Discover our list of the world’s leading private schools, accompanied by firsthand accounts from parents and insights from educational experts. Whether you’re considering a local institution or exploring international options, this guide aims to provide the information and perspectives needed to make an informed choice that best suits your child’s needs and aspirations.
Why Parents Choose Private Schools Over Public Schools
Choosing the right school is a pivotal decision that shapes a child’s academic journey and personal growth. Private schools offer a unique blend of rigorous academics, personalized attention, and enriched extracurricular programs. The smaller class sizes ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive, while the diverse offerings in arts, sports, and leadership cultivate well-rounded individuals.
Moreover, the emphasis on values and community within private institutions resonates with families seeking an environment that aligns with their personal beliefs and expectations. The strong sense of community not only supports students during their school years but also provides a network that extends into their future endeavors.
Parents often seek the best for their children’s education, and private schools frequently emerge as a preferred choice for several compelling reasons:
- Individualized Attention: Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes, allowing for personalized instruction and stronger teacher-student relationships.
- Enhanced Academic Programs: Many private institutions provide rigorous curricula, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and specialized subject tracks.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: A wide array of extracurricular activities, from arts to athletics, enables holistic development beyond the classroom.
- Values-Based Education: Private schools often align with specific religious or philosophical values, offering families an education consistent with their beliefs.
- Community and Networking: The tight-knit communities within private schools foster strong peer relationships and networking opportunities that can benefit students long-term.
How much do Private Schools cost?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $20,000 | $50,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $1,665 | $4,165 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $1,500 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $500 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $2,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $22,200 | $54,000 |
Top rated Private Schools in the World
Discover top Private Schools . Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
St Gilgen International School
-
Salzburg - St. Gilgen
- Co-Education
- 9 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 31,700 - 73,200 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme
- Foundation:2008
- Community: 225 students • 35 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IB MYP
- Language:English
- World-Class IB Curriculum
- Inspiring Alpine Environment
- Safe & Caring Boarding Community
Annual tuition fees at St Gilgen International School range from 31,700 eur to 73,200 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Application Fee: €290 Enrolment Fee: €2,700 Deposit (refundable): €6,000 (Day student) What’s Included. Fees cover:- Academic tuition - Curriculum-based and enrichment trips/activities - Day students: School lunches Please note: Additional...Application Fee: €290 Enrolment Fee: €2,700 Deposit (refundable): €12,000 (Boarding student) What’s Included. Fees cover:- Academic tuition - Curriculum-based and enrichment trips/activities - Boarding students: Accommodation and all meals Please...
Mirabal International School
-
Spain - Madrid
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 3,900 - 7,500 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, Spanish Curriculum
- Foundation:1982
- Community: 1920 students
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:Spanish
- Bilingual learning from age 3.
- Cutting-edge tech in classrooms.
- Emphasis on ethical values.
Annual tuition fees at Mirabal International School range from 3,900 eur to 7,500 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The British College of Brazil
-
Brazil - Sao Paulo
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 90,000 - 129,000 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:2011
- Examinations:A Level, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Global Campus connects learners worldwide
- Bilingual curriculum enhances employability
- Personalised STEAM learning approach
Annual tuition fees at The British College of Brazil range from 90,000 eur to 129,000 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
American International School Vienna
-
Austria - Vienna
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 12,000 - 23,000 eur
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1959
- Community: 800 students • 60 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP, IB Diploma
- Language:English
- IB Program with 98% Diploma Success
- Unique Student Support Services
- 60+ Nationalities for Global Exposure
Annual tuition fees at American International School Vienna range from 12,000 eur to 23,000 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Sharjah English School
-
Sharjah - Middle East
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 27,390 - 70,135 aed
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Foundation:1974
- Community: 1040 students • 70 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, AS, IGCSE
- Language:English
- British curriculum with UAE infusion
- Expansive campus with sports focus
- Bespoke guidance for university prep
Annual tuition fees at Sharjah English School range from 27,390 aed to 70,135 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.
School fees include all books, medical services and classroom supplies although secondary students are expected to provide their own stationery.School fees do not include school uniform, transport and school trips.Fees...
