Benelux celebrates opening of new Brussels Unit School
BRUSSELS, Belgium – Leaders from U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) joined teachers and students in celebrating the opening of the new Brussels Unit School at Sterrebeek Annex with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 10.
The new Brussels Unit School at Sterrebeek Annex officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 10, 2024. As a designated "21st Century school," the building is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among its more than 300 students. With flexible learning spaces and modern teaching environments, the school reflects a forward-thinking approach to education, preparing students for success in a globalized world. During the ceremony, students cheered with ribbons and flags representing the diverse cultures within the school, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Construction of the new $37.5 million education facility began in 2019 and the school opened its doors to more than 300 students in August this year. The modern schoolhouse is designated as a “21st Century school”, specifically designed to enhance education competencies and concepts that focus on critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. These new schools feature flexible layouts that foster active learning, innovative teaching methodologies, and heightened student engagement.
With flexible learning spaces and modern teaching environments, the school reflects a forward-thinking approach to education, preparing students for success in a globalized world. The ceremony, which highlighted the school's vital role in the Brussels community, ended with a surprise launch of biodegradable confetti, adding a joyful close to the celebration.“This building, and each unique classroom within it, are visible testaments to our shared mission of creating exceptional communities where our servicemembers, civilians and their Families can thrive, said Col. Patrick Hofmann, USAG Benelux commander. “Here our children have the opportunity to learn and grow with students from different cultures and backgrounds, in a modern learning environment that uniquely prepares them for a globalized world.”
The opening ceremony highlighted the community’s commitment to education and the significance of the school to the Brussels community.
This state-of-the-art, $37.5 million facility is a designated "21st Century school," designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among its more than 300 international students. Featuring flexible learning spaces and innovative teaching environments, the school reflects a modern approach to education that prepares students for success in a globalized world. The ceremony celebrated the school’s role as a cornerstone of learning for the Brussels community.
The school, which has a population of pre-K, middle, and high school students, looks and functions more like a college campus than a traditional children’s school of years past.
“This school embodies our commitment to adaptability. With flexible layouts, movable walls, and open spaces, our 21st Century schools are designed for teachers to adjust their lessons to meet the needs of each individual student,” said Dr. Beth Schiavino-Narvaez, director of DoDEA. “Our schools are purpose built to facilitate teamwork and collaboration between students; between teachers; between subjects; and between grade levels.”
The Brussels Unit School is the newest DoDEA school in Europe. It was built by the Army Corps of Engineers and with partnership and support provided by USAG Benelux personnel. The cooperation between Team Benelux, Army engineers and DoDEA involved all phases of the project from initial planning and design to construction, said John McMullen, a master planner with the Department of Public Works (DPW) at Chièvres Air Base.
The new Brussels Unit School at Sterrebeek Annex officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 10, 2024. Principal Collette Tate served as the master of ceremonies, leading the event that celebrated the opening of this state-of-the-art, $37.5 million facility. As a designated "21st Century school," the building is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among its more than 300 international students. With flexible learning spaces and modern teaching environments, the school reflects a forward-thinking approach to education, preparing students for success in a globalized world.
“Utility surveys, environmental reviews, energy compliance and site preparation were coordinated by USAG Benelux personnel prior to the first shovel breaking ground,” said McMullen. “The DPW Engineering Division helped to ensure compliance with the Installation Design Guide and Department of the Army and Installation Management Command-Europe regulations.”
The Brussels Unit School, formerly known as the Brussels American School, provides educational services to the children of U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State personnel in the Brussels area as well as international students from more than 25 NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.
