Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Charleston

Charleston, may not be as large as cities like London or New York, but it does offer a selection of international and bilingual schools that cater to expat families and digital nomads. While the options are not as extensive, there are quality institutions that provide an international curriculum and support for students from diverse backgrounds. Among the most popular are the Addlestone Hebrew Academy and La Petite Ecole, which offer unique bilingual and cultural experiences for their students.

Addlestone Hebrew Academy

Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Charleston
Website: www.addlestone.org

Addlestone Hebrew Academy is a Jewish day school that offers a dual curriculum of general and Judaic studies. While it is not a traditional international school, it provides a bilingual education in English and Hebrew. The school is known for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community. Addlestone's curriculum includes a variety of extracurricular activities, and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

La Petite Ecole

Grades: Preschool
Location(s): Charleston
Website: www.lapetiteecolechs.com

La Petite Ecole is a French bilingual preschool that serves children from 18 months to 5 years old. The school offers a nurturing environment where children can learn French through play, art, music, and other activities. La Petite Ecole aims to develop bilingualism at an early age and to expose children to the richness of the French language and culture.

Charleston Bilingual Academy

Grades: Preschool through Elementary
Location(s): North Charleston
Website: www.charlestonbilingualacademy.org

Charleston Bilingual Academy offers a Spanish immersion program for children from preschool through elementary grades. The school's mission is to cultivate bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural students through a rigorous, research-based curriculum. The academy provides a supportive environment for expat children to maintain and develop their Spanish language skills while also excelling academically in all subjects.

Sundrops Montessori School

Grades: Infant through Middle School
Location(s): Multiple campuses in the Charleston area
Website: www.sundropsmontessori.com

Sundrops Montessori School offers a Montessori education with a global perspective. While not exclusively a bilingual school, Sundrops embraces cultural diversity and includes language studies as part of its curriculum. The school has several campuses around Charleston, providing a consistent educational philosophy that encourages independence, curiosity, and respect for all cultures.

Charleston Day School

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Charleston
Website: www.charlestondayschool.org

Charleston Day School, while not an international school, offers a rigorous academic program that includes foreign language instruction beginning in kindergarten. The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for a global society, with a strong emphasis on character development, leadership, and community service. Charleston Day School's facilities support a variety of extracurricular activities, including arts and athletics.

Mason Preparatory School

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Charleston
Website: www.masonprep.org

Mason Preparatory School is dedicated to fostering a love of learning and developing well-rounded students. The school offers foreign language classes as part of its curriculum, and while it is not specifically an international school, it provides a welcoming environment for students from various cultural backgrounds. Mason Prep prides itself on its strong academic program, small class sizes, and commitment to character education.