American International Schools: A Guide for Expat Families

American international schools are international schools that blend American teaching styles and curriculum with local cultural elements.

Originally set up for American diplomatic and business families living abroad, these schools typically welcome kids from all backgrounds and nationalities. Teaching is predominantly in English and follows American educational approaches. They’re designed to prepare students for college, especially American universities. 

What Makes American International Schools Special?

Let’s take a closer look at what makes American international schools different from other international schools (e.g. British international schools).

Curriculum

Most American international schools offer:

• A curriculum that feels very familiar to American students
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
• Core subjects similar to what you’d find in schools throughout the U.S.
• Extra language opportunities that reflect the host country (e.g. Spanish in Latin America, Mandarin in China etc).

School Culture

If you walk into one of these international schools, you’re likely to find:

• Sports, clubs, and student activities that mirror American schools
• School events and traditions that feel like home to most American students
• A mix of American educational values with global awareness
• A diverse range of students from around the world (depending on the school location and expat population of the region)

Facilities

Many of these schools have impressive campuses with:

• Modern, well-equipped classrooms and labs
• Tech-rich learning environments
• Great sports facilities for everything from basketball to swimming
• Spaces for arts, music, and drama

Well-Known American International Schools Worldwide

Here are some of the better-known American International Schools you’ll find in different destinations.

Asia

• Singapore American School: Offers 25+ AP courses and consistently scores highly on exam scores
• American School in Japan: Known for its 22 AP courses and strong STEM focus
• Shanghai American School: Features 26 AP courses with impressive student achievement

Europe

• American School of Paris: Blends 18 AP courses with IB options
• American School of Madrid: Strong language programs alongside comprehensive AP offerings
• International School of Amsterdam: Diverse academic offerings including AP and IB

Middle East

• American School of Doha: Known for academic excellence in Qatar
• American Community School of Abu Dhabi: Emphasises college readiness with a robust AP program
• American International School of Riyadh: Combines technology and AP courses
• Cairo American College: Reputation for getting students into great universities with extensive AP offerings

Latin America

• American School of Brasília: Features bilingual education alongside AP
• Colegio Nueva Granada (Bogotá): Offers 22 AP courses with great pass rates
• American School Foundation of Mexico City: Balances academics with strong arts programs
• American School of Guatemala: Blends local culture with American education

Africa

• American International School of Lagos: Offers both the American High School Diploma and the IB Diploma.
• American International School of Johannesburg: Known for its strong academic programs and vibrant extracurricular activities.
• American International School of Lusaka: offers the full IB continuum—Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP)
• American International School, Ghana: Offers a combination of the American High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the IB Diploma Programme.

Pros and Cons of American International Schools

Let’s examine some of the advantages and things to consider when choosing an American international school.

1. Global recognition: Diplomas from these schools are recognised – they can open doors to top universities worldwide.
2. Smooth transitions: Students can move between American schools in different countries without major educational disruptions.
3. College prep: These schools are known for getting students ready for university and supporting the college application process.
4. English immersion: Great for non-native speakers to develop strong English skills.
5. High level of diversity: Students can come from all around the world, giving kids exposure to diverse perspectives and building cross-cultural understanding.

The Challenges

1. Cost: Let’s be honest – these schools aren’t cheap. Tuition typically ranges from USD $15,000 to $30,000+ per year.
2. Cultural bubble: International schools sometimes feel quite separate from the local population. Students might feel disconnected from the local community and culture.
3. Varying quality: Not all schools with “American” in the name offer the same quality education. Do your homework and check accreditation and reputations of schools thoroughly.
4. Limited special services: Some schools may have fewer resources for students with special educational needs.

Why Different Families Choose American International Schools

Although American international schools are popular with American families, they’re not made up entirely of expats. Let’s take a look.

Expatriate Families

For American families living abroad, these schools provide a slice of educational home. For families who are likely to move back to the States, attending an American international school can make future moves smoother by following familiar educational models.

Local Families Looking for Something Different

Many well-off local families choose these schools to give their kids:

• A chance to become fluent in English
• Better access to American universities
• An international network of friends and connections
• A different approach to education than local schools offer

Third-Country Nationals

Families who are neither from the host country nor the U.S. also attend these schools for:

• High-quality education recognised around the world
• English-medium instruction
• A diverse, international student body
• Credits and qualifications that transfer globally

AP courses in international settings provide a unique bridge between American educational excellence and global perspectives. For both students and educators, this combination creates powerful learning opportunities that transcend cultural boundaries.

As Dr. Jennifer Wallace from the Association of American Schools in South America

American International Schools: Choosing the Right One

When choosing an American international school for your kids, consider the following to help you find a high-quality school that’s right for your family.

Accreditation

Make sure the school is accredited by organisations such as:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Balanced Curriculum

Look for a good mix of American curriculum, international perspectives, and local integration where possible.

College Track Record

If your children are older, or college placements are a priority for you, check with the school where graduates typically end up for university.

Teacher Qualifications

Check into teacher certification requirements and experience levels.

Student Mix

Consider whether you want a school with mostly expatriates or a more diverse student body.

School Visit

If possible, visit the campus to get a feel for the community.

Support Services

If your child needs language help or other support, make sure the school can offer this.

American International Schools – Final Thoughts

American international schools are a great educational option for families looking for an American-style education with an international flavour. They can offer the best of American educational standards with global perspectives. This environment can create learning communities that help prepare students for our connected world.

If you’re a parent considering an American international school, they can provide distinctive environments that blend educational excellence with global awareness. Just do your homework and try to speak to current or ex-families to find out more about schools, and check out reviews online to uncover if it’s the right school for you.