Traditional School Options

Traditional School Option

When considering the option of a school where you live, there are many variations of this option between faith-based schools and secular schools. Available faith-based schools could include an SIL-run school, another group’s school, a multi-group school, or a boarding school. Secular schools would include international schools and national schools. Some international schools will have a cooperative agreement with faith-based organizations which will lower the cost to families. However, these agreements are happening less and less.

As you consider these options, some things to think about include:

• impact for further education in parents’ home country

• school environment (faith-based vs. secular, international vs. national)

• fit for the child (learning style, academic and language level)

• location (length of commute, classmate proximity, ability to be involved in extra-curricular activities)

• cost (tuition and fees for registration, extra-curricular activities, and capital expenses)

• availability (is there space for your children)

Types of Traditional Schools

Traditional schools can be defined through their identity. 

National Schools

National Schools are public or private, established and regulated by the host country, whose main constituency is national families. MKs are likely welcome. Staffing is national. Fees are typically not subsidized or discounted for families of ex-pat Christian workers but are often affordable. The curriculum varies greatly based on the country and locally-available resources.

International Schools

International Schools have been established to serve families working internationally. National students are sometimes served. MKs are welcome. Fees are unaffordable for MK families. The staff is international and hired directly by the school. The curriculum typically varies between a North American emphasis and a British emphasis with a secular worldview overlay.

International Christian Schools

International Christian Schools have been established to serve international and or national families who desire an international, Christian education. There is a desire to serve MKs. Fees are discounted somewhat. Staff is hired directly. Some international Christian schools accept staff from organizations like TC&E through an agreement (MOU), which provide further discounts for our TCKs. The curriculum varies frp, a North American emphasis to a British emphasis with a Christian worldview permeating the programs.

MK Schools

MK Schools were established for, and continue to have as the majority, MK families. Fees are greatly discounted for those families. In most cases, teachers are supplied by mission agencies at little cost to the school, with the agreement (MOU) that schools will provide recompense. Some MK schools provide stipends or other compensation directly to seconded staff. The curriculum varies from a North American to a British emphasis with a Christian worldview permeating the programs.

School Profiles

The profiles here provide an overview of many schools around the world. Inclusion in this list is not an endorsement from Global TCK Care & Education, but rather provides information for families. We recommend that you directly contact the school or visit their website for the most up-to-date information.

Using National Schools

Are you considering using a national school for your children? The resources below will help you consider the factors you need to be aware of if you chose a national school.

Using National Schools
Reasons some parents have chosen a national school for their children.

5 Issues to Consider when Choosing a National School
If you are looking to choose a national school for your child, a number of issues need to be considered. Some of them are listed in this blog.

Challenges Expats Face When Choosing and Using a National School
It has links to some other pages that might also be of interest.

Should My Child Attend a National School?
It also includes links to a number of other resources.

Spelling Challenges Unique to TCKs in National School

Using the National Schools Successfully

This is a three part series posted by PACE, a group who focuses on training and providing resources for educational consultants for families working overseas. This series features a panel focusing on national schools as an educational option for expatriate families.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3