BEPS International School
-
Belgium - Brussels
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 16,800 - 30,750 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1972
- Community: 300 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Multilingual learning from age 2.5
- Individualized approach to education
- STEM focused, real-world curriculum
Annual tuition fees at BEPS International School range from 16,800 eur to 30,750 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
ENSR International School
-
Vaud - Lausanne
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 12,200 - 25,400 chf
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
- Foundation:1906
- Community: 500 students • 40 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, Swiss Matura
- Language:English, French
- Bilingual Learning: French & English
- Swiss Diploma & IB Available
- Outdoor Education via Alps Proximity
Annual tuition fees at ENSR International School range from 12,200 chf to 25,400 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Nord Anglia International School Dublin
-
Ireland - Dublin
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 12,620 - 19,444 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2018
- Community: 480 students • 45 nationalities
- Language:English
- Exclusive MIT-Nord Anglia STEAM Program
- Tailored Global Campus, Real-World Learning
- Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts
Annual tuition fees at Nord Anglia International School Dublin range from 12,620 eur to 19,444 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The Metropolitan School of Panama
-
Panama - Panama City
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 10,974 - 18,123 usd
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2011
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Global curriculum with MIT, Juilliard
- Bilingual, future-focused education
- Cutting-edge facilities in Panama
Annual tuition fees at The Metropolitan School of Panama range from 10,974 usd to 18,123 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The British International School Bratislava
-
Slovakia - Bratislava
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 11,620 - 25,300 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1997
- Community: 810 students • 45 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Global Campus nurtures worldly learners.
- STEAM program collaboration with MIT.
- Juilliard-curated performing arts study.
Annual tuition fees at The British International School Bratislava range from 11,620 eur to 25,300 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
At BISB, our tuition fees reflect the exceptional learning experiences we offer, as well as the outstanding academic success our students achieve. The British International School Bratislava fees include: Tuition...
Hangzhou International School (HIS)
-
Zhejiang - Hangzhou
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 185 - 237 cny
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2002
- Community: 900 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Embraces diversity, 50+ nationalities
- MYP & DP IB programs offered
- Lush, eco-friendly campus setting
Annual tuition fees at Hangzhou International School (HIS) range from 185 cny to 237 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Taejon Christian International School
-
South Korea - Daejeon
- Co-Education
- 4 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 20,000 - 40,000 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1958
- Community: 400 students • 22 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, IB Diploma
- Language:English
- First-rate boarding program in Asia
- IB curriculum from K-12
- Emphasis on Christian values
Annual tuition fees at Taejon Christian International School range from 20,000 usd to 40,000 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Greene’s College Oxford
-
Lisbon - Cascais
- Co-Education
- 13 to 19 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 8,900 - 23,900 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Foundation:1967
- Community: 145 students • 15 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Personalized Oxford tutorial system
- Immersive English cultural experience
- Specialized university preparation
Annual tuition fees at Greene’s College Oxford range from 8,900 eur to 23,900 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
ANNUAL FEE (30 ACADEMIC WEEKS)£23,900ANNUAL FEE (35 ACADEMIC WEEKS)£27,900
International School San Patricio Toledo
-
Spain - Toledo
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 6,885 - 33,000 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2006
- Community: 515 students • 20 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English, Spanish
- Immersive bilingual learning approach
- Emphasis on art, sport & technology
- Eco-conscious, LEED certified campus
Annual tuition fees at International School San Patricio Toledo range from 6,885 eur to 33,000 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The British School of Bahrain (BSB)
-
Hamala - Middle East
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 3,003 - 7,923 bhd
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Community: 2900 students • 92 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Multicultural immersion across 70+ nations
- Holistic growth with 'Forest School' ethos
- Integrated British and IB curricula blend
Annual tuition fees at The British School of Bahrain (BSB) range from 3,003 bhd to 7,923 bhd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Tuition fees at BSB are divided into three instalments for the convenience of payment by parents. Enrolment into a new academic year includes a guarantee that parents will pay the...
