International American schools are gaining popularity in the last few years, as parents around the globe seek out a unique educational experience for their children. These schools strive to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for life beyond high school graduation. Discover in this article the best american schools worldwide as well as some advantages of attending an international American school:
Why families choose an American school?
When it comes to choosing a school for their children, many families gravitate towards American curriculum schools, drawn by their strong emphasis on holistic education, critical thinking, and preparation for global opportunities. These schools offer a unique blend of academic rigor and a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse student interests, fostering an environment where every child can thrive.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The American education system is renowned for its balanced approach, integrating both academics and personal development. This curriculum is designed to equip students with not only the necessary academic knowledge but also the critical life skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world. Subjects like communication, leadership, and problem-solving are interwoven with traditional academic learning, creating well-rounded individuals.
Flexibility and Choice
One of the hallmark features of American schools is the flexibility in course selection, allowing students to explore a wide range of subjects before specializing in their areas of interest. This choice empowers students, giving them control over their educational journey and aligning their studies with their future career goals. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are often available, offering college-level coursework to high school students, which can lead to college credits.
Emphasis on Critical Thinking
American schools place a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. Through various teaching methods and a student-centered learning approach, students are encouraged to question, analyze, and synthesize information. This focus on critical thinking helps students navigate the complexities of modern life and fosters innovative problem-solving skills.
Global Perspective
With an increasing need for global citizens, American curriculum schools often attract a diverse student body. This diversity provides a rich tapestry of cultural perspectives, enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for global challenges. The curriculum often includes global issues, foreign languages, and international relations, which are crucial in today’s interconnected world.
College Readiness
Preparation for higher education is a cornerstone of the American school system. These schools typically maintain strong ties with universities and often have dedicated counselors to help students navigate the college application process. The curriculum is aligned with the requirements of top universities worldwide, making students from American schools highly attractive to these institutions.
Community and Support
American schools are more than just educational institutions; they are vibrant communities that offer extensive support systems for students and families. From counseling services to parent-teacher associations, the network of support in American schools ensures that students’ academic and emotional needs are met, creating a nurturing environment that enhances learning.
In summary, the decision to enroll children in an American curriculum school is often driven by the comprehensive educational model that not only prepares students academically but also equips them with essential life skills. The blend of flexibility, critical thinking, global perspective, and college readiness makes these schools an attractive option for families looking towards the future.
How much do American Schools cost?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $15,000 | $35,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $1,250 | $2,920 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $1,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $400 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $2,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $17,200 | $39,420 |
Top rated American Schools in the World
Discover top International Schools . Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
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...
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.
Barcelona High School
-
Catalunya - Barcelona
- Co-Education
- 3 to 19 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 11,610 - 17,910 eur
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:2020
- Community: 500 students • 35 nationalities
- Examinations:AP
- Language:Bilingual, Catalan, English, Spanish
- Bilingual Program in English & Catalan
- Innovative Tech-Focused Curriculum
- Partnership with Renowned Museums
Annual tuition fees at Barcelona High School range from 11,610 eur to 17,910 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Annual Matriculation Fee 1000€ One-Time Entrance Fee 2 500€ Meal Plan Preschool & Elementary - Free 215€ / month Student Visa - Mobility Program(If Applicable)500€ - administrative fees Application Fee...
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.
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.
Georgia School Ningbo (GSN)
-
Zhejiang - Ningbo
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 115,000 - 155,000 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:2014
- Community: 250 students • 20 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP, PSAT, SAT
- Language:English
- Embraces Chinese-Western fusion learning.
- Skilled in nurturing global leaders.
- Provides innovative STEAM curriculum.
