Education

SHAPE International School

The international school is a unique institution, operating under the authority of the SACEUR. The United States sections operate under the support of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools. The SHAPE American School sections come under the purview of DoDEA Europe-West District with offices in Brussels.

The US Elementary Section has an enrollment of approximately 550 students in grades kindergarten through grade five. A traditional American curriculum is offered along with Belgian culture and an introduction to French. Students also participate in occasional study trips, some in association with classes from other International Sections. Standardized test scores are available for the SHAPE Elementary School through the DoDEA Data Center.

The US Middle School section serves an international population of approximately 300 students in grades 6-8. All instruction is in English with non-native English speakers supported by a robust English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. American students will find the curriculum a familiar one, similar to that which would be found in a middle school in the United States.

The US Secondary Section has an enrollment of approximately 360 students from more than 25 nations in grades 9-12. While over half of the students are from primarily NATO/PfP countries besides the US, English is the language of instruction. SHAPE American High School offers a Carnegie credit-based diploma through a typical American college preparatory curriculum, with a strong focus on Advanced Placement (AP) coursework.

In addition to creating a culture that promotes a strong academic performance, the school offers numerous extra-curricular activities, including three sports seasons and academic activities and opportunities, including Model United Nations (MUN), Model US Senate (MUSS), Robotics and AFJROTC Drill Team.

The school bus transportation program operates independently from each international section. Families renting on the local economy must ascertain that they are within the boundaries established for bus transportation. If outside the boundaries, the sponsor must provide transportation to the nearest established bus stop. Children from all nationalities may ride the same bus, a tribute to our global community.

Belgian Pre-School and Kindergarten

In Belgium, children aged 2,5 years old can attend the preschool. It is possible for US military members to use the Belgian System and enroll their children in any school located in the economy. Also, SHAPE does have a Belgian preschool and kindergarten.

Entrance Requirements

DoDEA has changed its Early Child Hood Education programs entrance requirements for all DoD Schools. For more information please contact Elementary School Age requirement are:

• Strong Beginners Programs, a child must be 4 years of age by September 1.
• Kindergarten Programs, a child must be 5 years of age by September 1.
• First Grade, a child must be 6 years of age by September 1.

If you have any questions about exceptions, contact DoDEA-Europe.

The international schools operate under the authority of the SACEUR. The U.S. sections operate under the support of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools - Europe Region (DoDEA-Europe). The SHAPE American School sections come under the purview of the DoDEA-West with district offices in Brussels. 

Continuing Education

Located on Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Building 212, the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Education Center aids service members and family members in reaching their educational goals by providing adult educational programs and services to meet the professional and personal needs of the USAG Benelux/SHAPE, Chièvres, Brunssum and USAG Brussels communities.

College

There is one college with representation on SHAPE, the University of Maryland Global Campus. Classes are offered through various methods of instruction which include traditional, virtual, streaming, hybrid and distance education.

Adult Education

The Education Center offers academic counseling, general technical improvement classes, military testing, exams for college credit and information on financial aid. A computer lab, located in the Army Learning Center, offers free access to the internet.