Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, is a hub of academic excellence with a diverse array of educational opportunities. While the area may not have an extensive selection of international or bilingual schools compared to major global cities, there are still several reputable institutions catering to expat families. Among the most popular are the International Montessori School and the Triangle Day School, which offer international curricula and a multicultural environment. Here are some of the schools in and around Raleigh-Durham that provide international or bilingual education.

International Montessori School

Grades: Toddler through Grade 6
Location(s): Durham
Website: www.internationalmontessorischool.com

The International Montessori School in Durham embraces a diverse student body and offers a Montessori curriculum with language immersion programs in French and Spanish. The school's facilities are designed to support the Montessori method, and it provides a range of extracurricular activities to enhance the educational experience. Enrollment is open to children from toddler age through the sixth grade, fostering a tight-knit community that values cultural exchange and personalized learning.

Triangle Day School

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Durham
Website: www.triangledayschool.org

Triangle Day School offers a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on character education and community involvement. While not exclusively an international school, it has a diverse community with a number of expat families. The school provides a nurturing environment with a commitment to small class sizes and individual attention. Extracurricular activities and a strong arts program complement the academic curriculum.

St. Timothy's School

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Raleigh
Website: www.sttimothys.org

St. Timothy's School is an Episcopal preparatory school that, while not an international school per se, has a diverse student body and offers a global curriculum that includes Spanish language instruction from pre-kindergarten onwards. The school prides itself on its strong academic program, spiritual life, and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including athletics and fine arts.

Cary Academy

Grades: 6 through 12
Location(s): Cary
Website: www.caryacademy.org

Cary Academy is known for its innovative approach to education and technology integration in the classroom. While it is not specifically an international school, it has a multicultural student body and offers a global studies program. The school's curriculum is college-preparatory, and it provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs focused on international cultures and languages.

Raleigh International School

Grades: Preschool through Grade 5
Location(s): Raleigh
Website: www.raleighinternationalschool.com

Raleigh International School is a private institution that offers a bilingual education with English and Spanish instruction. The school focuses on creating a multicultural learning environment where students from various backgrounds can thrive. With small class sizes and a commitment to individualized attention, the school aims to foster academic excellence and cultural understanding.

The Franciscan School

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Raleigh
Website: www.tfsnc.org

The Franciscan School is a Catholic educational community with a diverse student body. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes foreign language instruction. The school is known for its strong sense of community, service learning programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to a wide range of interests.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Raleigh
Website: www.olls.org

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School provides a faith-based education with a global perspective. Spanish is taught at all grade levels, and the school emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and service to others. With a variety of extracurricular activities, including music and arts, students are encouraged to develop their talents and interests alongside their academic pursuits.