical reasoning and natural ability to tackle mathematical challenges with confidence and creativity. What stands out even more is his patience and maturity. He is always willing to clearly explain his thinking and share his problem-solving process with others, while also remaining open to guidance whenever needed. This balance of confidence, curiosity, and willingness to learn is truly commendable. I am certain that Owen will continue to achieve great success throughout his academic journey and will keep standing out through his sharp mathematical mind and thoughtful character.”
Ms. Hautz, Owen’s Spanish teacher and Head of the Spanish Department, remarks: “Owen is an extremely kind and respectful student. He works diligently and always completes his work in a neat and thorough manner. He has a sharp mind and a talent for languages, perhaps due to his inquisitive nature and excellent listening skills. Owen is an asset and a pleasure to have in my lessons.”
Owen’s Music teacher, Dr. Perez, adds: “Owen has been an outstanding student since he joined our community. He is quiet but attentive, observant but proactive when required. He is extremely polite, respectful, honest and trustworthy. It is a privilege to have him in class, and I am sure he will shine in everything he does.”
We are proud to spotlight Owen 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
Standing Ovations for the Arts: ISR Arts Evening 2026 Inspires Audience and School Community
Standing Ovations for the Arts: ISR Arts Evening 2026 Inspires Audience and School Community
Standing ovations brought this year’s ISR Arts Evening to a memorable close as we celebrated the event for the fourth time at ISR yesterday.
The program featured a diverse array of art exhibitions, as well as highly professional musical performances by students – many of whom have already won multiple national and international awards – in addition to comedy and theatrical presentations. The evening was hosted with great charm and charisma by our eighth-grade students, Arthur and Soha.
Our guests experienced a wonderfully varied artistic program, ranging from choir performances to piano, flute, violin, spoken word, and stand-up comedy. The repertoire included works by Beethoven, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Debussy, Glière, John Williams, and many others, alongside original and contemporary compositions. From the elegance of classical piano pieces and the emotional depth of the Theme from Schindler’s List to the vibrant energy of the choir and the confidence of individual performers, the evening showcased the impressive breadth of artistic talent at ISR.
Aniego, Anna Maria, Arjun, Clara, Elenora, Eliza, Felicia, Jingya, Kevin, Lara, Lisa, Maya, Misaki, Moana, Nele, Niusha, Peter, Ruihan, Sabrina, Saki, Soji, Vivienne, Wilfred, Yijia, Youen, Yua, Yukichiyo, and Zhihan: you delivered an extraordinary performance and have every reason to be proud! The well-deserved applause testified to your remarkable achievement. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated ISR Arts Team: Ms. Johanna Henebry (Art), Ms. Simona Schultz (Art), Ms. Stephanie Bucher (Music), Ms. Schelaine Bennett (Theatre), and Dr. Abner Pérez (Music), whose guidance and creativity made this wonderful ISR Arts Evening possible.
Furthermore, no event at ISR would be possible without the tireless support of our SLC students, who contributed with great dedication from start to finish and ensured that our guests were warmly welcomed with delicious snacks and beverages.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our visitors, our ISR Arts Team, our SLC students and their coordinator, Ms. Samantha McGee, and above all, to every artist who made this event so memorable!
Beyond Contradictions: PARADOX at ISR’s First TEDx Event
Beyond Contradictions: PARADOX at ISR’s First TEDx Event
Yesterday, we hosted the first TEDxYouth event at ISR, organized by our students Derinsu and Carl together with their dedicated team. Centered around the theme Paradox, the event brought our community together for an evening of inspiring ideas and thoughtful reflection, exploring different paradoxes through the perspectives of four engaging speakers.
The speakers approached the theme from distinct but equally thought-provoking angles.
Hannah Helmke, founder of right° based on science, demonstrated that people often know which decisions are harmful to the climate yet still justify their behavior. Knowledge alone, therefore, does not automatically lead to responsible action. For this reason, her company, right° based on science, focuses on making abstract emissions data easier to understand. It translates CO₂ values into degrees Celsius, making visible the extent to which companies, products, or individual decisions contribute to global warming. The central paradox is that people often have enough information but only begin to act more consciously when that information becomes concrete, comprehensible, and personally relevant.
Deborah Hüller, Partner for Public Sector at IBM Consulting and Board Member of the Initiative D21 e. V., spoke about artificial intelligence and humanity, raising important questions about technology, ethics, and what it means to remain human in an increasingly digital world. She also emphasized the importance of human interaction in a society that is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Ananya Talreja, a student at Albert Einstein Gymnasium, focused on the human tendency to always want more, even when we already have enough, offering a reflective perspective on ambition, satisfaction, and perspective.
Linda Kastrup from Fridays for Future Deutschland addressed the paradox of climate awareness, reflecting on why so many people know about climate change but still struggle to change their behavior. She also underlined the responsibility of politics and companies, showing that meaningful change depends not only on individuals but also on broader structures and decision-makers.
The break and networking sessions created space for students, staff, and guests to connect and exchange their impressions of the event, as the talks sparked curiosity and discussion among the audience.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our Grade 9 and 7 students, Yukichiyo and Soji, for opening the event with an outstanding jazz performance on the piano and double bass. A huge thank you also goes to Grade 6 student, Aniego, who entertained the audience with a wonderful piano performance between the speaker sessions.
The evening was a tremendous success and a strong example of student leadership and initiative at ISR. Special thanks go to Derinsu, Carl, and their entire team for making this memorable event possible, as well as to all speakers and guests who contributed to the success of the evening.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Lingxi
Spotlight On Our Student Lingxi
This week, we are proud to spotlight our second grader, Lingxi, who joined ISR in 2024. She was nominated for the spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Ms. Hartmann, who says:
“Lingxi is an absolutely amazing second-grade ray of sunshine! Always bursting with energy, she lights up the room with her infectious smile and heart-warming hugs. Lingxi brings such a wonderful, creative spirit to our classroom and is a truly talented artist, eager to dive into learning new things every single day. With a genuinely kind heart, she is always the first to lend a helping hand to her classmates. I am so blessed to be her teacher this year and absolutely cannot wait to see the bright future that holds for her!”
Lingxi’s German teachers, Herr Käsch and Frau Wang, also praise her positive attitude and supportive nature:
“Lingxi is a valued member of our German class! Her positive attitude towards learning, combined with her kind and supportive nature, has a meaningful impact on both teachers and classmates alike. With curiosity and optimism, she approaches challenges confidently and asks thoughtful questions that enrich discussions and benefit everyone around her.”
Ms. Ghica, the Academic Head of Grades 2–3, highlights Lingxi’s creativity and caring personality:
“Shoutout to Lingxi, a truly talented, kind, and caring second grader! Grade 2C and all your friends are so proud of you! Your creativity, positive attitude, and thoughtful heart make such a difference every day. Keep shining, keep learning, and keep being the wonderful person you are.”
Lingxi’s Sports teacher, Ms. Levison, emphasizes the enthusiasm and joy Lingxi brings to every activity:
“Lingxi is an incredibly kind, enthusiastic student. She has a great work ethic and always wants to help out. It is an absolute pleasure to have her in the class but also in SEA activities. Her joy spreads across any room she enters and always puts a smile people’s faces.”
Reflecting on Lingxi’s first year at ISR, Ms. Vrem, the Academic Head of Grade 1 and Head of ISR Kindergarten Neuss, shares:
“Lingxi started in Grade 1 last year. She came in wide-eyed and with a big smile. She is friendly and helpful and always has something interesting to contribute to the class discussions.”
We are proud to spotlight Lingxi 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