Annual tuition fees at Georgia School Ningbo (GSN) range from 115,000 cny to 155,000 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
American School of The Hague
-
South Holland - The Hague
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 14,650 - 22,890 eur
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1953
- Community: 1200 students • 80 nationalities
- Language:English
- Diverse, Globally-minded Curriculum
- Exceptional Support for Transitions
- Rooted in Sustainability Practices
Annual tuition fees at American School of The Hague range from 14,650 eur to 22,890 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Zurich International School
-
Zurich - Wadenswil
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 16,300 - 36,600 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
- Foundation:1963
- Community: 1200 students • 70 nationalities
- Examinations:AP, IB Diploma, SAT
- Language:Bilingual, English, German
- Rigorous IB curriculum, no language barrier.
- Multilingual faculty from 50+ countries.
- Year-round outdoor learning activities.
Annual tuition fees at Zurich International School range from 16,300 chf to 36,600 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
CHF 26,300 - CHF 37,900
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.
The American School in London
-
England - London
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 40,188 - 46,428 eur
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:1951
- Community: 70 students
- Examinations:American Diploma
- Language:English
- Promotes Global Citizenship Values
- Unique, Immersive London Experience
- Dedicated College Counseling Support
Annual tuition fees at The American School in London range from 40,188 eur to 46,428 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Fees are paid in two installments: Semester 1 fees are due in June and Semester 2 fees are due in November. Although paying for education is first and foremost the...
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.
Notre Dame International High School
-
Ile-de-France - Paris
- Co-Education
- 15 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 21,020 - 21,619 eur
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:2010
- Community: 3000 students • 20 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP
- Language:English
- Bilingual diploma in French/English
- Personalized mentorship for students
- Rigorous American-style curriculum
Annual tuition fees at Notre Dame International High School range from 21,020 eur to 21,619 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Board and School Breaks - Day Student (5-Day, Half Board: Lunch included on weekdays.) - Weekly Boarding (5-Day, Full Board: Includes breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner on weekdays except Friday...
International School of Beijing
-
China - Beijing
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 232,800 - 333,300 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1980
- Community: 1750 students • 45 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, SAT
- Language:Chinese, English
- Unrivaled Dual-Language Immersion.
- Fusion of Eastern and Western Education.
- Cutting-edge STEM Facilities.
Annual tuition fees at International School of Beijing range from 232,800 cny to 333,300 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Keystone Academy
-
China - Beijing
- Co-Education
- 5 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 250,000 - 387,500 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2014
- Community: 1600 students
- Language:Chinese, English
- Bilingual immersion, East meets West
- Boarding option from Grade 7
- Enriching Chinese Thread curriculum
Annual tuition fees at Keystone Academy range from 250,000 cny to 387,500 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Eastwood Montreux
-
Vaud - Montreux
- Co-Education
- 14 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 42,000 - 92,000 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme
- Examinations:American Diploma, Cambridge, IB Diploma, IB Diploma Programme, IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel
- Language:English
- IMPACT teaches real-world skills every day, co-designed with Harvard.
- Highest IB average in Switzerland, with personalised daily coaching.
- Our 53 Leaders mentor students with real insight, skills, and access.
Annual tuition fees at Eastwood Montreux range from 42,000 chf to 92,000 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
What the Tuition Includes (For Full Boarding, 5-Day Boarding, and Day Students) Academic Programme •Full IB Diploma or American High School Diploma delivered via Eastwood Global •All academic classes and...
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.
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.
Delphian School
-
Yamhill County - Sheridan
- Co-Education
- 2 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 37,778 - 81,090 eur
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1976
- Community: 220 students • 17 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP, PSAT, SAT
- Language:English
- Self-paced, mastery-based learning.
- Hands-on internship opportunities.
- Active student-led community service.
Annual tuition fees at Delphian School range from 37,778 eur to 81,090 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Delphian acknowledges that choosing an independent school education is a significant financial commitment for every family—a choice made by families who place a high value on their child’s education.A diverse...Delphian acknowledges that choosing an independent school education is a significant financial commitment for every family—a choice made by families who place a high value on their child’s education.A diverse...
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.
