Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Boston

Boston, is a vibrant city with a diverse international community, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads with families. While the city itself may not have an extensive array of international or bilingual schools compared to some of the world's largest metropolises, there are still several reputable institutions in and around Boston that cater to the educational needs of expat children. Among the most popular are the International School of Boston and the British International School of Boston, both known for their rigorous curricula and multicultural environments.

International School of Boston (ISB)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Cambridge, MA
Website: www.isbos.org

The International School of Boston offers a bilingual French-American education and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education, the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). With a curriculum that includes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program for high school students, ISB emphasizes a global perspective. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a diverse student body representing over 40 nationalities.

British International School of Boston (BISB)

Grades: Toddler through Grade 12
Location(s): Jamaica Plain, MA
Website: www.bisboston.org

As a member of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools, BISB provides a personalized British education with an international perspective. The school offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), IGCSEs, and the IB Diploma Program. BISB prides itself on its modern facilities, including science labs and art studios, and a broad range of extracurricular activities. The school's community is diverse, with students from over 75 nationalities.

German International School Boston (GISB)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Allston, MA
Website: www.gisbos.org

GISB offers a bilingual German-English education and is recognized by the German government as an excellent German school abroad. The school follows the Thuringia curriculum and offers the German International Abitur as well as Advanced Placement (AP) courses. GISB is known for its small class sizes, robust STEM program, and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including music, art, and sports.

International Montessori School of Boston

Grades: Preschool through Kindergarten
Location(s): Newton, MA

The International Montessori School of Boston provides a Montessori education with bilingual English-Spanish programs. The school focuses on fostering independence, critical thinking, and multicultural understanding. With a hands-on learning approach, the school offers a nurturing environment for young learners to explore and grow.

Shady Hill School

Grades: PreKindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Cambridge, MA
Website: www.shs.org

While not exclusively an international school, Shady Hill School offers a progressive education with a global perspective and is known for its Teacher Training Course, which attracts international educators. The school's curriculum includes a comprehensive world languages program, with instruction in French, Latin, and Spanish, and a focus on cultural competency.

Cambridge Friends School

Grades: PreKindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Cambridge, MA
Website: www.cfsmass.org

Cambridge Friends School is a Quaker school that, while not an international school per se, embraces diversity and global citizenship. The school offers Spanish language instruction beginning in kindergarten and integrates multicultural perspectives throughout its curriculum. The school is committed to social justice and includes community service as a key component of its educational philosophy.

Waldorf School of Lexington

Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Lexington, MA
Website: thewaldorfschool.org

The Waldorf School of Lexington provides a holistic education based on the Waldorf philosophy, which includes fostering a global consciousness. While not a traditional international school, it offers a curriculum rich in arts, languages, and cultural studies, with language instruction in both German and Spanish. The school's approach aims to develop well-rounded, socially responsible individuals.