There are many reasons you might be thinking about moving outside Canada with your family. Maybe you found a better job abroad, your spouse was transferred, or you want a fresh start somewhere new. When you decide that moving to a new country is what you want, there are other things you need to consider, especially if you have kids. Going to a school abroad can disrupt their education and affect their future if you don’t make the right choice. That’s why to help you out, we have created a list of the best private schools for Canadians abroad.
Even though in this article you will find top private schools, when you make the ultimate choice, there are some factors you should keep in mind. Things like how far is the school from your home, how is the curriculum and does your child feel comfortable in that environment. Below we will tell you the main elements you need to evaluate according to your priorities.
How to choose the best private school abroad?
Moving to a new country is not only a challenge for you but also for your children. We understand that your main focus can be offering them the best education. However, it is your responsibility to make sure they are also happy. To make this process easier for you, here are some factors you should consider.
- Application process
The application abroad usually takes a long time since the majority of top private schools have a long waiting list. If you don’t want to be behind, it is important to prepare all the necessary documentation in advance. Also, remember that most international schools might require an entrance exam.
- Costs
The main factor that can help you shortlist private schools is the fees. If you are not sure where you want to move yet. We highly recommend checking out the costs of private schools in different countries. Once you have a clear budget, you see which schools you can afford.
- Curriculum
Looking at the curriculum of each school you can afford is a crucial step in this process. First, you want to make sure that the new school has a similar curriculum to the one before. Second, think about the future, in which university your kid might end up. The vital element in this regard is keeping consistency.
- Your child
Even though you are the parent, this is a decision you need to discuss with your child. Moving abroad is disruptive enough for their life, and we are sure you don’t want them to be unhappy. Before sitting down and talking with them, consider what they like the most. Do they love sports, art, media clubs? Then, find a school that matches their priorities. When you have a couple of schools, explain to them what each one offers and help them decide.
Now that we know which elements to look out for. It is time to take a look at the five best private schools for Canadians abroad.
Top 5 private schools abroad
Because you might be considering different countries for your next adventure. In this list, you will find the best private school abroad.
- Providence School – Barbados
Barbados is not only a paradise island in the Caribbean where tourists go to enjoy the beautiful beaches, but it also offers excellent education opportunities. The Providence School, located on this island, is the best option for Canadians who want to study abroad. This school is compromised with academic excellence with a balanced curriculum of academics, arts and outdoor sports.
If you are a new student at Providence, there are several fees you need to pay during the application and once you are accepted to the school. That’s why you need to make sure that you have the money ready for each step. It is also important to remember that if you are not a citizen of Barbados, the tuition fee is going to be more expensive.
The founder and chairman of the Providence School is Eugene Melnyk, known for his success in the pharmaceutical industry and for being the owner of the Ottawa Senators. If you want to read more about Melnyk, visit the following link peoplepill.com/people/eugene-melnyk
- Charterhouse
If you are thinking about moving to the UK, first you need to understand that boarding schools are almost a tradition in this country. This could mean that you don’t get to see your children every day after school. In case you are okay with that situation, Charterhouse is the best option. Charterhouse is a fantastic boarding school for both boys and girls set within a 250-acre campus.
The campus is located close to London, and it offers 80 activities for its pupils, including sports, music and drama. Charterhouse also offers an IB programme, which is perfect if your children are thinking about applying to universities across the globe. Further, this school is recognized as a “football school” ideal for kids passionate about sports.
- Aloha College
This private school was established in 1982 in the Spanish city of Marbella. If you are a native English speaker, we understand that it might be terrifying to enroll your children in a Spanish school. However, the advantage of Aloha College is that the language of instruction is English. The school is divided into two sections, Primary School and Secondary School. Here you can find a British curriculum as well as an IB programme.
Aloha College also offers a variety of activities such as dance, math clubs, sports and a football field certified by FIFA. The slogan of Aloha College is “Be the Best”, because they want all their pupils to reach their maximum capabilities, in an environment that makes them feel happy.
- The International School of Monaco (ISM)
The ISM is located on port Hercule in Monaco and was founded in 1994. At the moment, the ISM has over 680 pupils that come from fifty different counties. The language of instruction at this school is English and French. This means that if you are considering this school you might want to prepare your children ahead, enrolling them in french classes. The best thing about the ISM, is that it strives to educate international citizens who have defined principles and core values.
As part of their programme, students have access to activities such as Model United Nations and drama clubs. Also, they will have the opportunity to visit world-class museums. Plus, they will have field trips to France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Iceland.
- American International School of Guangzhou (AISG)
In case you are considering moving to China, but your children want to attend a North American College, they should enroll in the AISG. This school offers a program from preschool up to grade 12 with English as the language of instruction. On-campus the students have access to a brand new theatre, a cutting-edge lab, two gyms and several multimedia spaces.
The curriculum consists of US educational principles, mixed with the IB programme. Thanks to its educational path AISG has a variety of pupils that come from fifty different countries. The AISG also offers the students the latest technology with iPads in elementary school and laptops during middle school and high school. Any of these top five private schools would be perfect for your children, and their curriculum will allow them to enroll in the best colleges. However, as we stated before, it is crucial to evaluate the four factors at the top of the article before making the final decision. In the end, the most important thing is providing your children with the ideal environment where they can nurture their talents.
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