Is an International school the same as a Private school?

For any parent, one of the most important gifts they bequeath their child is a good education. It forms the foundation for their career and will often determine how fulfilled and successful they become in life. For families that get to relocate to other countries, it becomes vital to determine what kind of schooling is available and which option offer the best quality of education.

Those that travel to Hong Kong will often find they have a choice between international and private schools, if they prefer not to go the public sector education route. But what is the difference between the two, or do they refer to the same thing?

What Is an International School?

International schools are privately funded learning institutions that primarily cater to children of expatriates. Many also enrol local students whose parents or guardians can afford the often high fees. They offer foreign-based curriculum from countries such as the UK and the United States. Some adhere to an international curriculum as is offered by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).