Families
Choosing an international school when relocating abroad
For families moving abroad for work or study, the school decision often drives the choice of neighbourhood and the move date. Start early, because the best-known schools have waiting lists.
Keep the curriculum consistent
Moving between curricula is easiest in the early years and hardest in the final two years of school. A child halfway through the IB Diploma or A levels should, where possible, move to a school offering the same programme. Check that the school offers the same subjects at the same level.
Admissions timing
International schools admit throughout the year, but places are tight at popular entry points. Apply as soon as you know the destination. Most schools ask for two years of reports, a reference from the current school and an assessment.
Fees and what employers cover
Fees include tuition, but also registration fees, capital levies, transport and lunches. If an employer is paying, check whether the package covers all of them and for how many children.
Location
Choose the school first, then look for housing within a reasonable commute. Daily traffic can matter more than distance on a map.
Visas and status
A child's right to attend school depends on the family's immigration status. In Canada, for example, minor children of parents who hold a study or work permit can usually attend primary or secondary school, and in many provinces they can attend public school without fees. Private and international schools have their own admission processes.
An example: Canada
Canada's public schools are free for residents and generally strong, so many relocating families use them. Families who want to keep the IB or another international curriculum look at private and international schools. The International Schools DB guide to Canada lists those schools, with city pages for Toronto and Vancouver.
Visit, or visit virtually
If you cannot travel before the move, ask for a video call with the admissions office and a teacher in your child's grade, and ask current parents for their experience. Our pages on Canadian cities cover housing and transport if a parent is also studying.