Best schools for foreigners in Russia
Russia offers a wide range of excellent international schools catering to foreigners, especially in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, where expatriates are more concentrated. These schools provide high-quality education and are often aligned with international curricula, such as British, American, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) system. Here’s a list of some of the best schools for foreigners in Russia, known for their academic excellence and support for expatriate families:
1. The Anglo-American School of Moscow (AAS)
- Location: Moscow
- Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 12
- Overview: The Anglo-American School of Moscow (AAS) is one of the most prestigious international schools in Russia, offering an American curriculum along with the International Baccalaureate. AAS is known for its high academic standards, modern facilities, and strong emphasis on extracurricular activities.
- Language: English
- Extracurriculars: AAS offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, music, and community service programs.
- International Community: The school has a large expatriate population, with students from over 60 countries.
2. The International School of St. Petersburg
- Location: St. Petersburg
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB), American
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 12
- Overview: The International School of St. Petersburg (ISSP) is another excellent option for expatriate families, offering both the American curriculum and the IB diploma program. The school emphasizes academic rigor and offers a multicultural environment where students can develop an international perspective.
- Language: English
- Extracurriculars: ISSP offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, debate, and music programs.
- Facilities: The school is well-equipped with modern classrooms, sports facilities, and a dedicated library and technology center.
3. Moscow British School (MBS)
- Location: Moscow
- Curriculum: British (IGCSE and A-Levels)
- Grade Levels: 1 to 13
- Overview: The Moscow British School is one of the top British international schools in Russia, offering a comprehensive British curriculum leading to the IGCSE and A-Level exams. MBS is known for its academic excellence, high-quality teaching staff, and strong focus on individual development.
- Language: English
- Extracurriculars: The school offers an extensive array of extracurricular activities, such as sports, theater, music, and community outreach programs.
- Facilities: MBS boasts modern facilities, including sports complexes, art studios, and state-of-the-art classrooms.
4. The International School of Moscow (ISM)
- Location: Moscow
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB), American (AP Courses)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 12
- Overview: The International School of Moscow (ISM) is another excellent option for expatriates in Moscow. It offers the IB curriculum for students in the primary, middle, and high school grades, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses for older students. The school has a strong academic reputation and a focus on holistic development, preparing students for university studies worldwide.
- Language: English
- Extracurriculars: ISM offers arts, sports, debate, and a wide range of other activities.
- International Community: The school is home to a diverse group of students from more than 40 nationalities, fostering a truly international environment.
5. Lycée Français de Moscou (French Lyceum)
- Location: Moscow
- Curriculum: French (Baccalauréat)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 12
- Overview: The Lycée Français de Moscou offers a French curriculum that prepares students for the French Baccalauréat, which is highly regarded internationally. This school caters to French-speaking expatriates but is also welcoming to non-French speakers. It offers a strong foundation in academic subjects as well as French language and culture.
- Language: French
- Extracurriculars: The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and culture-related programs.
- International Community: Although primarily for French-speaking families, the school has a mix of international students.
6. The British International School, St. Petersburg
- Location: St. Petersburg
- Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A-Levels)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 13
- Overview: The British International School in St. Petersburg offers the British curriculum with an emphasis on IGCSE and A-Levels. It is known for its rigorous academic standards and a welcoming environment for both expatriate and local students.
- Language: English
- Extracurriculars: The school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, arts, and clubs.
- Facilities: The school boasts modern facilities, including science labs, art studios, and sports fields.
7. The American School of Moscow (ASM)
- Location: Moscow
- Curriculum: American (AP and College Prep)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 12
- Overview: The American School of Moscow offers a rigorous American curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school is known for preparing students for top universities in the United States and around the world, with a strong focus on academic achievement and college readiness.
- Language: English
- Extracurriculars: The school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, theater, debate, and more.
- International Community: ASM has a diverse student body, with children from various international backgrounds, making it a vibrant and inclusive school.
8. The German School of Moscow
- Location: Moscow
- Curriculum: German (Abitur)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 12
- Overview: The German School of Moscow offers a German curriculum and prepares students for the Abitur, which is recognized in Germany and other countries. The school is ideal for families who want their children to follow the German educational system and offers a unique cultural and academic experience.
- Language: German
- Extracurriculars: The school offers sports, music, and other enrichment activities.
- International Community: The German School has both German-speaking expatriates and other international students, creating a bilingual environment.
9. The International School of Kazan
- Location: Kazan
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 12
- Overview: The International School of Kazan is one of the best international schools in Tatarstan. It offers the IB curriculum and caters to the needs of both expatriate and local students, with a focus on developing a global perspective.
- Language: English
- Extracurriculars: The school offers various extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and clubs.
- Facilities: Modern, well-equipped classrooms and recreational spaces.
10. The International School of Sochi
- Location: Sochi
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to 12
- Overview: The International School of Sochi offers the IB curriculum, catering to both expatriate children and Russian nationals. Sochi, being a popular tourist destination, has seen increasing demand for international education due to its growing expat community.
- Language: English
- Extracurriculars: The school offers sports, arts, and other activities aimed at enhancing student development.
Conclusion
Russia has a rich selection of international schools that cater to expatriates, offering curricula such as American, British, and International Baccalaureate (IB). Major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have a wide range of schools with English-language instruction and are home to international communities. These schools offer high-quality education and are ideal for families looking for a familiar educational environment that aligns with their home country’s system or international standards.
If you’re planning to move to Russia with children, researching the specific school curricula, location, tuition fees, and extracurricular offerings will help you choose the best fit for your family.