Shanghai Community International School
-
China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 122,000 - 277,500 cny
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1996
- Community: 1800 students • 60 nationalities
- Language:Chinese, English, French, Spanish
- Unrivaled Mandarin immersion program
- Tangible connections to Shanghai culture
- Bountiful extracurricular opportunities
Annual tuition fees at Shanghai Community International School range from 122,000 cny to 277,500 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
J. Addison School
-
Toronto - Markham
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 18,000 - 46,500 cad
- Curriculum:Canadian Curriculum
- Foundation:2002
- Community: 250 students • 30 nationalities
- Language:English
- Personalized Learning Paths
- Fosters Independent Living Skills
- Diverse Global Student Community
Annual tuition fees at J. Addison School range from 18,000 cad to 46,500 cad, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Institut auf dem Rosenberg
-
Switzerland - St Gallen
- Co-Education
- 6 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 150,000 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, British Curriculum, IB Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1889
- Community: 230 students • 60 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, American Diploma, AP, IB Diploma, IGCSE, TOEFL
- Language:English
- Pioneering Balanced Learning approach
- Tailored, holistic student development
- Immersion in diverse global cultures
Annual tuition fees at Institut auf dem Rosenberg start at 150,000 chf.
Saint-Charles International School
-
Jura - Porrentruy
- Co-Education
- 8 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 7,900 - 89,500 chf
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
- Foundation:1897
- Community: 180 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, Swiss Matura
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Swiss Alps' pristine setting
- Bilingual learning environment
- Boarding with 30 nationalities
Annual tuition fees at Saint-Charles International School range from 7,900 chf to 89,500 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Total fee includes tuition and the additional annual fee. The additional annual fee is intended to cover all costs other than school fees - textbooks, school supplies, school outings, ski...Total fee includes tuition, full boarding and accommodation, weekend activities, three extended weekend trips, residence permit fee, books and school supplies, supervised homework, sport uniform, day trips, on premises school...
International School of Brussels
-
Belgium - Brussels
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 18,825 - 40,625 eur
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1951
- Community: 1350 students • 70 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, IB Diploma
- Language:English, French
- Multilingual education: French, Dutch, & more.
- Curriculum integrating tech & arts.
- 40+ nationalities fostering global empathy.
Annual tuition fees at International School of Brussels range from 18,825 eur to 40,625 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
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Parent and Student Reviews
- January, 2025De school is geweldig 10/10, mijn kind is er 3 jaar geweest en het is gewoon geweldigShow more
- This school has exposed my child to vaping, edibles, mobbing and many horrible things for an 8th grader within 1 year who came from a China controlled British school (dulwich) environment. They are focus on tuition and not academic progress. My child was placed in the wrong level and even after raising this issue nothing. The headmaster is rude and does not answer unless she wants to. I would not send any child to this school which is asking too much but is not worth the money you spend on your child’s education! Really bad!Show more
- November, 2023This is a great schoolShow more
- May, 2023Very good schoolShow more
- May, 2023beautiful schoolShow more
- May, 2023This is the best school I have seen in Barcelona.Show more
- May, 2023A very nice schoolShow more
- May, 2023A very nice Multi language schoolShow more
- May, 2023The best school in Catalonia everyone says it and is the bestShow more
- Private school of teaching in English that includes teachings from nursery, through primary and secondary, to Baccalaureate.
From the school they also promote other languages such as Chinese, French … Musical studies of piano and different instruments with the possibility of forming a small orchestra.
They also offer a wide range of complementary and / or extracurricular activities. Like ballet, English, football, skating, music. And possibility of school transport.
The facilities are spectacular. With wonderful views of the sea from the patioShow more - Very happy with the school, teachers and academic level. Very personalized attention to the child and direct and individual communication with each parentShow more
- Very happy with school, my daughter is happy every day, the teachers of maternal the most. The cleanliness and order are outstanding. ??????Show more
Summary
Private schools are chosen by families from all over the world for their impressive academic programs, international curricula, and options for bilingual education. Whether it’s the International Baccalaureate, British A-Levels, or U.S. diplomas, these educational paths open doors to prestigious universities worldwide. Parents appreciate the smaller class sizes and the personalized attention their children receive, along with a well-rounded experience that includes engaging extracurricular activities and state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, the diverse, international student body helps cultivate global awareness and fosters lasting friendships among kids.