USA

American schools - in the US or abroad: the basics

The American curriculum is a mis-nomer (there is no such thing as a National Curriculum of America), but there are requirements that most American schools meet, and qualifications and characteristics found in most of the best ones whether in the US or across the world.

"I think in general, European schools have more discipline, but have a negative attitude, in particular around learning, whilst American schools typically lack discipline / are more free, but have lots of positive energy, also around learning."  Dutch American parent, educated in Belgium, children currently in a UK American school

Education Overview: Chicago

Chicago is one of those cities where parents are spoilt for choice for schools. From international schools to local schools and even charter schools, really, the world is your oyster.

Education overview: Houston

When looking for good schools in Houston, you are definitely not spoiled for choice. However, good ones do exist and we have been struck by their welcoming and friendly atmospheres.

Expat life in New York City: an overview

Expat living in Manhattan...how to do it and how to love it, from the point of view of intrepid British journalist and mother of three Sarah Dallas. Everything you need to smooth the way right from your very first day in this amazing city.

Expat living in Houston

Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836 after a decisive battle led by Sam Houston. Houston (the town) was born the following year just west of the battle ground. Over the last 100 years it has grown from a small town to the forth largest city in America, largely due to the discovery of oil and the devastating hurricane that flattened its neighbour, the thriving city of Galveston in 1901.

Houston pre-schools, Mother's Day out and day care

We don't necessarily visit playschools, nurseries or kindergartens and definitely don't look at them as thoroughly as we do primary and secondary schools (and only publish full GSGI write-ups on them if they are part of a primary or K-12 school), but these are amongst the ones in Houston recommended or mentioned by expat parents. We list them here just to give you a place to start, to help you make up your own short list. 

Houston schools considered by expats

Many of the schools listed here are the private schools which are worth considering when choosing a school for your children. There are many public (state) schools which have an Accountability Rating of Exemplary and these should be considered if you plan to stay for a longer period and don't need to have a British or otherwise international curriculm to keep up with. Though some public schools offer the IB they are few and far between. Currently only six public schools in Houston offer the IB (listed below).

International schools in New York City considered by expats

International schools in Manhattan that are particularly well suited for expat children.

International schools in New York City: educational overview

Globe trotting journalist and mother of three Sarah Dallas navigates this treacherous and labyrinthine territory with clarity and humour- both of which you'll need as you trawl for schools in this most famous of difficult cities.

LA Schools considered by expats (and locals)

Just a snapshot of schools considered by expats in the LA area. We don't have enough reliable information yet to truly advise parents as to which are best for which kinds of children, but this might be enough to get you started with your own research.

Living in Chicago: Expat Overview

All you need to know about schooling in Chicago - or in the US, for that matter - particularly for expatriates relocating there from abroad, written by expat expert Debra Fairfield.

Texas education: understanding Texas curricula and accreditations

Because the state of Texas sometimes seems to work like a separate country, with its own way of doing business, we thought we'd break out a bit of extra information about curriculum and acccreditation standards.

Why study in the USA?: Ask the Fulbright Commission

Ask the US-UK Fulbright Commission... who report that you're in good company: the US is the top destination for international students worldwide.  In fact, over 11,000 British students chose the States for their studies last year.