British, American, IB, or Montessori? A Quick Curriculum Comparison for Expat Parents

This article provides a side-by-side overview of the four most common international school curricula - British, American, IB, and Montessori. It covers each curriculum’s core structure, learning approach, typical student profile, and where they are found in Southeast Asia. Designed for expat parents comparing schools in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand.

Why Compare Curricula?

When researching international schools in Southeast Asia, many parents find themselves navigating a long list of unfamiliar acronyms and school systems. Choosing a curriculum often comes down to how well it aligns with your child’s learning style, your family’s mobility needs, and future education plans.

This guide provides a neutral, high-level comparison of four widely used international curricula:

• British

• American

• International Baccalaureate (IB)

• Montessori

These are not ranked or rated. Instead, we highlight common features and considerations to help you ask the right questions when researching schools.

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British Curriculum (also known as IGCSE or A Levels)

Where is it offered?

• Widely available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Brunei

Learning approach

• Structured by Key Stages (e.g. Key Stage 1, 2, 3, 4)

• Progression leads to IGCSE (typically at age 16), then A Levels (age 17 to 18)

• Exams are externally assessed and subject-specific

Common features

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for young learners

• Subject specialisation in senior years

• Defined assessment calendar

Considerations

• Familiar to families from the UK or Commonwealth education systems

• Often chosen by those seeking continuity with UK-style secondary or university education

American Curriculum

Where is it offered?

• Present in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei

• Schools may include “American” in their name or offer AP (Advanced Placement) courses

Learning approach

• Credit-based progression through Kindergarten to Grade 12

• Grading includes coursework, participation, and tests

• AP courses may be available in upper grades for academic extension

Common features

• Emphasis on classroom discussion and project-based learning

• Flexibility in subject combinations

• Graduation is based on cumulative GPA and credit completion

Considerations

• Familiar to families relocating from or planning to move to the United States

• Popular with families seeking flexibility or continuous assessment

📘 Need help comparing AP vs IGCSE vs IB Diploma? Let Doris sort your shortlist.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Where is it offered?

• Offered in many schools across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and some in Brunei

• Schools may offer full IB programmes or selected parts (e.g. PYP only)

Learning approach

• Framework-based, focusing on inquiry, global awareness, and reflective thinking

• Programmes include:

  • PYP (Primary Years Programme)

  • MYP (Middle Years Programme)

  • DP (Diploma Programme)

• Assessment includes coursework, essays, internal tasks, and final exams

Common features

• Emphasis on critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning

• Students study languages, science, humanities, maths, and arts

• CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is part of the Diploma

Considerations

• Often chosen by families seeking a globally transferable curriculum

• Universities in many countries recognise IB for admissions

🎓 Doris can help identify IB schools with strong transition support or flexible entry years. Explore your options.

Montessori

Where is it offered?

• Most common in early years and lower primary levels in Singapore and Malaysia

• Some Montessori-inspired schools operate through primary years

• Less common at secondary level

Learning approach

• Child-directed learning in mixed-age classrooms

• Focus on hands-on exploration, independence, and routine

• Teachers act as guides rather than instructors

Common features

• Classrooms are prepared with specific materials and zones

• Children choose their work within structured boundaries

• Strong emphasis on self-regulation and intrinsic motivation

Considerations

• Often selected by families prioritising independence and self-paced development

• May require adjustment when transitioning into structured or exam-based systems later

👶 Looking for Montessori schools that support smooth transitions to IB or British-style systems? Doris can help.

Summary Table - At a Glance

🧭 Still not sure which to prioritise? Try Doris' AI tool to filter schools by curriculum, budget, and learning style. Start your search.

Final Thoughts

Every curriculum has strengths and differences that may suit certain learning styles, relocation needs, or university goals. Your decision does not need to be permanent or final - many students transition from one system to another depending on age or country move.

Rather than focusing on which system is “better”, it can be more useful to look at:

• How your child learns best

• What support the school offers during transitions

• What flexibility exists for changing needs over time

🏫 Doris helps families compare curricula, admissions details, school fees, and more - in one place.