Choosing between international schools vs. public schools in the US can feel complicated when you’re new to the country. You’re weighing factors like admissions rules, curriculum, English support, transportation, after-school activities, total cost—including fees—and how each path prepares your child for college, often on a tight timeline.
At Remitly, we hear from families every day who are making these choices while building a new life here. To help, this article offers an overview of both school types, their pros and cons, and typical costs. We’ll also cover how special education and ELL/ESL programs work, steps to enroll, and how to make the best decision.
What are international and public schools?
If you’ve just moved to the US or are planning to, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: where should your kids go to school? The answer usually comes down to two main paths, international schools or public schools, each with its own vibe, perks, and challenges.
International schools
International schools are private academic institutions that typically charge tuition. They’re built with a global outlook and often follow well-known programs, like the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Levels), bilingual tracks, or even foreign curricula like French, German, or Japanese.
Public schools
Public schools are free if you live in the district. Most kids attend their neighborhood school, but in some places, you’ll also find magnet programs, public charters, or open-enrollment school options that give families more flexibility.
Curriculum and learning approach
It’s not just about where your child goes to school; it’s about how they’ll actually learn once they’re there. Some schools lean into global programs that open doors anywhere in the world, while others focus on preparing students for local colleges and careers.
International school curricula
International schools often build their curricula around globally recognized programs, making them especially appealing to families moving to new countries. In particular, the IB and Cambridge programs are like “academic passports”, accepted by universities worldwide.
Another draw is how these schools handle assessments. The IB Diploma, for instance, is evaluated the same way across the globe, which means universities know exactly how to interpret the results. Cambridge IGCSEs and A-Levels follow a similar path, fitting neatly into many international admissions processes.
International schools also offer bilingual or heritage-language tracks, along with strong world language programs. For kids growing up in multilingual households—or those eager to add another language—this setup can feel like a natural fit.
Curricula in US public schools
Public schools in the US build their lessons around state standards, so the structure can feel more localized compared to international programs. At the high school level, many districts give students access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses or dual enrollment classes. These college-level options don’t just add rigor; students also cut down on tuition costs later by earning credits in advance.
The teaching approach itself can vary a lot by district and even from teacher to teacher, but a few things are consistent. Most schools use standards-based grading, state assessments are required, and graduation pathways are designed to prepare students for US colleges or careers.
Cost and accessibility
If you’re considering international or public schools, the price tag can be a huge factor in your decision.
Are international schools worth it?
International schools come with tuition fees, plus extras like enrollment costs, school uniforms, meals, transportation, tech, and after-school activities.
So, how much does an international school cost? In big metro areas, annual tuition often runs into the tens of thousands, with some schools topping $50,000 USD a year. For context, the Washington International School in D.C. charges just over $54,000 USD for upper grades, while the International School of Indiana starts at around $26,000 USD.
Some schools offer financial aid or scholarships, usually based on need or merit. Just keep in mind that applications are competitive, so it’s worth asking about your options as early as possible.
Public school fees
On the other hand, public K–12 schools don’t charge tuition if you live within the district. Families might still pay small fees for things like sports teams, field trips, or extracurriculars, but the core instruction is free.
On top of that, many students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through federal programs, which can ease the financial load during your child’s education even further.
Community, social development, and diversity
A big part of your child’s time at school is spent making friends, building confidence, and learning to connect with people from different walks of life. The type of school you choose can shape your child’s social world in wildly different ways.
Immersion at international schools
At international schools, you’ll have students and teachers coming from all over the globe. That mix naturally encourages cultural awareness and helps kids build friendships across borders and languages. For families moving abroad, it can also boost confidence in children, since they are surrounded by others who know what it’s like to be “the new kid.”
To make things easier, many of these schools offer expat-friendly support services. Think orientation programs, parent groups, ambassadors who’ve been through it before, and multilingual communication to help smooth out the logistics during those first few months.
Public school life
Public schools, meanwhile, root kids right in their community. Because children usually attend classes with neighbors or local friends, it can fast-track integration for both kids and parents into the area’s social fabric—whether through going to school events, joining sports teams, or simply knowing the families living nearby.
They’re also backed by legal protections that ensure access for everyone. Under federal law, public schools must provide meaningful support for English learners and services for students with disabilities.
Language support, special education, and student services
Every child has different needs, and the right school can make all the difference in helping them thrive.
English learners (ELL/ESL)
In US public schools, support for English learners isn’t just a nice extra; it’s required by law. Schools screen new students to check English proficiency and then provide help through different ELL/ESL setups.
International schools also provide services for multilingual learners. But because they’re not bound by US federal requirements, what’s offered can vary a lot. Some schools have robust bilingual programs, while others may only have part-time staff.
Special education
Public schools are required to provide what’s called a “Free Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE) for students who qualify under the IDEA law. If your child already has an evaluation or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), bring the paperwork so the school can match you to appropriate services quickly. If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies, you can request an evaluation, and the school must guide you through the process and timeline.
International schools may also offer learning support, but the services vary widely. Some schools have specialists and structured services, while others may offer only limited accommodations.
Extracurricular activities and facilities
Learning is also about the clubs, sports, and creative outlets that help kids discover who they are. From debate teams to robotics clubs, these activities can make school feel less like a grind and more like a community.
International school extracurriculars
Besides a global curriculum, international schools often bring a global flavor to after-school life. You’ll find activities like language competitions, international sports tournaments, Model United Nations chapters, and strong arts or STEM programs.
