How to Compare International Schools: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

Comparing international schools can quickly turn into a spreadsheet marathon. Between websites, reviews, and endless recommendations, parents often feel overwhelmed trying to figure out which school is the best fit for their child, academically, socially, and emotionally.

That’s where clarity comes in. With a structured comparison approach (and a little AI help from doris), you can make decisions confidently, not frantically. 

Step 1: Identify Your Priorities

Before shortlisting, list the things that matter most to your family. Every child learns differently, and every school emphasizes something unique.

Priority Area	What to Consider	Example
Curriculum	IB, British, American, bilingual, or national systems	“We want continuity with UK A Levels.”
Language Support	English-medium, bilingual, or EAL programs	“Our child is new to English.”
Budget Range	Tuition and total cost of attendance	“We want to stay under $25,000/year.”
Learning Environment	Class sizes, student–teacher ratio, wellbeing programs	“We prefer small classes with strong pastoral care.”
Extracurriculars	Sports, arts, music, leadership	“Our daughter loves performing arts.”

Step 2: Shortlist Schools That Fit Your Family’s Needs

Most families shortlist 3–5 schools before applying.

Use doris to filter schools based on:

• Curriculum type (IB, British, American)

• Fee range and location

• Language support and special programs

• Availability for your child’s age group

Step 3: Compare Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy

Each curriculum offers different learning outcomes. Here’s how they compare:

Curriculum	Teaching Focus	Ideal For Families Who...
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Inquiry-led, research-based	Move frequently or value global mobility
British (IGCSE / A Levels)	Structured, exam-based	Want academic rigor and continuity with UK system
American (AP & GPA)	Broad, flexible, project-based	Prefer continuous assessment and U.S. university pathways
Bilingual / Local Hybrid	Dual-language proficiency	Want exposure to local culture and global learning

Step 4: Understand the Full Cost — Not Just Tuition

School fees can differ dramatically across Asia. Always consider the total cost of attendance (TCA), not just tuition.

Cost Category	Typical Range (USD)	Included In Tuition?
Registration / Application Fee	$200–$1,000	❌ Usually separate
Capital Levy / Building Fund	$1,000–$5,000	❌ Separate at most schools
Uniforms & Activities	$200–$2,000	✅ / ❌ Varies
Technology & Exams	$300–$1,000	❌ Separate at most IB/AP schools
Transportation & Meals	$500–$3,000	❌ Optional extras

Step 5: Visit (or Virtually Tour) Your Top Schools

A school visit tells you things no brochure can.

Observe:

• How teachers interact with students.

• The condition of classrooms and playgrounds.

• Whether students look happy and engaged.

• How multicultural the environment feels.

If you’re still overseas, book virtual tours through doris, many schools now offer live walk-throughs and parent Q&As online.

Step 6: Ask the Right Questions

When meeting admissions teams, ask questions that reveal culture, not just curriculum:

• How do you support new international students?

• What’s your teacher–student ratio?

• How do you approach student wellbeing and discipline?

• What universities do your graduates attend?

• What’s the typical class size in primary and secondary?

Step 7: Check Parent Reviews and Transparency

No school is perfect, but transparency matters.

Look for schools that:

• Publish inspection or accreditation reports (IBO, CIS, WASC).

• Share honest, balanced parent feedback.

• Are clear about fees and academic results.

FAQ: Parents Also Ask

What’s the best way to compare international schools fairly?
Use consistent criteria: curriculum, fees, teacher quality, wellbeing programs, and location. doris lets you do this side-by-side.

Should I trust online reviews?
They’re useful, but always verify through school visits or direct contact.

How many schools should I apply to?
Most families apply to 2–3, enough for flexibility without overcomplicating the process.

Do all schools charge an application fee?
Most do, but doris shows which schools waive or discount these.

Comparing international schools doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

With doris, you can see exactly how schools differ, from fees and curricula to teacher ratios and wellbeing programs, in one place.

Spend less time building spreadsheets and more time finding a school where your child will thrive.

doris is a free, independent platform helping families compare international schools across Asia with AI-powered, impartial recommendations.