“When you enroll your child at ISR, you join the ISR Family – a global school community devoted to guiding each student toward academic success, personal confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. Our students are at the centre of our vision. At ISR, you will experience firsthand the difference that genuine care and purposeful education make”
— Bianca McLeod
Head of Elementary School Düsseldorf
“When you enroll your child at ISR, you join the ISR Family – a global school community devoted to guiding each student toward academic success, personal confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. Our students are at the centre of our vision. At ISR, you will experience firsthand the difference that genuine care and purposeful education make.”
Bianca McLeod
Head of Elementary School Düsseldorf
“When you enroll your child at ISR, you join the ISR Family – a global school community devoted to guiding each student toward academic success, personal confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. Our students are at the centre of our vision. At ISR, you will experience firsthand the difference that genuine care and purposeful education make.”
Bianca McLeod
Head of Elementary School Düsseldorf
About Us
ISR International School on the Rhine has stood for over two decades as a distinguished educational institution committed to delivering exemplary international education, harmonizing academic excellence with the holistic development of our students. Our educational philosophy is founded on a structured curriculum, reinforced by a meticulously organized system. This framework is complemented by comprehensive all-day care that extends well beyond standard instructional hours.
Our paramount strength lies in our highly qualified teaching staff and a dedicated, international team that places each child at the center of attention, fostering individualized growth and development. This synergy of professional expertise, commitment, and personalized support cultivates an environment where every student is valued, and who receives optimal guidance towards academic and personal success.
With contemporary campus facilities located in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch, we offer an inspiring learning atmosphere and a comprehensive educational program that caters for kindergarten through to grade 12. This framework facilitates sustainable learning with students in a vibrant, multicultural community — our ISR Family!
Our guiding principle, “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters”, encapsulates our commitment to academic excellence and the cultivation of strong character traits – since at ISR, it is indeed “cool to be good“ – our school‘s motto since 2003.
The combination of tradition, innovation, personalized support, and the resulting academic success of our students, positions ISR as one of the leading international schools in the region. We look forward to introducing you to our educational concept in further detail and are excited to share our plans for the new ISR Elementary School in Düsseldorf with you!
Our Campuses
Across campuses in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch, we proudly educate 1,200 students from 60 nations. Our educational offerings include:
- An English International School Campus in Neuss (Kindergarten through Grade 12)
- International Kindergartens in Neuss and Düsseldorf-Niederkassel for children starting from the age of three
- A German Kindergarten with a bilingual program in Meerbusch-Büderich for children starting from the age of one
We are delighted to be expanding our educational offering soon and embarking on a new chapter:
The ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf (Grades 1–6) will open its’ doors in the summer of 2027 in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel, situated in the heart of the state capital and one of Düsseldorf‘s most distinguished districts.
History of the Building
The present-day Comenius-Gymnasium was founded in 1908 at the initiative of Nikolaus Knopp, the mayor of Heerdt, whose jurisdiction at the time included the communities of Oberkassel, Niederkassel, and Lörick. The establishment of the school was a forward-looking decision, as the district of Oberkassel experienced significant growth following the construction of the first bridge over the Rhine. Initially opening as a “Higher Boys’ School” at Roonstraße 9, the school moved in 1912 to a modern building at Comeniusplatz – now Comeniusstraße 1.
For many years, the school had no official name and was commonly referred to as the “Gymnasium at Comeniusplatz.” It was only in the early 1950s that the school officially adopted the name Comenius-Gymnasium, honoring the renowned educator Johann Amos Comenius, whose school motto, „Omnes omnia omnino“, meaning “All, everything, completely,” is still displayed on the historic façade. This motto encapsulates his educational philosophy: a vision of universal, comprehensive, and thorough education accessible to every person regardless of age, background, or gender.
The history of the gymnasium is characterized by continuous change and development. After difficult times in the mid-20th century, school operations resumed promptly. As the school and city of Düsseldorf grew, new facilities were constructed in 1954 to meet the demands of modern education. In 1972, the Comenius-Gymnasium moved to its current building situated between Hansaallee and Lütticher Straße, and that same year, coeducation was introduced.
At ISR, we integrate this significant tradition spanning more than a century with a clear vision for the future. The guiding principle “Omnes omnia omnino“ — “All, everything, completely“ — is more relevant today than ever and inspires us daily. We are proud to uphold this value-based educational tradition and prepare our students comprehensively for a globalized world and a successful future in the “Old Comenius“ — now the ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf.
At ISR, we integrate this significant tradition spanning more than a century with a clear vision for the future.
The guiding principle „Omnes omnia omnino“ — meaning “All, everything, completely” — is more relevant today than ever and inspires us daily. We are proud to uphold this value-based educational tradition and to prepare our students comprehensively for a globalized world and a successful future in the “Old Comenius” — now the ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf.
Our ISR Elementary School Concept:
The ISR Elementary School stands for a holistic education that extends far beyond the mere transmission of knowledge. At our school, every child is central to our mission: We foster both the academic progression and the social and emotional well-being of our students. Our dedicated team of teachers provides individual support for the students, consciously focuses on mindfulness in the school routine, and thus creates a learning atmosphere in which every child feels safe and empowered.
