¡Hola! Welcome!
It’s my honor to welcome you to Escuela Bilingüe Internacional. The moment you arrive at EBI, something special happens: you become part of a vibrant community where students don’t just speak multiple languages—they discover how to think globally, collaborate authentically, and embrace the beauty of multiple cultures. They become not just bilingual, but fully biliterate by graduation. We take pride in delivering an immersive Spanish-English bilingual education, taught by world-class and native-speaking teachers, seamlessly integrated with the world-renowned International Baccalaureate Primary and Middle Years Programmes. Our campuses buzz with curiosity and connection. Wander into any classroom and you’ll discover students engaged in meaningful dialogue across languages and cultures, building the critical thinking skills and empathy essential for tomorrow’s leaders. Our students are learning how to learn and engage in an education based not on rote memorization and tests, but on projects, inquiry, and developing the skills necessary to navigate a dynamic world. You’ll see this in action at every step across our campuses in Oakland and Emeryville. You’ll witness authentic joy in discovery, conversations flowing naturally between Spanish and English, and young minds addressing complex challenges with both intellect and heart. You’ll encounter educators from diverse backgrounds who are deeply committed to each child’s growth, alongside incredible families who are deeply committed to our mission and values. This is a learning community unlike any other! As we mark our 20th anniversary this year, we celebrate two decades of educating our amazing students. This milestone represents not just our history, but our commitment to an even brighter future together. En comunidad, Ben Griggs Head of School
The IB Advantage at EBI
Founded in 2006 as the West Coast’s first independent Spanish-English dual immersion International Baccalaureate World School, EBI has grown from a small visionary community into a thriving pre-kinder through grade 8 educational leader. Our bilingual, inquiry-based approach fosters students who appreciate diverse perspectives, engage thoughtfully with their learning, and navigate a dynamic world with curiosity and purpose.
A Vision for Global Thinkers
Global thinking at EBI extends well beyond bilingualism. Through the IB framework, students draw on global sources and viewpoints, analyze world issues, engage with community partners, and present their findings in Spanish and English. The result is cultural agility, academic strength, and a habit of seeing connections between local and global communities.
our mission
Escuela Bilingüe Internacional provides an excellent Spanish-English bilingual education based on the highest international academic standards in an environment that thrives on diversity, fosters global citizenship, and develops the character necessary to recognize that cultural uniqueness is the touchstone of our common humanity.
what sets the ib curriculum apart?
Inquiry-Based, Student-Centered Learning Rather than focusing solely on memorizing content, the IB encourages students to drive their own learning through questions, exploration, and discovery, sparking genuine curiosity and deep understanding. Interdisciplinary Connections Students explore big ideas that integrate subjects across traditional boundaries—mirroring the real world, where problems are complex and solutions require knowledge from multiple disciplines. Global Mindset The IB approach explicitly emphasizes cultural understanding and global awareness. Students gain perspectives that extend beyond local communities, fostering empathy, flexibility, and cross-cultural competency. Reflection and Critical Thinking Reflection is built directly into the curriculum. Students regularly assess their own learning, developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare them for complex challenges ahead. Action and Community Engagement The IB encourages students not just to learn, but to take action. Students apply their knowledge through service and community projects, becoming proactive participants who make positive contributions to the world. The Learner Profile: Character First The IB Learner Profile outlines ten core attributes: caring, principled, reflective, balanced, open-minded, knowledgeable, inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers. At EBI, these traits are part of daily learning, helping students grow into not only strong thinkers, but also compassionate and responsible individuals.
Parent Voices
Our experience with EBI has been truly phenomenal. The community has been something that we have come to cherish and cannot imagine being anywhere else. Each of our two kids has completely opposite personalities, but they each have had an incredible experience at EBI—academically, socially, and emotionally. They are supported in both their individual strengths and challenges with the dedication of the teachers and staff, both in and out of school. The growth we see in our children week by week, month by month, and year by year brings us such joy as parents, but above all, a sense of confidence in each of our kids to love and value themselves.
Akemi & Carlos Mercedes Parents of Miles (6) and Kai (8)
The faculty and staff at EBI are the cornerstone of the school and have truly been ‘the village’ for our family over the years. They see each of our children for who they are—different personalities, different needs—and give them exactly the support they have needed to thrive. We’re so grateful for the caring community and the bilingual, IB education that has shaped our kids into confident, compassionate young people who love to learn!
