---
title: Questions to Ask International Schools | Free Checklist for Expat Parents
description: Not sure what to ask when speaking with international schools? Use our free doris checklist, created with input from expat parents, to guide your questions about curriculum, fees, and school values.
image: https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/pexels-karolina-grabowska-6274995.jpg
---

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 October 17, 2025

# Questions to Ask International Schools: A Checklist for Expat Parents

![Picture of Ellie Dickinson](https://blog.doris.school/hs-fs/hubfs/unnamed.png?width=50&name=unnamed.png) By   Ellie Dickinson  ·   2 minute read

Choosing the right [international school](http://doris.school) is one of the most important, and often overwhelming, decisions families make when relocating abroad. Between comparing curricula, understanding fee structures, and aligning school values with your own, it’s easy to miss key questions that could shape your child’s experience.

That’s why **doris** created a free *Questions to Ask Schools* checklist, a practical guide designed with input from expat parents who’ve been through the process themselves. Whether you’re emailing admissions offices, visiting campuses, or speaking with school representatives, this checklist helps you stay focused on what matters most.

🎯 **Start comparing international schools** today.

[![Compare International Schools](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-287946894580.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIag2HMN2N4PTHppb6Trmc68kMeoQJRkh1MkJRlbaK4e3amr9bxBeLGm%2B3iO0gG2ilHsKzZIMBSeccguRZkspcKVGM4d9dDBnY8gDTg%2B7XkfDFUR7zaYzZSU5kZIhh%2B0irnXNevAtaaE23Sop8Lr81cxAqhrwvuVhqUE8Fgm%2FTckTPrXwA%3D&webInteractiveContentId=287946894580&portalId=145372008)

## ![pexels-karolina-grabowska-6274995](https://blog.doris.school/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-karolina-grabowska-6274995.jpg?width=4480&height=6720&name=pexels-karolina-grabowska-6274995.jpg)

## Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

From curriculum choice to social integration, every parent’s priorities are different. But the best school conversations go beyond glossy brochures, they reveal how a school truly supports each child’s growth, values, and well-being.

Parents in expat forums frequently mention these key areas of concern when researching schools:

- Understanding *curriculum differences* (IB, British, American, or bilingual options)
- Assessing *academic pressure* and the school’s approach to student well-being
- Clarifying *language requirements* and additional learning support
- Exploring *integration and community* for new students
- Reviewing *fees and hidden costs* such as uniforms, bus services, and extracurriculars
- Navigating *admissions timelines* and placement availability

By preparing thoughtful questions, parents can uncover the small but important details that determine whether a school will be the right fit.

## The Essential Questions to Ask

Here are some examples from the doris checklist to help guide your next conversation:

### Curriculum & Learning Approach

- Which curriculum does the school follow, and how is it delivered across grade levels?
- How is student progress assessed beyond exams and test scores?
- What support is available for students transitioning from a different curriculum?
  
  [![Filter Schools by Curriculum](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-287257806037.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJZIvzb82MGJTH%2BGlrrO4pGjmGANRHBYEXG6VMWU870kJFPfQS5ZEBzKPGX8Igmoc41wS%2FDpj63RFSmiM7xadrnvsWFzHh7dg1mij5obQNkfg66XAZnzvw3bMMOcThTkrHbLqeiXJz1DurOh%2Bp6NynA9nvqJsvKUaaVvsfo4fDtXCIDjek%3D&webInteractiveContentId=287257806037&portalId=145372008)

### School Values & Environment

- How does the school promote diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship?
- What’s the balance between academics, creativity, and well-being?
- How does the school handle student transitions and pastoral care?

### Language & Support

- What languages are taught, and how are non-native speakers supported?
- Are there additional fees for English as a Second Language (ESL) or language immersion programs?

### Fees & Logistics

- What’s included in the tuition, and what are the additional costs?
- Are there sibling discounts or payment plans available?
- What is the average class size and teacher-student ratio?

[![Filter Schools by Curriculum](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-287257806037.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJZIvzb82MGJTH%2BGlrrO4pGjmGANRHBYEXG6VMWU870kJFPfQS5ZEBzKPGX8Igmoc41wS%2FDpj63RFSmiM7xadrnvsWFzHh7dg1mij5obQNkfg66XAZnzvw3bMMOcThTkrHbLqeiXJz1DurOh%2Bp6NynA9nvqJsvKUaaVvsfo4fDtXCIDjek%3D&webInteractiveContentId=287257806037&portalId=145372008)

### Admissions & Next Steps

- When should we apply, and how competitive is entry for our child’s year level?
- What documents or assessments are required?
- How soon will we hear back after submitting an application?

## ![pexels-annushka-ahuja-8055473](https://blog.doris.school/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-annushka-ahuja-8055473.jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=pexels-annushka-ahuja-8055473.jpg)

## Making the Most of Every School Conversation

Every conversation with a school is a chance to better understand how it aligns with your family’s priorities. Here’s how to make the most of your interactions:

1. **Take notes** during calls or campus visits so you can compare later.
2. **Ask for examples** - real stories or case studies reveal more than general statements.
3. **Follow up** with schools after your visit to clarify details about curriculum or fees.
4. **Use doris** to shortlist schools that meet your criteria and compare side-by-side, without bias or paid rankings.

[![Start Contacting International Schools](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-287955227875.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKrUGb3Atg3t7oXC05Z0x0dzEYY75uwJ3WjZube4t%2BheU9CIMIn%2BRCQ683hWkrm5LBJvnFYIXgowSkclYYqVNX1Ka1BkhGmcBpDATSBcfe0X5q9q%2BReEsSBY%2BrQTd3lhbN1IuQBuDfJCvxiRR%2B65lCWSzGd7QV8KGIKG40YBCnsO8bUwOM%3D&webInteractiveContentId=287955227875&portalId=145372008)

## How doris Simplifies the Process

doris was built to take the stress and guesswork out of finding an international school.

- **Personalised recommendations** based on your child’s needs and learning style.
- **Transparent comparisons** of curricula, fees, and facilities.
- **Independent insights** - schools can’t pay to rank higher in your results.

Whether you’re moving to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong or beyond, doris helps families find the right school - without the overwhelm.

Choosing a school should feel exciting, not exhausting. With the right questions and tools, you can make confident, informed decisions about your child’s education. Compare, explore, and discover schools with confidence at [doris.school](https://www.doris.school).

[![Start Your Schools Shortlist](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-287293310156.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLlMV8uFG28HGBtZXYd%2BFbAfIze%2BCYjc6KvzTUT5Jf0eZaqqiuK%2FAV5pn7qaejsH%2B4%2FZ%2FpX2DcZ8eQ7by1YQND7jnJQd%2FVZbeRppahBLwrcpaxNyjIEE6OHjvmblSiadd%2Bp7SuE5Ic7uclGeVmM5t6OGyzWm696y72LouJifuJDt6HDQoo%3D&webInteractiveContentId=287293310156&portalId=145372008)

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