Our international curriculum is aligned with the Cambridge framework and standards for education. This globally recognized curriculum, with its inquiry-based learning approach, is designed to ensure that our students develop core skills, which are essential for success at various stages of their education journey at ISR. The ISR curriculum delivers content that engages the students, stimulates curiosity, and inspires a joy of learning. Our holistic program includes English and German language taught at various proficiency levels, alongside other core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Art, Music, Theatre, Physical Education, Computer Science and Social Emotional Learning further complement our program.
Furthermore, students at ISR begin learning a third language starting in Grade 6. Students may choose from Spanish, French, Japanese, or Mandarin. This language program aims to develop their skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, oral communication, writing, and cultural awareness, complementing their studies in English and German as part of a comprehensive international curriculum at ISR.
Varied approaches and modern methodologies such as “Talk for Writing“ and “White Rose Math“ enhance our curriculum and encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking.
A Continuous Learning Journey from Grades 1 to 6
The Educational Journey at ISR
At ISR, learning is a journey that begins with a strong foundation and leads to limitless opportunities. Upon completing the ISR Elementary School in Düsseldorf, our students continue their education in Secondary School on our Neuss campus. Here, they are inspired to build on their achievements, take on new academic challenges, and thrive within our vibrant international community.
Upon graduating from ISR, students earn two highly respected diplomas: the ISR High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, often completed bilingually. This powerful combination opens doors to prestigious universities worldwide, including leading institutions in Germany, and provides our graduates with a distinct competitive advantage in the global academic landscape.
Each year, our students’ exceptional achievements lead to offers from some of the world’s most renowned universities — a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the rigorous, holistic education they receive at ISR. Examples of recent university placements include:
Your Application
ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf is a full-day international school offering high-quality education in a multilingual and culturally diverse environment. Our aim is to enable every child to reach their full potential through individualized support that nurtures both academic growth and personal development. Each student’s strengths are carefully identified and developed within a structured learning framework that ensures continuity and academic progress. Our dedicated, highly qualified teaching team creates a safe, inspiring, and inclusive atmosphere where children feel valued and empowered to learn.
Guided by our principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning within the vibrant ISR Community.
Families are welcome to apply at any time of the year!
Your Application
ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf is a full-day international school offering high-quality education in a multilingual and culturally diverse environment. Our aim is to enable every child to reach their full potential through individualized support that nurtures both academic growth and personal development.
Each student’s strengths are carefully identified and developed within a structured learning framework that ensures continuity and academic progress. Our dedicated, highly qualified teaching team creates a safe, inspiring, and inclusive atmosphere where children feel valued and empowered to learn.
Guided by our principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters,” ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning within the vibrant ISR community.
Families are welcome to apply at any time of the year
Admissions Process
1. Applicant’s Questionnaire
The first step in joining ISR is to complete our Applicant’s Questionnaire. Families are welcome to apply at any time of the year. We recommend starting the process of enrolment in late winter or early spring for the following school year, as admissions are made on a space-available basis.
2. Campus Tour – ISR Neuss
We warmly invite interested families to visit our ISR Neuss Campus to get a feel for ISR’s welcoming environment and facilities. During the visit, you will meet our Admissions and Registrar Team, learn more about our curriculum, and experience our international community firsthand. To arrange an appointment, simply contact us via e-mail or phone:admissions@isr-school.de | +49 (0)2131 40388 11
Please note that Campus Tours at our ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf location will begin in 2027, as the renovation of the historic building nears completion.
3. School Records
4. Knowledge Check
As part of the admissions process, children applying for Grades 1 to 6 complete an age-appropriate knowledge check. Students are assessed according to their age, and grade level.
Our Academic Heads guide applicants through these knowledge checks in a supportive and engaging way, focusing on understanding of major concepts in English, Mathematics and German, followed by a short and friendly conversation with your child.
3. School Records
To help us understand your child’s educational background, we kindly ask parents and guardians to provide recent school records, including transcripts and assessment results from the previous two years where available, as well as any psychological or neurological evaluations. These documents should be submitted to our Registrars and Admissions Department once you begin the admissions process, so that we can review the application thoroughly and make an informed decision regarding placement of your child.
4. Knowledge Check
As part of the admissions process, children applying for Grades 1 to 6 complete an age-appropriate knowledge check. Students are assessed according to their age, and grade level.
Our Academic Heads guide applicants through these knowledge checks in a supportive and engaging way, focusing on understanding of major concepts in English, Mathematics and German, followed by a short and friendly conversation with your child.
5. Offer of Placement
An Offer of Placement is extended after a thorough review of your child’s knowledge check results, their academic background, their social and emotional development, and their aptitude and attitude to learning.
This process ensures that ISR can appropriately support your child’s individual needs.
6. Enrollment Contract
Once you have completed the previous steps and confirmed that ISR is the right fit for your family, our Admissions and Registrars Team will be pleased to guide you through the final stages of the enrollment process. The enrollment contract and further school-specific information will be sent to you at this stage. Enrollment is possible at any time throughout the year.
Contact
Families are welcome to apply at any time of the year
Isabel Reimann
Admissions
+49 (0)2131 40388-11
Isabel.Reimann@isr-school.de