Victoria & Michael Keeton Parents of Juliet (13) and Benjamin (EBI grad)
bilingualism is our superpower!
At EBI, bilingualism isn’t just something we teach—it’s who we are.
From their first day, our students are immersed in an engaging Spanish-English environment, naturally building fluency and cultural awareness. Our dynamic curriculum, guided by native-speaking educators from 13 Spanish-speaking countries, ensures that every child masters Spanish language skills that will last a lifetime. At EBI, Spanish is woven into every part of our curriculum, and in our lower school, all our core subjects—language arts, math, science, and social studies—are taught in both English and Spanish. Our classrooms foster deep linguistic connections and a global perspective, empowering students to confidently navigate real-world interactions in Spanish and thrive in multilingual environments. Through songs, stories, conversations, and hands-on exploration, students develop exceptional proficiency in Spanish. This deep bilingual foundation enhances critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and cognitive flexibility, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with our interconnected world.
Accelerated Spanish Program
No matter when your child joins us, they’ll have the opportunity to thrive in our Spanish language community.
Bilingualism is a gift for life. It strengthens flexible thinking, attention, and problem solving, and opens doors to people and ideas. Well past early childhood, children still have time to learn and develop fluency in another language. Neural pathways for language continue to develop through the elementary and middle school years, and with purposeful practice, the brain adapts and grows. EBI’s Accelerated Spanish Program harnesses that plasticity. Targeted lessons, vocabulary previews, conversation routines, and steady feedback help new learners move from understanding to speaking to reading and writing. From their first day on campus, students are immersed in the language, join grade-level projects, and begin to use Spanish with purpose in class and in life.
How the Program Works Our Accelerated Spanish Program is designed for new students entering grades 1 through 8 who are beginning their bilingual journey. Students begin in small, supportive groups with peers at similar proficiency levels. Teachers use proven language acquisition strategies to develop vocabulary, comprehension, speaking, writing, and listening skills while drawing on each child’s existing strengths. Lessons integrate Spanish language learning with the IB’s global themes and cultural perspectives. As fluency grows, students transition into more immersion-based classes, steadily increasing the amount of academic work they complete in Spanish until they are fully integrated into the Spanish-speaking learning environment. The Results: Confident, Capable, and Connected Graduates of the Accelerated Spanish Program emerge as confident bilingual scholars, able to think, communicate, and problem-solve across all subjects in Spanish and English. Students who graduate from this program are well-prepared for the high school environment and stand out in a competitive high school admissions landscape. Just as importantly, they gain a deep understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures, developing empathy, curiosity, and a global perspective that informs how they see and interact with others.
Henry started at EBI in grade 6 with some Spanish exposure, but no formal study and a gap of a few years. The individualized attention that first year laid the groundwork for Henry to be fully integrated with his classmates by the middle of grade 7, and by the end of grade 8, he was performing as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream—in Spanish! It was a truly astonishing trajectory, and he considers himself fully bilingual at the end of this journey. The community was so welcoming when we joined and the connections we made are continuing into high school.
Jenny Moussa Spring Parent of Henry (bottom left)
Pre-Kinder at EBI
EBI’s pre-kinder program has been the heart and hallmark of our school since its founding in 2006. On our welcoming campus, 3-year-olds begin their educational journey in a fully immersive Spanish environment, thoughtfully designed to nurture exploration, imagination, and early bilingual fluency. Rooted in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our program places children’s interests, questions, and creativity at the center of the learning process. Our youngest learners build foundational thinking and language skills through inquiry-based experiences that ignite curiosity and excitement about the world around them. Each day, children engage in purposeful play and hands-on exploration, carefully guided by experienced educators who understand the developmental needs of young learners. Through storytelling, music, creative arts, and discovery-based activities, pre-kinder students naturally build vocabulary, communication skills, and cognitive flexibility in Spanish. EBI’s pre-kinder students don’t just learn a second language, they become part of an internationally-minded community that celebrates connection, creativity, and growth.