Many even offer travel-based opportunities—like exchanges or global conferences—that let students apply what they’ve learned in the wider world.
Beyond class at public schools
Public schools can be just as lively, though what’s available often depends on the district’s budget and partnerships. Sports, music, theater, debate, robotics, and coding clubs are common and often come with little to no cost for families.
School day, transportation, and meals
The daily school routine can make or break how smoothly life runs for your family. From start times to lunch menus, these little details add up fast when you’re juggling schedules, siblings, and commutes.
Hours and calendars
Public school calendars are usually set by the district, which means schedules are standardized across local schools.
International or private schools, on the other hand, often set their own calendars and hours. That can mean differences in start times, teacher planning days, and holiday breaks—something to watch closely if you’ve got kids in different schools.
Transportation
Most US public schools rely on yellow school buses run by the district, often included as part of enrollment. International schools may also provide bus services, but they’re usually private and incur extra costs. Either way, it’s worth checking routes, safety policies, and pickup and drop-off times to see how they’ll fit into your family’s daily rhythm.
Meals
Public schools typically participate in the National School Lunch Program, with some campuses in high-poverty areas offering free meals for all students through the Community Eligibility Provision. International and private schools usually run their own meal programs, which often attract separate pricing.
Key differences at a glance
It’s clear there are some key differences between international schools and public schools in terms of admissions, tuition, curriculum, language support, and college pathways. Every district and school is unique, but this quick snapshot will help you compare the basics.
| Factor | International schools | US public schools |
| Tuition | Paid (Tuition + Fees) | Tuition-free (Tax-funded) |
| Curriculum | Often IB, Cambridge, national systems; sometimes AP | State standards; many offer AP and/or dual enrollment |
| Language | English; bilingual/heritage options are common | English with ELL/ESL support as required |
| Admissions | Selective; involves assessments, deadlines, and waitlists | Rolling enrollment; based on residence (zoning) |
| Class size | Often smaller | Varies by district |
| Student services | Varies by school | ELL and special education services mandated by federal law |
| Calendar | Varies by school system | Set by local districts |
| College pathways | Global recognition (e.g., IB) | Strong US pathways; some global via AP/IB |
Choosing the right school: what to know before you decide
Picking a school involves finding the right fit for your child and your family’s lifestyle. From cost to commute, support services to future college plans, here are some things to keep in mind:
Factors to consider
- Budget: Be clear on what you can realistically afford. Beyond tuition, international schools often add fees for enrollment, uniforms, meals, buses, and activities
- Length of stay: If moving again is likely, globally transferable programs like Cambridge or the IB can help reduce academic disruptions. But if you’re settling in the US for the long term, a neighborhood public school can help kids—and parents—feel more rooted in the local community.
- Language: Consider asking about dual-language or ELL/ESL programs to help you settle in faster.
- Special education: If your child has, or might need, support, learn how evaluations and services are handled, including timelines and accommodations.
- College prep: AP and IB programs open doors differently in the US and abroad.
Pros and cons
International and public schools offer different advantages and disadvantages. Knowing both will make your choice much easier.
| Pros | Cons | |
| International schools |
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| US public schools |
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Questions to ask any school
To determine suitability, ask school administrators these questions to find the perfect fot:
- Which curriculum do you follow, and is it recognized by universities?
- How do you support English learners, and how is progress tracked?
- What special education services are available, and how are evaluations handled?
- What’s the average class size, and which specialized staff (counselors, ELL specialists, psychologists) are on site?
- What extracurriculars are active right now, and do they come with extra costs?
- What are the meal options and transportation logistics?
- What fees aren’t included in tuition, and how do payment or refund policies work?
How to enroll
Follow this step-by-step guide when enrolling your child in a public school:
- Start with your district’s website (or the NCES School Locator) to find a school in your zone.
- Gather the required documents, including proof of residence, immunization records, transcripts, and birth certificates.
- Be prepared for language screenings if English isn’t your child’s first language.
- If special education applies, bring an IEP or request an evaluation.
- Finally, meet with school counselors to map out graduation paths and explore AP or dual-enrollment options for older students.
And for international schools:
- Begin by shortlisting schools based on curriculum, accreditation, and language tracks.
- Pay close attention to admissions timelines as deadlines and entrance assessments are common.
- Calculate the total cost of attendance, not just tuition, including uniforms, buses, meals, and exam fees.
- If possible, visit the campus to ask about any concerns you might have, and how the school welcomes new students mid-year.
Both international schools and public schools can deliver excellent education. The best choice is the one that matches your child’s needs, your budget, and your long-term plans.
FAQs
What is the main difference between international and public schools?
International schools are private and fee-based, often offering IB, Cambridge, or national curricula with a global focus. Public schools are tuition-free, aligned with state standards, and must provide services for English learners and students with disabilities.
Are international schools better than public schools?
It depends on your goals. If you expect to relocate internationally again, a globally recognized curriculum may be helpful. If you plan to stay in the US, a strong local public school can offer community ties and robust US college pathways through AP programs or dual enrollment.
How much does an international school cost in the US?
Tuition varies by city and grade. It’s common to see low-to-mid five figures, with some upper grades exceeding $50,000 USD per year.
How do I find schools to compare?
Use your district website and the NCES School Locator to find public schools. In international schools, ask for tours and admissions timelines.