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
Ranum Efterskole College
-
Denmark - Ranum
- Co-Education
- 14 to 17 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 187,320 dkk
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Foundation:2004
- Community: 500 students • 25 nationalities
- Examinations:IGCSE
- Language:English
- Unrivalled Global Perspective Courses
- Tailored Education with 15+ Lines
- Wide Range of Extracurricular Activities
Annual tuition fees at Ranum Efterskole College start at 187,320 dkk.
The yearly tuition fee ranges from 187.320 DKK for international students
International School of Zug and Luzern
-
Lucerne - Baar
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 16,650 - 39,200 chf
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1961
- Community: 1179 students • 65 nationalities
- Examinations:AP, IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Emphasis on Outdoor Learning
- Robust Art and Music Programmes
- Engaging Service Learning Opportunities
Annual tuition fees at International School of Zug and Luzern range from 16,650 chf to 39,200 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
St George Madrid
-
Spain - Madrid
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 8,580 - 18,610 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, IPC, Spanish Curriculum
- Foundation:2010
- Community: 750 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, Cambridge, IB Diploma, IB Diploma Programme, ICSE, Pearson Edexcel
- Language:English, Spanish
- British National Curriculum from age 2 leading to the IB Diploma
- Personalised learning in English on a 2.5-hectare campus in Madrid
- IB pathways to Spanish and international universities worldwide.
Annual tuition fees at St George Madrid range from 8,580 eur to 18,610 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
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.
International School of Lausanne
-
Vaud - Lausanne
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 21,000 - 38,600 chf
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1962
- Community: 865 students • 75 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IB MYP
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Advance in 50+ languages with MLS
- Holistic student growth via CAS
- Innovative learning through 'iFOLIOS'
Annual tuition fees at International School of Lausanne range from 21,000 chf to 38,600 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Virtus College, The British Sixth Form
-
Spain - Madrid
- Co-Education
- 15 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 24,500 - 26,550 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Foundation:2016
- Community: 90 students • 10 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level
- Language:English
- Unrivalled preparation for university: an individual two-year strategy
- Exceptional teaching and one-on-one mentoring for growth
- A close-knit community where every student matters
Annual tuition fees at Virtus College, The British Sixth Form range from 24,500 eur to 26,550 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
International School Ho Chi Minh City
-
Ho Chi Minh - Ho Chi Minh City
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 240,900,000 - 871,300,000 vnd
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1993
- Community: 1410 students • 60 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Personalized learning via studio model
- Immersive bilingual program
- Focus on holistic child development
Annual tuition fees at International School Ho Chi Minh City range from 240,900,000 vnd to 871,300,000 vnd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Student interviews, English language testing (if required), Reviewing academic history, Placement in grades and classes, Allocation of subjects and timetabling.
Fairfax Christian School
-
Virginia - Sterling
- Co-Education
- 5 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 30,000 - 47,800 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:1961
- Community: 339 students • 30 nationalities
- Language:English
- Unmatched 60-year educational legacy
- Bilingual fluency from K-12
- 100% college-acceptance record
Annual tuition fees at Fairfax Christian School range from 30,000 usd to 47,800 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
International School of Amsterdam
-
North Holland - Amsterdam
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 18,775 - 26,950 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1964
- Community: 1252 students • 66 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Globally recognized IB Programme.
- Multicultural environment, 70+ nations.
- Emphasis on creativity & critical thinking.
Annual tuition fees at International School of Amsterdam range from 18,775 eur to 26,950 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Ermitage International School
-
Ile-de-France - Paris
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 6,700 - 27,700 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme
- Foundation:1941
- Community: 1500 students • 80 nationalities
- Examinations:French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual Immersion: French & English
- Renowned International Baccalaureate
- Diverse Cultural Exchange Programs
Annual tuition fees at Ermitage International School range from 6,700 eur to 27,700 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Ecole d’Humanité
-
Bern - Hasliberg
- Co-Education
- 13 to 19 years old
- School type:Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 65,000 - 68,000 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
- Foundation:1934
- Community: 120 students • 25 nationalities
- Language:English, German
- Bilingual immersion in Swiss Alps.
- Personalized learning; 6:1 student ratio.
- Promotes global citizenship values.
Annual tuition fees at Ecole d’Humanité range from 65,000 chf to 68,000 chf, 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.
Knowledge Gate International School Muscat
-
Muscat Governorate - Muscat
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 2,618 - 5,550 omr
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Examinations:A Level, IGCSE
- Language:Arabic, English
- IB Curriculum for Global Outlook
- Innovative Tech-Infused Learning
- Multicultural Student-Teacher Bond
Annual tuition fees at Knowledge Gate International School Muscat range from 2,618 omr to 5,550 omr, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Please note, annual tuition fees include the cost of daily school meals. They do not cover the cost of school uniforms, transport, or overseas travel.
College Alpin Beau Soleil
-
Vaud - Villars
- Co-Education
- 11 to 18 years old
- School type:Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 150,000 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1910
- Community: 300 students • 55 nationalities
- Examinations:French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Holistic learning on Swiss Alps
- Personalized growth via mentorship
- Cultural immersion in 60+ nationalities
Annual tuition fees at College Alpin Beau Soleil start at 150,000 chf.
