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Choosing the right international 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.
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:
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Understanding curriculum differences (IB, British, American, or bilingual options)
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Assessing academic pressure and the school’s approach to student well-being
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Clarifying language requirements and additional learning support
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Exploring integration and community for new students
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Reviewing fees and hidden costs such as uniforms, bus services, and extracurriculars
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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
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Which curriculum does the school follow, and how is it delivered across grade levels?
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How is student progress assessed beyond exams and test scores?
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What support is available for students transitioning from a different curriculum?
School Values & Environment
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How does the school promote diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship?
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What’s the balance between academics, creativity, and well-being?
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How does the school handle student transitions and pastoral care?
Language & Support
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What languages are taught, and how are non-native speakers supported?
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Are there additional fees for English as a Second Language (ESL) or language immersion programs?
Fees & Logistics
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What’s included in the tuition, and what are the additional costs?
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Are there sibling discounts or payment plans available?
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What is the average class size and teacher-student ratio?
Admissions & Next Steps
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When should we apply, and how competitive is entry for our child’s year level?
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What documents or assessments are required?
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How soon will we hear back after submitting an application?
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:
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Take notes during calls or campus visits so you can compare later.
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Ask for examples - real stories or case studies reveal more than general statements.
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Follow up with schools after your visit to clarify details about curriculum or fees.
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Use doris to shortlist schools that meet your criteria and compare side-by-side, without bias or paid rankings.
How doris Simplifies the Process
doris was built to take the stress and guesswork out of finding an international school.
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Personalised recommendations based on your child’s needs and learning style.
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Transparent comparisons of curricula, fees, and facilities.
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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.