Transitional kindergarten at EBI
EBI’s transitional kindergarten nurtures young learners’ natural curiosity while preparing them socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten. Designed specifically for 4-year-olds, our TK program offers a warm, supportive setting rooted in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Students build foundational thinking and language skills through inquiry-based experiences that invite them to notice, question, and understand the world around them. Each day, children engage in purposeful play and hands-on exploration, guided by experienced educators who deeply understand early childhood development. Storytelling, music, creative arts, movement, and collaborative play take place in a fully immersive Spanish environment, naturally building vocabulary, phonemic awareness, communication skills, and cognitive flexibility. With gentle encouragement from teachers, children practice independence and strengthen early literacy and numeracy skills, developing the confidence and readiness to thrive in kindergarten.
Lower School at EBI: Kindergarten through Grade 5
In EBI’s Lower School, students build fluency in both Spanish and English while developing as thoughtful, engaged learners. From kindergarten through grade 5, they explore big ideas through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, a globally recognized framework that encourages inquiry, reflection, and real-world connection. Core subjects—including math, science, social studies, and language arts—are taught in both languages through hands-on investigations that promote collaboration and conceptual understanding. Classrooms are vibrant spaces where students conduct experiments, write stories, solve problems, and express themselves through music, movement, and the arts. Teachers intentionally weave global themes and cultural perspectives into everyday learning, helping students see themselves as part of a broader world. With a strong foundation in academics, social-emotional learning, and intercultural awareness, EBI students grow into confident, compassionate individuals ready to take on new challenges with curiosity and purpose.
Middle School at EBI: Grades 6-8
In EBI’s Middle School, students build on their bilingual foundation and deepen their intellectual curiosity through the IB Middle Years Programme. This interdisciplinary framework spans subjects including science, mathematics, humanities, language and literature, visual and performing arts, design, and physical education. Students are encouraged to think critically, make connections across disciplines, and apply their learning to real-world contexts. With a strong emphasis on inquiry, global awareness, and personal responsibility, EBI students learn to analyze complex issues, collaborate effectively, and express themselves with confidence in both Spanish and English. In grade 8, students lead a community project that addresses a local need and deepen their learning on an international immersion trip. They can also take the DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera), an internationally recognized exam that certifies academic Spanish proficiency. As an official DELE exam center, EBI makes it easy for students to earn a credential that travels with them for life and reflects their mastery of the language. By graduation, EBI students are not only academically prepared but also possess the self-awareness, adaptability, and cultural insight needed to excel in high school and beyond.
Where EBI graduates Are Accepted
Our recent alumni excel at public and private high schools throughout the Bay Area and beyond, including:
Bentley School Berkeley High School Bishop O’Dowd High School Carondelet High School De La Salle High School El Cerrito High School Head-Royce School Lick-Wilmerding High School Marin Academy Más Camarena International School (Spain) Maybeck High School Oakland School for the Arts Oakland Technical High School Piedmont High School Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School Saint Mary’s College High School The Bay School of San Francisco The College Preparatory School The International School of San Francisco Urban School of San Francisco
A Close-Knit School Community, by the numbers
265 students make up our vibrant community.
Commitment to Access
33% of families receive tuition assistance.
A Truly Global Student Body
20+ nationalities are represented in our student body.
Community Representation
68% of families identify as families of color.
Accredited Excellence
EBI meets rigorous standards through accreditations from the International Baccalaureate Organization, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the California Association of Independent Schools. As members of the National Association of Independent Schools, we connect with a nationwide network of peer schools.
Our Mascot: The condor
Our mascot, the condor, symbolizes vision, strength, and the diverse heritage that unites our community.
Supporting the Whole Child
Our student support systems are designed to help each child thrive within the structure of our bilingual, inquiry-based program.