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
-
China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 163,600 - 359,100 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1993
- Community: 2200 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, IB Diploma, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:Bilingual, Chinese, English, Spanish
- Embraces bilingual learning (English/Chinese)
- Fuses Eastern and Western pedagogies
- Nurtures globally-minded leaders
Annual tuition fees at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai range from 163,600 cny to 359,100 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Hangzhou International School (HIS)
-
Zhejiang - Hangzhou
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, IB Primary Years Programme
- Foundation:2002
- Community: 1000 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IB MYP, MYP, PSAT, SAT
- Language:English
- Non-Profit School
- Embraces diversity with 50+ nationalities
- PYP, MYP, and DP IB programs offered
Brillantmont International School
-
Vaud - Lausanne
- Co-Education
- 13 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 31,500 - 103,500 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, British Curriculum
- Foundation:1882
- Community: 95 students • 30 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, AP, AS, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:English
- Swiss baccalaureate & US High School Diploma
- Breathtaking Lake Geneva views
- Family-owned, nurturing atmosphere
Annual tuition fees at Brillantmont International School range from 31,500 chf to 103,500 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
At Brillantmont, we welcome a small group of day students, who live with their parents in the local area. Day students are fully integrated into the school and are encouraged...We want our students to enjoy a full boarding and learning experience and take advantage of the numerous opportunities we offer beyond the classroom. For this reason, many things are...
International School of Los Angeles
-
Los Angeles - Burbank
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 19,995 - 24,900 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1978
- Community: 1032 students • 65 nationalities
- Examinations:French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Dual-language immersion English/French
- Emphasis on global citizenship
- Personalized learning approach
Annual tuition fees at International School of Los Angeles range from 19,995 usd to 24,900 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
St. Jude International School
-
Costa Rica - San Jose
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:Cambridge Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1963
- Community: 637 students • 10 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:English
- Challenging curriculum, real results
- Global programs shaping future leaders
- Beyond class: service, clubs & sports
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
-
Vaud - Lausanne
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 21,800 - 40,600 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1993
- Community: 600 students • 60 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, IB Diploma
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Day & Boarding School
- Sport & Study Programme
- Bilingual immersion from age 3 & International Baccalaureate
Annual tuition fees at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School range from 21,800 chf to 40,600 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Our annual Boarding feed range from CHF 86’000 to CHF 88’000 for boarding students.Discover Popular Destinations
Parent and Student Reviews
- November, 2025As parents of a boarding student, my husband and I could not be happier with our son’s experience at this school. Academically, he has been challenged and encouraged in equal measure. The teachers are rigorous but at the same time approachable and genuinely invested in their students’ growth. When I visited the school and was introduced to his teachers, they were able to offer detailed feedback on my son’s academic progress immediately, and it was clear that they knew a lot about his personal preferences and identity. The school atmosphere is disciplined yet warm: students seem to know where they are going and move with a sense of purpose, and the principal knows each and every one of his students. There is a sense of a close community where teachers, students, and parents know and support one another.The boarding facilities and care are truly outstanding. The residence has its own cook, dining and entertainment areas, a beautiful garden with a pool overlooking the city, and it is located in one of the most charming parts of Córdoba. The boarding team, excellent professionals, combines structure with warmth: they encourage creativity while maintaining clear expectations regarding daily routines. They have created a real sense of community among students from many different countries and backgrounds, and they respect and facilitate individual needs in terms of sports, arts, and religious practice.What has impressed us most is the level of personal care and communication, something we missed in previous schools our son attended. When our child fell ill and needed to go to the hospital, staff members stayed in close contact with us at every step, providing timely updates and emotional support to both him and us. Our son genuinely feels he is part of a family—staff members at the school often invite him to lunch with their families. The school’s psychologists know the students well and work closely with them. I was surprised by how much the main psychologist knew about my son’s study habits. There are many extracurricular opportunities supporting students’ specific interests—from Model United Nations and cultural outings to sports activities in Córdoba and ski trips to the Sierra Nevada. The school also offers meaningful service opportunities with different organizations in town (like the Alzheimer’s Society, for example) that teach students to be responsible, caring community members and citizens, which we find essential in contemporary education. A dedicated university guidance office also supports students as they plan their next steps and visit universities across Spain.For our family, this has been an excellent academic and living experience for our son. It is the best educational choice we could have made, and we recommend the school wholeheartedly.Show more
- November, 2025A fantastic school. The leadership is very visible, something you don’t see in all schools. My kids are happy and developing not just academically but as well-rounded individuals thanks to a wide range of activities both in class and outside. A focus on curiosity and independence is key for success today. I couldn’t recommend TEMS highly enough.Show more
- November, 2025We’ve loved our time at BISB. The coursework is engaging and rigorous, the teachers have been lovely, and the leadership is responsive. The staff have also been super supportive and sensitive to the needs of my type I diabetic son. He was never made to feel different and the staff have gone above and beyond to keep him safe on residentials, during swim lessons, etc. I had peace of mind knowing that my child was in good hands while at school.I love that the school takes the children on residential and ski trips. They’ve been wonderful opportunities for growth/learning as well as solidifying peer relationships.I also appreciate the great variety of after school clubs and the opportunity for the children to take private music lessons. We definitely took advantage of both!Special shoutouts for an amazing job go to (in no particular order):Ms. Williams, Mrs. Gautama, Ms. Shanks, Mr. Telesk, Mrs. Kelly, Ms. Cliss, and Ms. LučnaShow more
- October, 2025Our son joined the school in August 2024 and quickly settled in. He has been very happy, made many great friends, and received excellent support from his teachers. He has represented the school in volleyball and football, plays touch rugby, and has also completed the International Award. He has discovered a love for subjects he never expected to enjoy, especially English, while deepening his passion for History, Science, and PE. We are delighted with his progress and look forward to seeing him complete his IGCSEs and continue his journey through the IB programme.Show more
- September, 2025I spent two months at the school and I had a very positive experience. I was warmly welcomed by both the teachers and the students and immediately felt at home. All my requests regarding the timetable were taken into account, and the individual students are also very well supported in other areas. I had a wonderful time at the school and am grateful that I was accepted at such short notice.Show more
- September, 2025I think it’s the best English School in Madrid. I love it, and I know my daughter is well while she’s there.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.




