TASIS The American School in Switzerland
-
Ticino - Lugano
- Co-Education
- 3 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 30,000 - 105,000 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1956
- Community: 765 students • 67 nationalities
- Examinations:AP, IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Breathtaking Swiss Alpine setting
- Renowned Arts and Humanities Program
- Immersive multilingual learning
Annual tuition fees at TASIS The American School in Switzerland range from 30,000 usd to 105,000 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
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Parent and Student Reviews
- The American School in London has been a wonderful experience for our family. Academically, the school is rigorous and well-rounded, offering a curriculum that challenges students while encouraging critical thinking and creativity. Beyond the classroom, ASL offers an incredible range of extracurricular opportunities. My kids have been able to explore and grow in so many areas — from participating in the French National Honor Society and playing on the Basketball and Volleyball teams, to performing in Band and competing on the Robotics Team. This wide array of activities has allowed them to pursue their diverse interests, build confidence, and develop meaningful friendships. ASL truly supports well-rounded development and provides an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
- Top notch school with excellent resources and teachers. Inclusive environment and programs tailored to individual students. I cannot recommend this school enough!
- We have been parents here at Fairfax Christian for the past three years. We now have a child in each level of the school, lower, middle and high school. The school kept our children safe and in school during the tumultuous time of the pandemic and we will be forever grateful. We have been blessed with teachers who are attentive and care about the character and education of our children. The challenging curriculum, diverse student population and a Christian education will keep our family at Fairfax Christian.
- Flat out the best college prep I could have ever imagined. While my new friends and classmates were struggling through the first few weeks and months of engineering at a top university, I felt right at home with the rigor of the IB Programme. I’m also thankful for the CAS program that pushed me to explore new things and encouraged me to live a more balanced lifestyle.
- June, 2023ISB prepped me most for my current career by creating constant opportunities to interact with new people and places through APAC and China Studies trips, and forcing me to work and make friends with an ever-changing international group from a wide variety of cultural, economic and linguistic backgrounds.
- Being at ISB has allowed me to develop my skills in learning new technologies and comfortably incorporating them in my work flow. Combine that with all the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in the classroom, it became very clear to me I was in a very special place and well-positioned for the global economy.
- June, 2023Being at ISB has allowed me to develop my skills in learning new technologies and comfortably incorporating them in my work flow. Combine that with all the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in the classroom, it became very clear to me I was in a very special place and well-positioned for the global economy.
- ISB provided me with a solid academic foundation and eye-opening international experiences through my participation at THIMUN and BEIMUN events. I was able to handle my undergraduate and graduate classes with relative ease thanks to the rigor of the IB curriculum at ISB, which then positioned me well to pursue a career in international development
- February, 2023ZIS is the greatest school I have ever seen. The 3 strongest arguments for the school are for me:
– children are exploring and discovering (instead of learning only…)
– teamwork and collaboration (this pays off later at work)
– diversity (in many forms).
ZIS is doing a great job! - February, 2023My son is simply thriving at ZIS. He loves school, he loves his after school activities, his teachers motivate him, he has great friends. Quite frankly it makes me want to have a ‘do over’ – I want to go to ZIS myself!
- February, 2023ZIS is a wonderful and very international educational institution, providing my son with excellent academic training. ZIS is innovative and forward-looking, at the leading edge of what is new in education. Focusing on the whole person, ZIS also offers sports, music, art, stem; endless opportunities to discover. All that, combined with supportive teachers who really care, make me feel proud to be associated with the school.
- February, 2023We are extremely pleased by the competitive, demanding, and in the meantime caring, respectful and diverse atmosphere at ZIS. Our family is very happy to be part of ZIS.
Summary
Families choose American curriculum schools for their balanced approach to education that emphasizes academic rigor, critical thinking, and holistic development. The flexibility in course selection, preparation for global citizenship, and strong college readiness programs are key factors that make these schools highly attractive to parents and students alike.