Early Intervention and Social-Emotional Learning From the earliest years, teachers collaborate with early intervention and social-emotional learning specialists to support growth in academics and relationships. Instruction focuses on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive peer interactions through research-based classroom strategies, small groups, and short-term individualized attention when appropriate. When concerns arise, teams observe, confer, and adjust supports. Partnering closely with families, we create predictable routines and inclusive classrooms where students practice skills, build confidence, and navigate challenges with care and accountability. Individualized Academic and Behavioral Plans When a student benefits from additional structure, EBI works with families, classroom teachers, and specialists to outline Individualized Academic Plans (IAPs) or Individualized Behavioral Plans (IBPs). Plans identify strengths, needs, and goals, and align classroom strategies with targeted supports such as scheduled check-ins, visual organizers, practice routines, or adjusted pacing. Progress is reviewed on a regular cadence and strategies are refined as the student grows. Learning Specialists and In-Class Support Bilingual learning specialists partner with teachers to make learning accessible within the classroom environment. Support may include push-in collaboration, small-group instruction, or one-to-one coaching in areas such as literacy, math, language development, or executive functioning. Specialists coordinate with teachers so students remain engaged with peers and core instruction. Services are designed to complement, not replace, classroom learning. The goal is steady skill-building, clearer strategies, and growing independence for each student within EBI’s program. Skills That Last a Lifetime In upper elementary and middle school, students benefit from intentional coaching in executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, goal-setting, and independent learning strategies. These skills are thoughtfully embedded into the curriculum and daily routines. Through consistent practice and guided support, students develop strong habits and the confidence needed to take responsibility for their own learning. Students leave EBI with practical tools, self-knowledge, and the confidence to navigate new challenges.
Celebrating Expression, Honoring Community
Creativity, culture, and community are woven into every school day.
EBI’s calendar is filled with cultural celebrations and events that connect students, families, and staff. Annual highlights include celebrations of Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Día de los Muertos, Diwali, Latin American, Latine, Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, a vibrant Multicultural Fair, and many others. These gatherings celebrate global traditions and deepen connections across the EBI community. Students at EBI also explore music, movement, and creative arts through a multicultural lens. Programs draw on the diverse experiences of our community, helping students discover new ways of thinking and creating. From hands-on design challenges to performances inspired by global traditions, students engage in work that strengthens their bilingual expression and sense of belonging.
Aventura at EBI: Extended Care, school breaks, and summer camps
At EBI, learning and discovery continue long after the bell rings—and all year long. Aventura, our bilingual extended learning program, offers a wide range of enriching, hands-on experiences for pre-kinder through grade 8 students before and after school, during school breaks, and throughout the summer. Led by EBI educators and guest instructors who bring specialized skills to the classroom, Aventura classes spark curiosity and confidence through creative exploration. Students build robots, code video games, sculpt with clay, cook a new recipe, or perform on stage, all in a bilingual, supportive environment. Morning care begins at 7:30 a.m., and after-school options run until 6 p.m. During fall, winter, and spring breaks, Aventura offers themed camps that immerse students in creative, bilingual learning. In the summer, the program expands into a vibrant camp experience with rotating workshops in areas such as STEM, athletics, and global arts. Flexible scheduling lets families choose what works best while students stay engaged, active, and connected year-round.
clubs, athletics, and student leadership
Beyond the classroom, EBI students take initiative, explore their interests, and grow as leaders. Middle school students can join a variety of student-led clubs, including student council, debate team, Science Olympiad, World Scholar’s Cup, Design Club, 4-H, and the Sexuality and Gender Alliance. EBI’s athletics program promotes teamwork, confidence, and school spirit through offerings such as soccer, track and field, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, and ultimate frisbee. Student leadership at EBI is designed to meet learners where they are—including those who thrive through creative expression, collaborative problem-solving, or advocacy. Community service is also woven into the curriculum through the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. These projects give students meaningful opportunities to engage with the world around them and develop a strong sense of purpose. Whether leading a club, playing on a team, or contributing to a service project, students find ways to connect, grow, and take initiative as thoughtful, engaged members of their community.
Parents at the Heart of ebI
From the first welcome coffee to end-of-year traditions, EBIPA brings families together.
The Escuela Bilingüe Internacional Parent Association (EBIPA) helps shape the inclusive, welcoming community that defines EBI. Every parent and caregiver is automatically a member—invited to connect, contribute, and celebrate.
Throughout the year, EBIPA organizes events like our Back-to-School Picnic, biweekly coffee carts, Parents Night Out, and schoolwide conversations on topics of interest to parents and caregivers. EBIPA also coordinates a class parent network, helping families stay connected, share information, and plan class-specific volunteer opportunities.
Whether you’re hosting a cooking night, coordinating field trip volunteers, setting up a coffee cart, or simply chatting with other families after drop-off, EBIPA makes it easy to be part of the school parent community. With opportunities for every level of involvement, you’ll find meaningful ways to connect, support teachers and staff, and help create the joyful community that makes EBI special.
Want to learn more?
Reach out to us at admissions@ebinternacional.org.
Credits:
Design: Aycock Design