Finding Schools for Kids

School choice affects your child's social life, language development, and daily routine in a place where everything else is already unfamiliar.

International schools vs local schools

International schools teach in English (usually), follow a globally recognized curriculum (IB, British, American), and are designed for expat families. Your kid walks in and the classes are in a language they already speak. The trade-off is tuition of $10,000 to $40,000+ per year, and your child will mostly be around other expat kids. Integration into the local culture is slower.

Local/state schools are free or very cheap, and your child will be fully immersed in the local language and culture. This is the fastest path to fluency and real integration. The trade-off is an adjustment period that can be tough, especially for older kids. Younger children (under 8 or so) tend to adapt remarkably fast.

Some families split the difference with bilingual schools or local schools that offer international sections. France, for example, has "sections internationales" in many public schools.

Curriculum types

• IB (International Baccalaureate): Four programmes from ages 3 to 19. The Diploma Programme (ages 16-19) is recognized by universities worldwide. Over 5,800 schools offer IB globally. Search for schools at ibo.org.
• British curriculum: GCSEs and A-levels. Well established internationally, especially in the Middle East and Asia. Many British Schools Overseas carry UK government accreditation.
• American curriculum: US high school diploma with AP courses. Common in international schools in the Americas and Asia.
• European Baccalaureate: Offered by the European Schools system, which operates 14 schools across EU member states. Primarily for children of EU institution staff but some accept outside students.

Accreditation

• Council of International Schools (CIS): The main international accreditor. CIS accreditation means the school meets rigorous quality standards and is recognized globally for university admissions.
• US regional accreditors (MSA, NEASC, WASC): These accredit schools internationally, often in partnership with CIS. Important if your child might return to the US school system.

Enrollment process

• Start early: Popular international schools have waitlists. Some require applications a year in advance.
• Bring records: Transcripts, report cards, vaccination records, passport copies. Get these translated and apostilled if needed.
• Entrance assessments: Many international schools require placement tests, especially for older students.

In the UK, state-funded schools cannot refuse to admit a lawfully resident child based on nationality or immigration status. The Department for Education publishes guidance for overseas applications. Child Student visa holders must use independent schools with licensed sponsorship.

School visit questions

• What percentage of students are local vs expat?
• What language support exists for non-native speakers?
• What's the typical turnover rate? (High turnover means your child's friends leave every year or two.)
• How does the school handle transitions for mid-year arrivals?
• What extracurricular activities are offered? (This is where your kid will make friends.)

Resources

• ISC Research for international school data and directories
• CIS Membership Directory for accredited schools (requires CIS Community login)
• IB School Search for IB programmes by location
• European Schools for EU institution schools